If you often find yourself catching a cold or flu, it may be because you don’t have the healthiest immune system. There are many reasons some people catch illnesses more easily than others, including those living with health conditions, those in vulnerable jobs such as healthcare or childcare, and those who are extremely rundown and stressed. Whatever reason you are struggling with fighting off colds and other illnesses throughout the year, there are many ways to improve your immune system. Here are a few that may help.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can wreak havoc with your immune system and as your lungs become more and more damaged through tobacco inhalation, the easier it becomes to catch anything and everything as your body cannot fight off the infection as it should. Even smoking intermittently, such as social smoking is enough to make you more open to catching illnesses. A weakened immune system is just one of many ways that smoking can cause a negative impact on your health.
Increase Your Fruit and Veg Intake
There is a reason that ‘5 a day’ is talked about so much around the world, and this is because fruit and vegetables contain many nutrients and vitamins to help our immune system stay happy and healthy. The healthier your immune system is, the better it can fight off any incoming illnesses such as the flu and can also help you fight them off faster. You can easily incorporate more fruit and veg into your diet; why not invest in a blender and have a healthy smoothie to start off each day? This is a simple and tasty way to improve your immune system.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising can improve everything about our physical health, including our immune system. It goes without saying that as we look after our body, it becomes better at looking after us. It may be that going to the gym becomes a bit of a chore, and if this is the case, find a different and more fun way to exercise. There are so many interesting and fun sports out there to try including roller skating, figure skating, rounders and boxing. You may even pick up a new hobby on the way.
Sleep Well
Currently, many of us are finding it harder to sleep. This is due to added pressures at work, at home or in education, and with the use of technology playing a big part in our lives, sleeping can be difficult. Sleeping well is so important to ensure our immune system can work properly, as the more tired our body is, the harder it will be for it to function normally. If you are finding it hard to sleep, it is worth checking out these tips to keep well rested to improve your mind and body.
Having a healthier lifestyle can improve your immune system and it may assist your body in fighting off recurrent infections. If you are finding yourself constantly run down, it may be worth speaking to your doctor for some lifestyle advice or to see if there is an underlying condition that is causing a weakened immune system.
