Habits That Can Weaken Your Immune System
By Sara Butler
Your body is a well-oiled machine. Or it strives to be. The problem is that some of your daily habits may be impeding your body from achieving its version of greatness. And these mistakes can have serious consequences on your health and wellness, such as a weakened immune system. If you're worried about whether or not your immune system is functioning as it should, then you need to look at a few of these common mistakes that may be holding you (and your immune system) back.
You Have Too Many Processed Foods
If you have a diet that's filled with sugar substitutes, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates, then it can make it tough for your immune system to do what it needs to do. That's because your immune system starts in your gut and all of the foods mentioned throw off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut.
Avoiding this fate is fairly simple: Cut down on processed foods and eat more whole foods. Soluble fiber is especially helpful in ensuring your gut is healthy and that your immune system can function as it was made too. Get more barley, lentils, oats, seeds, and apples in your diet to achieve this, as well as Vitamin D, which you can find in eggs, fatty fish, and fortified milk products.
You Don't Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is when your body rests and rejuvenates. If you're not getting enough of it, then your body can't do those things and it leaves you a little more depleted each day. All you need to do to fix this is to make sleep a priority. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep per night and set yourself up for success by creating a dark, quiet, and cool environment to sleep in. Once you get on a regular sleeping schedule, your body can do what it needs when you're asleep and you can help to bolster your immune system.
You Don't Exercise
If you've been slacking a bit in the fitness department, then it's time to do something about it! Exercise can, regularly, help to support a healthy and fully functioning immune system. Researchers have found that exercise increases white blood cells and antibodies, making it easier for your body to fight off infection and stay healthy.
You have to take care of your immune system in order for it to care of you!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.