Lifestyle changes to boost your immune system

Earlier in the week I wrote about immunity boosting foods.  A poorly functioning immune system will quickly make itself known – lowered immunity can increase vulnerability to cold and flu bugs, as well as passing infections, and lead to digestive problems, fatigue, aching joints, muscle weakness and poor skin.

Stress, smoking, excess alcohol and caffeine, and drugs (medicinal and recreational) are also enemies of your immune system.  So, aside from eating a healthy diet, there are other steps you can take to boost your immunity.

Try exercising more: It encourages the flow of lymph around the body (lymph carries immune cells), stimulates circulation and improves the supply of oxygen to the body’s organs.

Get happy: A positive outlook and good social network can’t be overestimated.  Many studies have shown that laughing, being optimistic and sharing a joke with friends can boost the immune system!

Get plenty of sleep: Adequate restful sleep helps to restore your body and mind.  During deep sleep, the body release potent immune-enhancing substances that strengthen immune function.

Exposure to natural daylight: Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, which boosts the immune system and helps fight autoimmune diseases.  It increases the level of oxygen carried around the body, helps induce a healthier and more restful sleep, and can it reduce the symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.   (Please ensure you take the appropriate precautions – e.g. sun block – before spending time outside in the sun!)

And above all, try to cut-out, or at the very least cut-back, on cigarettes and excess alcohol (I shouldn’t have to list recreational drugs here, so I won’t).  The best diet in the world won’t help if you’re putting these toxins in your body too.

Good luck!