Becoming unwell can sometimes be inevitable. With the amount of time we spend in other people’s company, and as seasons change, illnesses become more likely. However, our bodies have a built-in immune system that helps keep bugs at bay or reduces the severity of the illness.
Taking care of yourself and boosting your immune system is as important as it’s ever been, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Protecting your body, the immune system is vital in keeping us fit, healthy and ready to face the world. By taking small, thoughtful steps you can help give your immune system the support it needs to keep infections at bay.
What is the immune system and how does it work?
The immune system is what protects your body from any external, unwanted invaders such as viruses, bacteria and toxins. Working together the complex group of cells, proteins and organs build a wall of defence that helps stop you from getting sick.
As babies, humans are born with an immune system but it is a very basic first response to foreign germs. The innate immune system is what you inherit from your mother and starts to work as soon as you’re born.
Then, as we grow, we acquire another immune system that forms antibodies that help protect our body from specific germs. Once exposed to this germ, the immune system replicates it in the form of antibodies, so that in the future it is able to specifically fight against it. Cleverly, this is also how vaccines work. They expose your body to a harmless strain of a specific virus to allow it to create the required antibodies.
5 Ways To Boost Your Immune System
As the main form of defence against us being sick, the immune system is vital to our overall health. This means protecting it is of the utmost importance.
So, how can we boost our immune system to work to the best of its ability?
1. Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating your greens to boost your immune system is no myth! Eating a well-balanced diet that includes lots of fruit and vegetables is key in keeping the immune system in its best shape.
Fruit and veg are full of nutrients and goodness that the body needs to thrive and stay healthy.
2. Exercise Regularly
Little and often, moderate exercise can help give your immune system the kickstart it needs. Even low intensity exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can have a positive effect on the body’s immune system.
Getting the body moving reduces inflammation, reduces stress or tension and encourages blood flow around the body. All of which helps give your immune system a jumpstart.
If your body isn’t used to a more active lifestyle, our Movement Bundle consists of Thermal Joint Gel and CBD Oil to help promote a quicker recovery.
3. Drink Enough Water
Something so simple can often be difficult, but drinking enough water keeps hydration levels high and helps keep the organs functioning properly. Dehydration makes your body more open to foreign germs, weakening your immune system and making you more susceptible to becoming unwell.
The body’s bloodstream is mainly made up of water, and as this is how nutrients are passed around the body, more water means more healthy goodness moving around the organs.
4. Sleep Well
Not just any sleep will boost your immune system, you have to get enough sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep your body requires will keep the immune system strong. For adults, this is typically seven hours of sleep.
Sleep strengthens the immune system and provides it with more energy to fight off sicknesses. If you struggle to get the right amount of sleep, why not try our Sleep Easy Bundle Box. It includes Omega 3 Fish Oil and CBD Oil to assist in establishing a healthy sleeping pattern.
5. Take Your Vitamins
Vitamin C is one of the most useful vitamins for immune system support because it helps reduce inflammation and is responsible for the growth and repair of body tissue. Healing wounds and repairing strain, Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, removing anything unwanted from the body and assisting the immune system with doing its job.
Shop our full range of vitamin supplements available at fourfive to provide your immune system with that extra support it needs, or read our Vitamin Dosage article to understand more.
