Your immune system works to keep thousands upon thousands of risky germs from doing you harm, and most of the time your immune system is successful. Although occasionally you get a cold, flu or other illness that your immune system was not able to prevent. By making changes in your lifestyle you can help your immune system continue to function at its best and reduce the amount of bacteria and viruses it has to fight off. Talk to your doctor if you are continually getting sick because there are some conditions, such as cancer and HIV, which can weaken your immune system.
Step 1
Learn good hand-washing skills and use them regularly. Good hand-washing skills can help keep unnecessary bacteria and viruses out of your body, limiting the amount of work your immune system has to perform. Wash your hands after you use the restroom, when you touch public surfaces or when having skin-to-skin contact with a person who is sick. Also, wash your hands after handling uncooked meat, which can contain a number of unhealthy bacteria and viruses.
Step 2
Keep yourself hydrated. Hydration is important for keeping your immune system functioning properly. Drink at least eight glasses each containing 8 oz. of water each day and drink more if you have lost excess water through sweat.
Step 3
Quit smoking, and if you don't smoke, never start. Also, regular exposure to second-hand smoke can have many of the same negative effects as smoking and should be avoided. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who smoke have decreased immune function and are more likely to die from the flu than people who don't smoke.
Step 4
Get at least 400 international units, or IU, of vitamin D each day. To produce some of its germ-killing proteins your body needs enough vitamin D. Eat foods that have vitamin D added to them, such as milk, soy milk or cereal or take a supplement. You can also get enough vitamin D by spending about 15 minutes outside each day because your body absorbs vitamin D from the sun.
Step 5
Schedule exercise into your day. Moderate amounts of exercise have been shown to help keep your immune system functioning at its peak. Engage in exercise at least five days out of each week and get at least 30 minutes each day. Your fitness level will help determine what a moderate amount of exercise is for you, but you should not exercise until you feel exhausted or overly sore, this can have a negative effect on your immune system.
Step 6
Get about eight hours of restful sleep every night. Quality sleep every night will help keep your immune system running on full.
Step 7
Start laughing. Laughter helps improve your disease resistance by increasing your immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, according to HelpGuide.org. Make yourself laugh. Watch movies and television shows that contain comedy. Avoid holding back laughter, unless it is inappropriate.
