How to Boost Your Immune System?
Hello readers, it is my pleasure to welcome you once again to this fascinating post. Today’s topic is going to be centred on how do you boost your immune system and making living healthy. We all have expectations, and we need to live long enough to reach those expectations.
But do you know that this fulfilment of long life and prosperity does not just come without a little work on your part? Ever wondered what makes some die early and others live longer? Do you only attribute it to fate, or is there something else they are doing better than the others?
If you are not so religious, then you will agree with me that we all have our part to play to live a longer and more fulfilling life. There are viruses and bacteria everywhere, and we also have antiviral and antibiotic drugs and medication that are meant to battle them. But the truth is these antiviral drugs and medicine are few, expensive and do little or nothing against more potent viruses and our bodies develop resistance to antibiotic pills and medication.
This begs the question, what must I do if the antiviral and antibiotic medications are not the best bet?
The answer lies in the immune system. The body’s immune system is its defence mechanism that comprises a lot of biological processes and structures whose work is to protect the body from diseases. The immune system can be seen like an army that must detect the “enemy” in the form of pathogens, viruses, parasitic organisms and bacteria and be able to differentiate them from the organisms of the body. It is divided into the innate and adaptive immune system, and they have their various functions. So, I can confidently tell you that the best way to fight against diseases and infections is to bolster your immune system. If the germs, bacteria and viruses cannot enter, there will be no need fighting against them.
If you continue to stress over those little things we do not have much control over, it could cause anxiety and panic attacks making the immune system go haywire. The sympathetic nervous system secretes more adrenalin, triggering the fight or flight condition. These actions make the body undergo many physiological changes. As you continue to live in fear and anxiety, your immune system becomes weaker and weaker. Imagine a virus, bacteria or parasite attacking at this point. It could be likened to soldiers that are malnourished and have enemies attacking their base. Disastrous, isn’t it?
How do you bolster your immune system?
There are some basic tricks that can bolster the immune system. Most people may resort to drugs and medication, but those things can only do so much. Below are some helpful tips that can get the job done without wasting time and resources.
- Getting the right amount of sleep: Good sleep improves T cells, a type that fights against pathogens (intracellular). It can also lower the levels of secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline that increase stress. Inadequate sleep can cause long-term problems with memory, mood, blood sugar, amongst other things. Short term problems include sleepiness, poor judgment, minor mistakes, etc. It can also cause insulin resistance, weight gain, cardiovascular diseases, decrease in blood sugar regulation, inflammation, blood pressure, etc. All these problems weaken the immune system.
- Eating the right kinds of foods: Drinking or overeating sugar curbs the activities of the immune system. Fatty foods with high cholesterol also do more harm than good to the immune system. It is advised that you eat more veggies and fruits and less fatty foods. Also, herbs can supply you with most nutrients you need to bolster the immune system.
- Having a healthy lifestyle: Exercises help your muscles stay strong and intact. It also keeps the blood pressure regulated. Your immune system gets a boost from exercises giving it the ability to keep fighting all diseases.
- Try to reduce stress: Most people tend to put their work before their personal life. They do not create time to rest, thereby stressing the body. I am not saying you should be lazy but overstressing yourself weakens the immune system as I have stated above. When was the last time you had a drink or nice hang out with friends? Or when last did you have a nap during the day to ease stress? You do not have to spend the whole day working for you to achieve the required results.
It is wrong always to believe hospitals are the best solution to all your health problems. Remember, it is actually a place for the sick and what makes them sick are those viruses and bacteria you want to fight against. Those infections are also present in the hospital, and the workers in the hospital always thrive on leading healthier lives because of their working environment.
For those that already have a weak immune system, all hope is not lost as you can still boost your immune system by maintaining good hygiene.
Generally, you should always wash your hands thoroughly. Scrub your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds.
There is also the media. The media has specialized in creating panic and anxiety among the public. Take, for instance, the present case of the coronavirus. It may not be as bad as the media paints it to be, but the media hype has succeeded in spreading terror and panic among unsuspecting individuals. I think it is safe to say staying away from social media problems can even keep you stress-free.
I have already talked about the above points extensively, but I would want to finally point out that laughter is a remedy for stress and is known to reduce pain. It keeps you physiologically, psychologically and emotionally healthy.
So instead of living out of fear, live out of love.
