More Than Just Food: Lifestyle Changes You Can Make Today to Give Your Immune System a Boost
Is food the only solution for a weakened immune system? The easy answer is no, it’s not just about food. We relate food to everything basically. Bad mood? Eat! Good mood? Eat! Want to boost your immune system? Eat!
Food is often hailed as the be-all and end-all of immune-boosting solutions, but like we just said, it’s not just about food. A more holistic approach is usually needed, so we thought what better time than now to take a closer look at the lifestyle changes we can all make to give our immune system the boost it needs.
Physical activity
With the amount of stress we put ourselves in, we tend to neglect the importance of physical activity and how it can actually affect us positively. Just think about it, why not give yourself 20-30 minutes of exercise in the morning? Physical activity improves everything from inflammation, cardiovascular health, blood pressure and certainly may help reduce anxiety and stress disorders.
Sleep
Sleep is an essential part of our health that has been proven to significantly boost one’s immune system. During sleep, your immune system releases a type of protein that helps promote sleep. According to studies, researchers have also proven that with adequate sleep, T-cells in your body help fight infection.
Stress
There are many sources of stress. Let’s take COVID19 as an example. With all the precautions and the do’s and don’ts that are set for us, we’ll certainly feel stress in our bodies and minds. That’s not it, stress can also have indirect effects on our immune system as people may use unhealthy strategies to manage or cope with how they’re feeling.
Psychological well-being & social connectedness
You know what truly keeps us going? Our mind. It’s all about how we perceive and see things. It controls everything; there’s a link between psychological well-being, social connectedness, and human immune response. Let’s take COVID19 as an example again, if you isolate yourself with no communication and social life then do you think you’ll feel better? Of course, you won’t! This is a counterproductive solution. Think about it the other way around. You’re being quarantined, isolating yourself, and distancing yourself from everyone around how would you feel? Certainly, this will drag you down. Hence, the stability of your social connectedness will be even more productive. Be good to you and think positive!
