When you don’t take care of your immune system, you’re much more likely to catch colds, coughs, and other diseases.
But rather than just accepting fate, or relying on medication, there are a lot of ways to boost your immune system naturally.
Practice self-care – daily
Although there’s a lot of buzz around self-care at the moment, how many of us actually take time out regularly to look out ourselves first?
Self-care doesn’t have to be eating healthily and going to the gym. It’s about making sure your body, mind, and spirit are doing okay. Tidying the house, taking a bath, or mastering your skincare routine are all parts of self-care that you can incorporate into your daily schedule.
When you feel tired and run down, you can quickly gain all sorts of ailments. By making self-care part of your daily routine, you can naturally reduce your chances of burnout.
For an extra treat, book yourself in for a facial or body massage at heavenandearthmassage.co.uk.
Stay hydrated
And that doesn’t mean up your coffee or cocktail intake.
Water is everyone’s best friend and is key to naturally boosting the immune system.
Drinking plenty of water helps the body flush out any toxins that could lead to infection. It’ll also stop your throat feeling dry and itchy – ultimately reducing your chances of getting a cough or sore throat.
If you’re really struggling to just drink water, try bacteria-fighting alternatives like coconut water or green tea.
Food: Quality over quantity
Of course, what you eat can play a significant role in keeping your immune system strong and healthy. And it’s good for the rest of the body too.
Certain food groups are particularly good for giving the body all the nutrients and vitamins it needs to help it keep fighting against bad bacteria.
One of the most important vitamins for fending off illness is vitamin C. Although there are plenty of store-bought vitamin C medications available, you should be able to get your daily dose from other natural sources.
For example, snacking on citrus fruits, or adding slices of lemon and lime to your water is a small change in your diet that can make a huge difference. Red peppers and spinach are also bursting with vitamin C, so try to incorporate these into your lunches or evening meals.
Natural yoghurt is filled with the type of bacteria that’s good for the body. Probiotics help with digestion and reducing inflammation.
Another option is ginger. This magic root can alleviate nausea and prevent stomach upsets or sore throats. Drink lemon and ginger tea at the first sign of illness for a quick immunity boost.
Sleep
Lastly, make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep. Sleep is the opportunity for your body and muscles to reset and rejuvenate. It also helps the body produce cytokine proteins, which are a great defense against illness. If you struggle with sleep, you’ll know all too well that a lack of dream time can lead to low mood and aching muscles, so practice these sleep hygiene tips to improve your chances of getting a great night’s sleep.