Health. It’s something so vital to our very existence, and yet so many of us have put ours on the back burner and don’t begin to worry about it until it’s too late.
With COVID-19 sweeping across the world and devastating all walks of life, it’s no surprise that more and more individuals are beginning to take a step back to analyze their health. Whether you’ve considered yourself a “healthy person” or not, 2020 has become the wake-up call we never knew we needed.
While this year may have been a shocking reality check for some, it’s also become a blessing in disguise for others. With the state of our current world, now is an excellent time to re-evaluate our current lifestyles and pinpoint areas where we can improve. Many changes can be made right at this very moment.
Whether you are trying to protect your body from the common flu or you want to do all that you can to protect yourself from COVID-19, there are several simple tips you can follow to boost your immune system and live a healthier life.
Don’t know where to start? It’s okay. You’re in good hands! Through this guide, we’ll teach you simple ways to boost your immune system, easy lifestyle changes that can keep you healthy, and other important tips on how to support your body now and in the future.
Signs of a Weak Immune System
Concerned you have a weakened immune system? Whether you are constantly tired or you feel like you are always fighting a cold, there are many signs that your immune health is lacking. Here are some of the top symptoms to look out for:
- Stomach issues
- Prone to sickness
- Slow healing of wounds
- Get infections easily
- Lethargy
How to Support Your Immune System
Don’t know how to support your immune system? Generally speaking, your immune system is built to keep you healthy and fight off dangerous pathogens. Think of your immune system as mighty guards protecting your cells that fight off any intruders that try to cause havoc within your body. It’s quite spectacular when you take a moment to think about it!
However, no matter how hard your immune system works, there is still the possibility that one small intruder can get past your protectors and cause damage. This is when illness and disease occur. When your immune response fails or can no longer fight off a specific pathogen, that is the moment when your body goes into fight mode.
While there’s no guarantee that you will achieve an impenetrable, super-warrior immune system that kills cancer right in its tracks, there are still several ways you can support it and help prevent health issues in the future. Below, we’ll be reviewing some of the best ways to support your immune function daily.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is an absolute staple when it comes to healthy living. When supporting your immune function, one of the best things you can do is to exercise daily. Not only does physical activity support a healthy immune system, but it also helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol within the body. Aside from boosting the immune system, daily physical activity can also help maintain weight, reduce cardiovascular disease risk, and protect the body from developing many different illnesses and diseases.
Professionals recommend getting at least 20 minutes of exercise per day. Physical activity can be as simple as moving your body to the limit of shortness of breath or it can be as intense as bodybuilding. If you are new to working out, start with simple exercises such as walking uphill, brisk walking, or jumping on a trampoline.
The main goal here is to increase your blood circulation and improve your cellular oxygenation levels. Good cellular oxygenation is fundamental to limiting oxidative stress and hypoxia, which can both serve as a breeding ground for developing diseases. Exercise can also help activate lymphatic circulation, helping to drain excess fluid from tissues and assist in the detoxification of organs.
Reduce Stress Levels
It’s no secret that stress is bad for you, but do you know how much damage it really can do? Health experts say that stress is one of the main underlying causes of many illnesses and diseases our society is faced with today. As you can see, keeping your stress in check is essential if you want to live a long and healthy life.
A person may experience an increase in stress levels when they begin to feel overwhelmed and have the sensation that they are no longer able to cope with it. Over time, a body in this state will start to produce high-stress hormone levels, resulting in both physical and mental side effects. When the body begins to develop high-stress hormone levels, this can lead to a rise in cardiovascular diseases, skin problems, capillary problems, a weakened immune system, digestive issues, and memory loss among other issues. In the long run, these negative side effects can lead to much more serious illnesses.
If you feel like you have a high amount of stress in your life, the first thing you need to do is recognize it and identify your triggers. Once you can pinpoint the underlying causes, you can then begin to treat it. Some beneficial ways to manage stress in your life are to start exercising, take moments to relax, consume a healthy diet, and avoid unhealthy triggers.
Consume a Healthy Diet
The old saying, “You are what you eat,” definitely has some sentiment behind it. One of the greatest things you can do to support your immunity is to consume a diet high in fruits and vegetables. When it comes to your nutrition, go for food sources that are high in vitamins and minerals while staying away from processed food filled with harmful chemicals and preservatives. Reduce or even stop the consumption of dairy products, sugar, gluten, and eggs. Once you have mastered this new way of eating, work towards a diet that is free of meat and fish and instead focuses on fruits and vegetables.
Strengthening your immune response is not the only health benefit of following a balanced diet. Creating a diet that’s high in fruits and vegetables can also help you maintain a healthy weight as well. Eat the fruits and vegetables you love, your body is “smart” and knows how to choose the ones that will give you the nutrients you need. If you are not getting the recommended nutrients through your food sources, you may need to also add in dietary supplements to make up for any deficiencies.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is essential for the body to run how it should. While proper hydration can keep your body in tip-top shape, dehydration can result in many unwanted symptoms. If you’re like most people, you usually don’t take your first sip of H20 until you feel thirsty. Once you get to this point, your body is already dehydrated.
To change your habits, try buying yourself a nice reusable water bottle and filling it up every morning. Set goals to finish at least three to four bottles per day. This will help you stay on track with your hydration and support your body so you can have a strong immune system. Start your day by drinking one liter of lemon water on an empty stomach.
How to Support Your Immunity as a Cancer Patient
Whether you have just been diagnosed with cancer or you are in recovery, establishing a strong immune system is essential. No matter what kind of treatment you are going through, it’s still highly suggested to do everything you can to support your immune system so it can help you heal and recover as quickly as possible.
Cancer is known to cause havoc to the body, especially when it comes to the immune system. Not only can cancer cells “trick” your body into thinking they are normal cells, but they can also turn off your body’s natural response to invaders. To give your body a fighting chance, make sure you are following these tips above and are making healthy lifestyle changes. Giving your body this extra support during this critical time can make all the difference when on your cancer journey.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to immune system support, there are many lifestyle changes you can do right now to make a difference. By getting adequate sleep, doing moderate exercise, and following a healthy diet, you’ll be able to support your body from the inside out.
If you’re a cancer patient looking for natural ways to support your immune system, feel free to contact our team. Whether you are looking for one-on-one cancer coaching or you prefer a weekly subscription group, we offer many different resources to help you along your journey. Contact us today to see how we can help you take your health into your own hands and overcome cancer once and for all.
