Everyone is always looking for easy ways to boost their immune system.
We have too much to do and no time to get sick or be out of commission for a few days or even weeks.
There are many simple ways you can incorporate immune boosting strategies into your everyday life.
Whether you are typically very healthy or have a compromised immune system creating an environment in your body that supports healing is critical for your health.
Listen in or read on below for four simple ways you can boost your immune system every day.
Vitamins and Supplements
Unfortunately we can’t rely solely on our food anymore to give us all the nutrients and vitamins that we need to thrive and have a strong immune system.
The fields that our foods are grown in have been depleted of the minerals needed to grow and sustain healthy animals and plants.
It is now more important than ever to make sure you use vitamins and supplements to fill the gap.
I always recommend to test not guess. Ask your health provider to test your levels of Vitamin D and Magnesium. Both play a very important role in strengthening your immune system.
Sadly, most people are deficient in both Vitamin D and Magnesium. I get tested at least once a year for both and my results show that I need to supplement for both.
I eat very healthy and I live in Florida and spend time in the sun. So, you would think I would be fine.
Please get tested so you know and can supplement accordingly.
Other vitamins and supplements to ask your doctor about: Vitamin C, Zinc, Probiotics, Quercetin just to name a few.
Sleep
I have heard it said I will catch up on my sleep when I die. Yikes!!
People believe sleep is overrated and not necessary. But, getting enough sleep is so important for your overall health.
When you sleep your body is healing.
It heals both mentally and physically. Both ways of healing are very important for your immune system.
Shoot to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help you keep your immune system functioning well.
Reduce Stress
Who doesn’t have stress? I honestly don’t know anyone.
If your body is stressed it is not concentrating on creating a stronger immune system or healing your body.
Your body is in fight or flight mode when you are stressed.
This means your body shuts down everything not needed to run or fight. Your body doesn’t know the difference between that driver that just tried to run you off the road while yelling at you and a lion chasing you.
This is why it is so important for you to do things every day to help you reduce your levels of stress.
You know the things that help you feel less stressed. Take a walk, enjoy a warm bath, swim in a pool, dance, exercise, sit and enjoy nature or the beach.
Slowing down may be just what your body needs!
Foods to avoid
How you fuel your body will either help you strengthen or leave your immune system compromised.
Certain foods create inflammation in your body. Your body doesn’t know what to do with it because it doesn’t recognize it as real food. Your body will be spending time fighting the inflammation and not keeping your immune system strong.
These foods will cause inflammation in your body:
· Processed foods like fast foods, fried foods, boxed foods, lunch meats, hotdogs, jerky.
· Added sugars like High Fructose Corn Syrup, white sugar, and I know of at least 60+ more names for sugar!
· Sugary drinks including sodas, fruit juices, sports and energy drinks, sweetened teas...
· Refined Carbohydrates like breads, pastas, donuts, muffins, pizza, cookies, chips, crackers, etc (These turn to sugar in your body as soon as you eat them.)
Sugar alone will shut your immune system off for quite awhile depending on how much sugar you eat.
I’m not telling you to never eat these things but just making you aware that they do not support your immune system and can turn it off. I do believe in moderation not deprivation.
Make sure when you remove these inflammatory foods you add in real whole foods and lots of clean fresh water to help flush toxins.
When you make the effort to build a stronger immune system you will also reap the benefits of feeling better, having more energy and deeper sleep. Possibly even losing that stubborn weight you have been wanting to lose.
I’ve only touched on 4 ways to boost your immune system. There are many more ways to help build a stronger immune system.
What do you do to strengthen your immune system? Which healthy lifestyle habits are you already doing?
Let me know in the comments below or shoot me an
email - sheri@empoweredhealthcoaching.com I would love to hear.
Live life empowered!
Stress will compromise your immune system. Here's a free guide to help you reduce stress:
Sheri Johnson is a certified Transformational Holistic Health and Life Coach in the Central Florida area. She believes everyone deserves an amazing healthy, balanced life, full of energy and feeling fantastic! When you get back on track in life and feel like yourself again then you can easily step into who you truly want to be, living out your purpose, passion and what you were called here to do.
If you are ready to decrease stress and overwhelm while creating balance in your body, mind and spirit then please check out her website and book a free strategy session with her below.