Maximize Your Immune System with These 8 Products and Activities

Your immune system defends your body against bacteria and viruses to keep you from getting sick. If you want to help your body fight off illness, there are some steps you can take to boost your immune health. Certain lifestyle changes and dietary supplements can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses against invading pathogens. Here are some of the best ways to maximize your immune system:

1. Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

To maximize your immune system, try eating a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. These foods are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system, such as vitamin C. Add citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, and colorful vegetables to your diet to ensure your body is getting the micronutrients it needs to defend against pathogens. You should also eat fiber-rich whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, as these provide your body with additional nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

2. Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity can be very beneficial for your immune health. Immune regulation and exercise are interrelated. Moderately intense physical activity mobilizes immune cells from the bone into the bloodstream and moves immune cells from the bloodstream into tissues. This improves immune surveillance to help your immune system more efficiently detect and react to infection.

3. Get Enough Sleep

It’s recommended for most adults to get seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night. During sleep, your body works on restoring and bolsterings its natural defenses. Sleep boosts the production of cytokines, proteins that help strengthen your immune system. Research has found that people who regularly do not get enough sleep are more susceptible to getting sick with colds and other respiratory infections. If you struggle to fall or stay asleep, there are ways to get a better night’s sleep, including sticking to a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.

4. Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

If you want to maximize your immune system, you can give it an extra advantage by staying up to date on all recommended vaccines. Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and fight off certain viruses or bacteria that cause illnesses. It’s safer for your immune system to learn through vaccination than through infection with harmful germs. Schedule an appointment at our pharmacy to get caught up on recommended vaccines.

5. Manage Stress

Both physical and mental stress can negatively impact your immune system, so relieving stress is key to boosting your immune health. Chronic stress directly weakens parts of your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and the reactivation of viruses. Stress can also cause inflammation, sleep disturbances, and other things that reduce the effectiveness of your immune response. If you suffer from high stress, CortiCalm can help your body resist and recover from the effects of everyday stress

6. Increase Your Intake of Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that supports a healthy immune system. It is found in shellfish, red meat, poultry, dairy products, and beans. Increasing your intake of this mineral can help boost immune function. Research even suggests that taking zinc supplements at the beginning of a cold or respiratory infection may help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

7. Care for Your Gut with Probiotics

Your gut microbiome produces important compounds that support healthy immune function. A diverse microbiome can boost your immunity and help prevent harmful pathogens from invading your body through your digestive tract. To improve your gut health, increase your intake of probiotics by eating fermented foods or taking probiotic supplements. Make sure you’re also getting plenty of fiber to feed these beneficial microorganisms in your gut.

8. Take Immune-Boosting Supplements

If you want to give your immune system a boost, you can try taking supplements that contain the nutrients your body needs to fight off infection. Immune Essentials is a comprehensive dietary supplement that contains a blend of nutrients vital to immune function and respiratory health. These nutrients include vitamins A, C, and D3 as well as zinc, quercetin, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine.

If you have any questions about lifestyle changes or supplements to boost your immune system, please reach out to Kizer Pharmacy today. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you live your healthiest life!