Posts Tagged ‘Immune System’

How to Boost Your Immune System

Friday, May 10th, 2013

by Maggie Mangiel

 

 

 

We live in a polluted world filled with large hazards, and also smaller dangerous ones which we cannot see with the naked eye.  Learn how to make your body resistant to disease causing germs so you can live a healthier and longer life.  Studies have shown that by adopting healthy habits and living the fitness lifestyle, you can boost the immune system and help your body fight off little invaders called germs.

 

The father of medicine, Hippocrates, said, “let your food be your medicine”.  What you put in your body is the corner stone of your health.  It can heal you or kill you.  So control what’s on your plate by following these rules and work on boosting your immune system.

1.  Eat alkalizing food like green leafy veggies.

2.  Eat less acid producing food like sugar, processed flour and drink less alcohol and coffee.

3.  Eat super food such as spinach, kale and berries.

4.  Add coconut oil to your diet.  It has anti-viral properties.

5.  Take your vitamins; especially vitamins D and C.

7.  Drink plenty of water

8.  Eat food rich in antioxidants or take them in supplement forms; they help neutralize free radicals that cause damage to the cells in your body.

 

Other factors to keep in mind are getting proper sleep, reducing stress and exercising regularly.  Sleep has a vital role in the function of the immune system.  It benefits your heart, weight, mind and more.  Try to at least get about 6-8 hours of sleep in a comfortable setting, nightly.  In addition, reducing stress is very important.  When you are stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced.  The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system by lowering the number of lymphocytes.  Chronic stress exposes your body to a steady cascade of the stress hormones cortisol, which is responsible for the mid-section fat.  Stress is also linked to headaches, infectious illness, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and gastric ulcers.  So de-clutter your life and eliminate your stress by finding ways to induce relaxation such as meditation and participating in any form of physical exercise.  Exercise about 3 to 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes a day.  Physical activity has been shown to produce positive changes in a number of areas, such as increased work capacity, improved cardiovascular efficiency, and increased muscular strength, flexibility, power and endurance.  Exercise is associated with increased release of endorphins, natural hormones that pump your sense of well being and promotes a good night sleep.

 

You have one body for life.  Ensure it is in its best possible condition and laugh because laughter is the best medicine.

 

Maggie Mangiel, for War Room Sports