Unlock a Healthy Immune System With These Six Changes

Good health starts with a good immune system. So many of our bad habits can really knock our immune systems out of whack, leading to more sick days and feeling down in the dumps far more often than we have to.

Help Unlock a Healthy Immune System With These Six Changes to Your Diet and Lifestyle

1. Cut Out the Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol can weaken your immune system and damage your body. They have significant negative impacts on the body. The specific effects can vary depending on the type of substance used, the amount consumed, and individual factors such as age and overall health. However, some common effects of drugs and alcohol on the body include: 

• Damage to the liver, which is responsible for filtering toxins from the bloodstream. Prolonged alcohol or drug use can lead to liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatitis.
• Cardiovascular problems, such as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
• Respiratory issues, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer.
• Impaired immune system function, which can make individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
• Mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and addiction.
• Physical dependence and addiction, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings when use is discontinued.
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries, due to impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time.

Cut out the drugs and alcohol to let your body function as intended. Your immune system will thank you.

2. See the Doctor Regularly

Regular checkups can help you stay healthy by catching any issues before they can get worse. See a doctor regularly, even if you they are feeling healthy. Regular medical check-ups can help to detect and prevent health problems before they become serious, as well as promote overall health and well-being. Some specific benefits of regular doctor visits include:

• Early detection and treatment of health issues: Regular check-ups can help identify health problems early on, when they are often easier to treat and manage. This can include identifying risk factors for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as detecting infections, injuries, and other acute health issues.
• Monitoring chronic conditions: For individuals who have chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure, regular doctor visits are essential for monitoring and managing these conditions. Regular check-ups can help to prevent complications and ensure that treatment plans are effective and up-to-date.
• Immunizations and preventative care: Regular check-ups are also an opportunity to receive important immunizations and preventative care, such as flu shots, cancer screenings, and cholesterol tests. These measures can help prevent illness and reduce the risk of serious health problems.
• Health education and counseling: During a doctor visit, patients can receive valuable health education and counseling on topics such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management. This can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and develop healthy habits that can promote long-term well-being.

By staying on top of your health through regular check-ups, individuals can enjoy a better quality of life and reduce risk of long-term health complications.

3. Reach for the Fruits and Veggies First

When they say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, they're onto something. Fruits and veggies are fantastic for you, providing you with so many vitamins and minerals that your body needs to keep its immune system up and running. 

Some of the specific benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables include:

• Nutrient-rich: Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber that the body needs to function properly. These nutrients can help to support healthy digestion, strong immune function, and overall well-being.
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. The antioxidants and other nutrients in fruits and vegetables help to protect the body from cellular damage and inflammation that can contribute to the development of these diseases.
• Weight management: Fruits and vegetables are typically low in calories and high in fiber, which can help to promote healthy weight management. They can also provide a sense of fullness and satisfaction that can reduce the desire for less healthy foods.
• Improved digestive health: The fiber and water content of fruits and vegetables can help to promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of constipation and other digestive issues.
• Better skin health: The vitamins and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can help to promote healthy skin, reducing the risk of premature aging, acne, and other skin problems.

Choosing fruits and vegetables before reaching for snacks can help you stay healthier, keep a healthier weight and keep you from getting sick as often.

4. Fiber Isn't Just for Grandpa

Fiber is important for keeping your immune system up and running. Fiber provides you with food for your good gut bacteria. Fiber is an important component of a healthy diet and provides numerous benefits for the body. Some of the specific benefits of consuming fiber include:

• Improved digestion: Fiber helps to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool and speeding up the movement of food through the digestive system.
• Lowered cholesterol: Soluble fiber can help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Regulated blood sugar: Fiber can help to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Weight management: High-fiber foods can help to promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction, reducing the desire for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and promoting healthy weight management.
• Reduced inflammation: Some types of fiber have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and protect against chronic diseases.
• Improved gut health: Fiber can help to feed the healthy bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing the risk of digestive issues and other health problems.

Consuming a diet that is rich in fiber can help to promote optimal health and well-being. It is recommended that adults consume 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day from a variety of sources, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

5. H2O to Go

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Water is so important to your immune system, and staying hydrated helps to keep your blood and lymph flowing. Water is constantly being lost, even when not exercising, so make sure you get enough each day. To calculate how much water you should be drinking each day, take your weight and divide it in half. The number you get tells you how many ounces of water your body needs to stay hydrated.

Cut out the other drinks and stick to water as much as possible. If you feel thirsty, it's because you're already mildly dehydrated.

6. Choose Superfoods over Fast Foods

If you've never heard the term superfoods before, it's one that refers to foods rich in nutritional benefits with minimal calories. As you can imagine, most of these are plant-based, and they're often jam-packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, all of which help support your immune system.

The next time you're planning a meal or reaching for convenience or fast food, try to incorporate some superfoods into your diet, including:

• Berries
• Soy
• Teas
• Leafy Greens
• Salmon
• Dark chocolate
• Grapes
• Wine (in moderation)
• Spirulina
• Brazil nuts
• Garlic
• Beets
• Turmeric
• Fish
• Nuts
• Yogurt
• Whole grains
• Tomatoes