Common Sense Tips for Boosting Your Immune System
It's getting to be t
hat time of year again! The cold and flu season always revs up a lot of attention and advertising around the latest ways to “boost” your immune system. As exciting as that may sound, researchers still have a lot to learn about this complex component of our health and well-being.
Our immune response is truly a system in every sense. It’s made up of a lot of moving parts and intricate interactions, some of which remain a bit mysterious. But like any system, it’s safe to say that our immune system functions best when all of its components are balanced and functioning as they should.
The best “booster” for your immune system is simply a healthy lifestyle. If it’s good for your body in general, it’s good for your immune system. Regular exercise, good sleep, and a healthy diet are boosters; smoking is not. As complicated as our immune systems may be, helping them to run at peak performance only takes a little common sense.
Boost your immune systems with these recommendations from the Harvard Medical School:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Control your blood pressure.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
- Get regular medical screening tests for people in your age group and risk category.
- Adopt a "herd mentality" and promote a healthy herd to reduce illness in those around you. Pass along these tips to those you come into contact with each day - friends, family and community members alike.
Children and the elderly are always especially vulnerable, so be sure to look out for those around you.
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