9 Simple Ways to Strengthen the Immune System

By Alexis Mills

There are definitely times when you need a boost for your immune system because someone at work is sick or you have been feeling under the weather more often than you like. If you feel healthy a majority of the time, you have your immune system to thank for that.  Show it some gratitude by optimizing its function and supporting it with your lifestyle. Here are 10 ways that you can simply help your immune system in your daily life.

• Avoid tobacco smoke - Everyone knows that smoking tobacco, as well as second-hand smoke, is detrimental to your health. Having any kind of tobacco in your body weighs down your immune defenses and raises your risk for infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Eat your fruits and veggies - Consuming whole foods provide the body with the nutrients needed to keep your immune system functioning its best so that it can most capably fight off toxins.
• Get some sun - Soaking in the sun does increase risk of some disease such as skin cancer, it also helps the body produce Vitamin D. Getting just 15 minutes of sun daily can provide enough vitamin D to lower your risk of respiratory infection.
• Drink less alcohol - When you consume too much alcohol, it impairs and weakens the immune system, thereby making an infection easier to catch.
• Add some garlic to your food - Garlic has a strong ability to be an immune booster. When adding it to foods, do so right before serving because heat deactivates some of its immune boosting abilities.
• Exercise a little every day - People who work out, on average, 30 minutes daily suffer from fewer infections. Also, sweating while working out is getting out all of the toxins from your body and keeping you strong and healthy.
• Try different stress-reduction techniques - Stress has a strong, negative impact on immunity. Trying to keep your stress in check with relaxing techniques like meditation, yoga, or a long bubble bath can increase your immunity.
• Stick to a sleep schedule - Getting a full night of sleep regularly helps to also regulate your immune system.
• Manage your hygiene - Something as simple as washing your hands is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy especially when cooking, after coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom, or touching public surfaces.

While most of these tips seems so simple and straightforward, it's empowering to realize the little things we do everyday can have the biggest impact on our health and immune system. If you don't do any of the above tips already, try to incorporate them more into your life.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Draper, Utah.