A poor immune system lets your body down, it can leave you more vulnerable to illnesses like the common cold and the flu, and even contribute to the development of serious illnesses, one of them being cancer.

You might be interfering with your immune system without even knowing it. Many common lifestyle habits can have a negative effect on the health of your immune system.

Replacing bad habits with healthy habits can bolster the strength and effectiveness of your immune system.

Consider where you could implement healthier, immune-boosting habits

Your first decision is to have a healthy lifestyle. The following steps to good-health information support you towards keeping your immune system working properly through natural methods. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from the negative impact the environment and bad habits have. It is boosted by healthy-living strategies such as these:

1.    Exercise

Moderate exercise of only 30 minutes a day increases several factors in the immune system. The most important of these is your leukocyte count. These are the cells that fight infection.

• Sitting at a desk all day increases the odds of catching common ailments. Go to the gym or go out and take a brisk walk every day.

2.    Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess bodyweight greatly increases the likelihood of developing diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Studies have also shown that being overweight has a negative impact on the immune system.

3.    Watch what you eat

Excess sugar consumption has a negative effect on the immune system’s effectiveness when dealing with bacteria. This effect can be seen after the consumption of as little as 75 grams of sugar and continues for at least a few hours.

• Alternatively, foods that are high in antioxidants and other nutrients boost the immune system. The best way to get all these nutrients is by eating fruits and vegetables. Ideally, fill at least half your plate with vegetables.

4.    Minimize stress

We all experience a certain amount of stress in our lives. A small amount of stress is good for our health and can save our lives. However, excessive, chronic stress has a very negative impact on immune system health.

• Have you ever noticed you only get sick when you’re overstressed? When you’re stressed, you become much more likely to develop a variety of illnesses.

5.    Laugh

Laughing is great for you. It decreases the level of stress hormones in your body. It also increases a specific type of white blood cell. Even the anticipation of experiencing something humorous has a very positive effect on the immune system.

6.    Avoid social isolation

Strong social connections are a great boost to both your mental and physical health. Your immune system is especially affected.

• Those with strong social connections and many close friends have a higher level of immunity than those that feel socially isolated.
• The feeling of loneliness can affect the way genes behave, plus it affects your mood.

7.    Get enough sleep

Most adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep to maintain good health. A lack of sleep can increase the likelihood of getting sick.

• Insomnia can increase inflammation in the body, which inhibits your immune system’s responsiveness.

8.    Practice relaxation techniques

Since chronic stress decreases immune system function, learning relaxation techniques will help return your immune system to a healthy state.

• It has been shown that regular meditation has a positive impact on your immune system
• As a Reflexologist, I know that a treatment is deeply relaxing and this supports stress reduction

Boosting your immune system is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It has a significant impact on longevity. Consider how many people die from the flu and other common ailments, especially as they age and their immune system function decreases.

You'll also notice that these tips will enhance your overall well-being, as well as helping your immune system. Eating better, sleeping more, exercising, and relaxing will make you feel better every day. You’re going to like the way you feel!

About Anne

Anne, a mother of 2 and grandmother of 3, shares her insights about health through Menopause & Beyond Menopause. She does this by sharing pearls of wisdom collected in her 72 years of living and working with clients since 1999. She deepens her knowledge by reading, researching and learning as much information on the physical and mental aspects of menopause to help you through your journey with these changes in life!

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