Simply skimming the headlines on any day during the last two and a half years will provide you with a continual reminder of the importance of immune system effectiveness. That said, while many of us have started to pay attention to our wellness in general – particularly in the face of those pandemic pounds that decided to creep on surprisingly quickly – we still often keep up habits that are working directly against us.
Habits Destroying Your Immune System Effectiveness
The following are some very common everyday habits many of us have kept up in our lives, even though they have worked against our immune system effectiveness. As helpful as drinking lots of water, getting exercise and elderberry immune support can be, the advantage they offer will skyrocket if you drop these other habits at the same time.
Binging on Alcohol
Even if you don’t drink much alcohol – or any at all – on a daily basis, if you binge on occasion, the impact is a lasting one. In fact, it can knock down your immune system effectiveness for a full 24 hours after you had your last sip. If this is something you do chronically – say, every Friday night – you’ll start to damage your organs and hurt your gastrointestinal tract lining (an important part of your immune function) while also harming the GI system’s protective T cells and neutrophils.
Smoking
You’ve heard it before: “quit smoking”. If there is a list of bad habits that harm pretty much any part of your body – from your circulatory to respiratory system, and from heart disease risk to cancer risk – smoking is likely on it. In this case, smoking is also associated with harm to the effectiveness of your immune system. Do your wellness a favor from essentially all sides and get started on leaving this habit behind.
Skipping Out on Nutrition
Nobody’s diet is perfect. There is something to say about indulging in the occasional fast-food run or massive slice of cheesecake. However, they key there is to make it occasional, erring to the side of rare. The food you eat has a direct impact on your immune system effectiveness, and this is the case every single day.
You don’t need to turn yourself into a health nut who is obsessed with every single bite taken. However, it can make a big difference to your wellness as a whole – and your body’s ability to protect you from disease – if you aim to eat enough fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber on a mostly regular basis.
Missing Out on Sleep
As a society, we tend to prioritize doing nearly anything over sleep. We love sleep and we crave it, but it is usually at the very bottom of our priority lists when compared to getting work done, doing stuff with family and friends, or even binging that newest incredible show. However, sleep is absolutely crucial to wellness, particularly when it comes to immune system effectiveness. It can even cut into the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments if you’re not also getting the rest your body needs. Aim for at least seven hours per night and make it a priority.
