Everyone's immune system is different. Some people may be very resilient in the face of illness, and suffer less frequent and less serious bouts of illness than others. Many factors can affect your immune system, including genetics and prior encounters with viruses and bacteria. Lifestyle changes are a natural way to improve your immune system.
Exercise
According to the Cleveland Clinic, research has found that regular exercise can greatly improve your body's natural defenses against illness. Cardiovascular exercise is the most beneficial, and you should do it five days a week for periods of 20 to 30 minutes. Exercise also keeps your body physically strong and fit, making it harder for illness to seriously inhibit you.
Dietary Changes
What you eat greatly influences how effective and healthy your immune system is. Making changes could yield a quick improvement. You should drink plenty of water and increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat every day. Increase your dietary fiber by eating more whole grains instead of refined grains. Replace margarine with real butter and/or olive oil, and minimize your daily fat consumption. Reduce or eliminate red meat in favor of fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Stress
Stress and anxiety levels may also be affecting your immune system. Depression, panic attacks and anxiety can tax your body, weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. You can control stress in several ways. Exercise is an effective approach to reducing stress and anxiety. Therapy sessions can help, and you can use deep breathing and relaxation techniques at home to calm yourself down when stress becomes overwhelming.
Other Influences
Stop smoking if you currently do, and minimize the amount of alcohol you drink. Do not binge-drink. Get plenty of sleep at night, and keep your weight within a healthy range. You can also take a vitamin-mineral supplement daily to boost your dietary benefits and your immune system.
