The immune system is extremely important for many different reasons. This is not only for battling diseases and illnesses but it is also vital for helping you to function at your best every day.
Even if you don’t get “sick”, when your immune system isn’t functioning at its fullest strength, while it fights off various conditions so that you don’t have to get the sniffles can leave you feeling drained. This can make it difficult for you to keep up with your busy schedule, particularly if you’re already trying to lose weight and are trying as hard as you can to stay motivated.
Studies show that the average person experiences two to four colds per year and up to 20 percent of Americans experience a flu every year. This doesn’t include all of the rest of the bugs and microbes that make their way through your system and that your immune system needs to smack down on any given day.
Give yourself and your immune system a boost by using these very handy tips:
• Eat lots of brightly colored fruits and veggies. These will flood your body with a broad range of different essential nutrients, many of which are critical for fighting off illnesses. On top of dark leafy veggies and vibrant fruits, keep mushrooms in your diet because they’re great for enhancing the effects of the natural “killer cells” in the body that attack viruses like the flu and the cold. Fresh cloves of garlic also shouldn’t be ignored, even though they are paler in color.
• Make a priority of a good night’s sleep. This may be easier said than done, but dedicate yourself to it. If you can swing 7 to 8 hours per night, you’ll give your immune system a much better chance of battling diseases, particularly because it will help to keep your stress hormone levels down.
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Forget the antibacterial products, which are not proven to make any difference at all. Instead, learn how to use regular soap and water to wash your hands properly. It only takes 20 seconds of scrubbing the fronts and backs of your hands – time you’ll never miss. Hand sanitizers should be considered an option only if there is no sink available.
• Exercise regularly. Even a brisk walk every day can help your body to boost its germ fighting abilities in a very meaningful way. It also helps you to keep your weight under control, decreases stress levels, improves your cardiovascular health and puts you in a way better mood. Not bad for a walk every day, especially if you work it into your routine, such as for transportation to the corner store instead of driving.
