Healthy Ways to Support Your Immune System
By Sara Butler
If you don't prioritize your health, your immune system absorb a hit no matter what time of the year it is. You need to supply your body with the nutrients it needs to run a system as intricate as your immune system, but it doesn't end there. Here are a few healthy ways you can support your immune system all year long.
Care for Your Gut
It's only beginning to be understood how the health of your gut impacts your overall health, as well as the health of your immune system. The microbiome in the gut communicates with the cells in the immune system, helping them to respond to infection. That's why having a healthy gut begets a healthy immune system.
The National Institutes of Health have found that your body contains somewhere around 3 to 5 pounds of bacteria and a lot of that bacteria lives in your gut. You have to keep the bacteria that live there happy if you hope to be healthy; you can do that by:
- Eating fermented foods - Kombucha, kefir, and sauerkraut are all fermented foods that promote a healthy environment in your gut. They're rich in probiotics, which is something the average American doesn't get enough of.
- Consider probiotic supplements - Talk to your chiropractor about a probiotic supplement that can help keep your gut balanced
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated has a huge impact on your immune system. Drinking water helps to deliver oxygen all over your body and this helps the body systems to function as they should. Water helps your body to get rid of toxins and it helps to transport the nutrients from the food you eat to your cells.
If drinking water isn't your thing, then try warm liquids such as herbal teas, soups, or broths. Even lemon water in the morning before your first cup of coffee can help you get ahead in the hydration game.
Sleep Well
Your chiropractor may talk about getting proper sleep a lot, but that's because it's important. When you sleep, your body uses that time to rest and rejuvenate. This also works to keep the immune system healthy and functioning as it should. So, do what you can to get adequate sleep each night, at least seven to eight hours.
Do what you can to ensure your immune system is functioning as it should. If you have questions, talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sandy, Utah.