The immune system is your body's system of defense against sickness and disease. Just like other biological systems, your immune system can be weakened if you do not make an effort to maintain it. A fully functioning immune system will minimize your chances of falling ill.
Limit Stress
According to the Mayo Clinic, too much stress has a detrimental effect on your immune system. Chronic stress makes the body respond as if it is being attacked by a physical threat. When stress goes unchecked, the immune system is unable to rest and heal itself. While certain stresses are unavoidable, limiting any unnecessary stress in your life can keep your immune system going strong.
Exercise
Moderate exercise is recognized by numerous organizations, including the American Council on Exercise, as a natural immune system booster. Exercise improves the ability of the immune system to fight bacteria as well as the ability of immune cells to circulate. You can, however, have too much of a good thing. High intensity exercises sessions lasting more than 90 minutes can actually act as a stress and reduce immune system function.
Sleep
During sleep, your body's various systems rebuild and repair themselves. According to the Mayo Clinic, a strong correlation exists between sleep and a healthy immune system. Sleep allows the immune system to produce more cells that can fight infection. To keep healthy, adults should get between seven and eight hours of sleep per night.
Vitamin C
Oranges and orange juice have long been used as a home remedy for colds and the flu. As it turns out, vitamin C does play a role in immune system health. During illnesses, levels of vitamin C concentrations in your body decline, weakening the immune system. Increasing vitamin C intake when you are sick, either through diet or supplementation, fortifies your immune system and helps you fight off your illness.
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