Your immune system plays a big role in protecting you from getting infected by organisms that cause diseases.
When you boost your immune system, you're actually protecting yourself from infections which could become serious health problems. Here are seven natural ways to boost your immune system:
1. Take Probiotics
Probiotics help to strengthen and activate the blood cells which play a big role in your immune system. The bacteria that probiotics contain also help to prevent the occurrence of major changes in the immune system due to aging.
2. Drink Tea
All types of tea which are made from the camellia tea plant are packed with polyphenols, an antioxidant that protects your body from free radicals that can damage your cells. Tea also helps your body to resist infections with the L-theanine that it contains. People who consumed five cups of black tea everyday for fifteen days increase their levels of interferon for up to four times. Interferon is an integral part of our defense system.
3. Gargle with water
Who knows that gargling water helps your immune system in protecting you from getting sick? A 2005 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine stated gargling water helps in warding off harmful bacteria that can cause upper respiratory tract infections.
4. Eat Antioxidant-rich foods
Most bright-colored vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc. Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants that help your body reject harmful substances that can cause damage to your cells.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the vitamins, minerals and other substances that antioxidant-rich foods contain help to prevent certain types of cancers.
5. Avoid trans fats
Trans fats are unnatural, synthetically produced fats which are present in processed foods. They are made when oils are heated or when they are hydrogenated.
Trans fats can cause your good cholesterol level to drop. They can weaken your immune system and lower your resistance to disease causing germs.
Foods that contain trans fats include deep-fried foods, doughnuts, French fries and baked goods that you buy from stores.
6. Make Garlic part of your diet
There are two important components of garlic that help to strengthen your immune system. These are allicin and allium.
According to a British study, allicin protects your body from catching colds. Taking garlic supplements each day also helps you to recover from colds more quickly.
Allium, another active compound present in garlic, is believed to prevent carcinogens from entering your cells. Garlic also possesses the ability to reduce cholesterol levels and thins blood. These are vital factors that are needed for efficient circulation.
7. Exercise
Engaging in exercise does not only promote physical and mental alertness and strength, it also raises your the level leukocytes in your body. Leukocytes are your cells that fight infection.
Aside from its energy-boosting, immune strengthening effects, exercise can also stimulate the release of endorphins. These are the hormones that help to make you feel good, sleep better and be rewarded with good health.
