Our first line of health defense is our immunity

Our immune system is our body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders. It is the natural defense of our body and, without it, we would have no chance against microorganisms such as fungi, viruses, parasites and bacteria.

These pesky health destroying intruders lurk everywhere and it is our 24/7 immune system that sets up protective barriers that prevent them from entering our body.

Should one get away, our immune system has a backup plan that kicks in and sends out a host of chemicals and proteins along with a host of white blood cells, all seeking to find and attack the foreign antigen before it has time. to reproduce. .

A strong immune system helps keep all health problems at bay, from dangerous diseases to common colds. When working at peak performance, it recognizes and responds to millions of antigens by producing what is needed to eradicate them.

Dr. Bruce Polsky MD, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in the States of New York, “We are endowed with a large immune system designed to keep us evolutionarily healthy.”

However, when we continually engage in unhealthy habits/lifestyles, we weaken our immune system. These dangerous actions open the door to foreign invaders and the end result is that we get sick.

Simple, healthy tactics like frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with those affected by illnesses are obvious solutions we can employ to help prevent getting sick.

Taking a proactive stance to boost our immune systems is the other.

Here are some tips to help keep your immune system humming in tip-top shape:

nutrient rich diet

Vegetables, fruits, and other plants contain natural substances known as phytochemicals (natural compounds found in plants) that give them their color and flavor. These phytochemicals act as powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals before they can cause damage. They also serve as soldiers, supporting the immune system and the death of damaged cells, protecting the body from damage and creating new healthy cells.

All diseases, illnesses and infections are more difficult to prevent if the body lacks nutrients or is malnourished. It’s best to choose and enjoy foods from all the food groups, including some protein with each meal and snack.

proper exercise –

The immune system is very sensitive to exercise. After diet, it is one of the building blocks that contribute to excellent overall health and strong immunity. It activates the sympathetic nervous system and increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, making us feel better and more energetic.

It activates our circulation, reduces anxiety and stress, delays the aging process and helps us live longer and better.

Recent studies conducted at the University of California-San Diego; The Faculty of Medicine revealed that 20 minutes of exercise gives our body anti-inflammatory effects which, in turn, boost immunity.

Reduce and avoid stress –

Our mood affects our health. Long-term chronic stress increases the likelihood of disease because it depresses the immune system. This type of emotional and mental wear and tear takes a toll on our immunity and health.

Deep breathing, meditation, and exercise help reduce the effects of chronic stress.

Adopt a healthy attitude –

Although we cannot control all the events in our lives, we can control our feeling/attitude/response towards them. A good positive attitude (seeing the glass half full instead of half empty), expressing gratitude every day in all situations strengthens our immune system and increases all chances of a positive outcome.

laughter heals

Laughter is powerful, more than we realize. It boosts our immunity because it has the power to lower our stress hormones, increase infection-fighting antibodies, and trigger the release of “happy” endorphins.

As an added health benefit, it also works your abs, lowers blood pressure, improves heart health, and stimulates T-cells. It really is “the best medicine.”

According to Dr. Lee Berk, PH, Pro Loma Linda School of Medicine, “The best doctors understand that there is an intrinsic physiological intervention caused by positive emotions such as joyful laughter, optimism and hope.“Laugh often, it’s free for all.

quality sleep –

Sleep is an important component to being healthy. It is the downtime that the body uses to rebuild and restore. The lack of it results in a weak immune system for a variety of reasons. A major problem is that fewer cytokines are produced. Cytokines are proteins released during sleep that attack infection and inflammation by creating an immune response.

Ongoing studies show that people who suffer from chronic sleep loss are more likely to get sick after exposure to viruses.

If your sleep cycle is interrupted and your schedule allows it, try to make up for the loss with a nap. Two daily naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon (no more than 30 minutes long) reduce stress and offset the negative effects created by lack of sleep on the immune system.

Step in the sun –

The sun/natural sunlight is the body’s main supplier of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body produce antibodies which, in turn, support the healthy functioning of our immune system.

For example, one of the main reasons for respiratory problems is low levels of vitamin D. A simple walk outside in the sunlight for about 20 to 30 minutes helps ensure that the body produces enough vitamin D.

Fresh air and sunshine help us heal.

A strong immune system does not make us invincible, but it throws the odds in our favor. Therefore, our first line of defense against life’s many health challenges is a healthy lifestyle.

Our immune systems get a real boost when we adopt an “attitude of gratitude,” put on our exercise gear, enjoy and share lots of laughs, and focus on healthy foods.

It is a true warrior when it comes to lessening our chances of getting sick and provides the extra strength needed to fight off any invaders that find their way. It’s something good.