According to Harvard University's Medical School, healthy living strategies may promote a healthy immune system or enhance your immune system's functioning. Healthy living strategies include getting a good night's sleep and washing your hands regularly. The School's website indicates that researchers are just beginning to decipher the complexities of your immune system, and advises consumers to be skeptical of products that claim to boost your immune system.
No Smoking
Quitting and not smoking may help build your immune system. People that smoke are more susceptible to infections like pneumonia and influenza. Smoking may increase the severity of illnesses and the time that it takes for you to get over them.
Take Vitamins
The World's Healthiest Foods website suggests that vitamin A helps protect you from infection by maintaining mucosal surfaces and influencing other protective cells in your body. Taking vitamin B6 may help build your immune system, as B6 deficiency suppresses your immune response. You can take a daily multi-vitamin, if your diet does not provide your body with all the micronutrients it needs.
Eat Protein
The World's Healthiest Foods website suggests that protein deficiencies can deplete immune cells in your body, which renders it unable to produce protective antibodies. Protein malnutrition may contribute to HIV infection after exposure to the virus, according to the website.
Exercise
According to the Harvard Medical School, exercise improves the circulation of fluids through your body. This allows immune system substances to move through your body more efficiently.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obese and overweight people can build their immune systems by reaching more healthy weight levels. The World's Healthiest Foods online database suggests that obesity is associated with immune dysfunction. Obese people may be more likely to contract infectious illnesses and die due to infections.
Consume Antioxidants
Ingest foods rich in antioxidants to provide your body with molecules that can kill unhealthy cells and substances. Colorful fruits and vegetables like strawberries contain phytonutrients with antioxidant potential.
Maintain Zinc Balance
Zinc is a dietary immuno-stimulant mineral. Zinc deficiencies suppress immune response cells in your body, and excessive zinc levels can negatively effect your immune functioning. The World's Healthiest Foods suggests ingesting zinc in foods like collard greens and squash instead of in dietary supplements, as foods contain a more balanced variety of micronutrients.
Eat Fiber
Ingest dietary fiber from whole foods and vegetables to promote a healthy gastrointestinal system. Fiber may build your immune system by helping your body remove toxins that can damage your digestive system.
Consume Essential Fatty Acids
Foods like cold-water fish, flax and walnuts contain essential fatty acids that promote healthy gastrointestinal cells and cellular protective tissues. Essential fatty acids may help build your immune system.
Limit Alcohol
According to the Environmental Law Center, the amount of alcohol that causes intoxication can also damage your immune system. Excessive alcohol deprives your body of immune-boosting nutrients and suppresses your white blood cells' ability to multiply and kill germs.
