Getting sick is never fun. You don’t want to have to call out of work or take a trip to the doctor because you aren’t feeling well. If you want to avoid catching illnesses like colds, flu, COVID-19, RSV, and others, you need a strong immune system. Your immune system is your body’s way of protecting itself from infection and disease. Keep reading to find out some of the top ways to boost your immune system so you can stay healthy and avoid getting sick.
1. Eat Well
One of the best ways to boost your immune system is eating a healthy diet. Your diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. Other important foods to include in a healthy diet are legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Eating these types of foods regularly will help ensure your immune system is getting vital nutrients such as antioxidants, omega-3s, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, etc. Your immune system needs these nutrients to be able to fight off invading viruses and bacteria that could cause illness.
2. Exercise Regularly
Another one of the top ways to boost your immune system is exercising regularly. Physical activity is an important part of keeping your body healthy, and this includes supporting a healthy immune system. When you do moderate-intensity exercise, immune cells are mobilized into the bloodstream and tissues. This makes your immune system more readily available to fight off pathogens that are trying to infect your body. Regular exercise makes your immune system more efficient at detecting and then reacting to infection.
3. Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is incredibly important for all areas of your health, and getting plenty of sleep is one of the most effective ways to boost your immune system. Insufficient sleep has been linked to a higher likelihood of getting sick. Studies have shown that adults who get fewer than 6 hours of sleep each night are more likely to catch a cold than those who got more than 6 hours of sleep. Quality sleep strengthens your body’s natural immunity and gives your immune system a better chance at fighting off illness. It’s typically recommended that adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep each night to help their bodies stay healthy.
4. Stay Hydrated
Water plays a vital role in all your body’s systems, including your immune system. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to boost your immune system because your blood and lymphatic system need water to flow and circulate throughout your body. If you’re not drinking enough water, your body will become dehydrated and more susceptible to illness. Water is the best thing to drink since it is free of additives, sugar, and calories, but tea and juice are also hydrating fluids.
5. Keep Up to Date with Recommended Vaccines
If you are looking for ways to boost your immune system, you should take advantage of available vaccines. Vaccines are a great way to protect yourself from harmful illnesses. Receiving a vaccine helps your immune system learn how to recognize and fight certain illnesses. It’s safer for your immune system to learn this way rather than through infection with these harmful germs. Vaccines such as flu and RSV shots can help strengthen your immune system against these potentially dangerous respiratory diseases. Other vaccines that are available include COVID-19, Tdap and Td, meningitis, HPV, chicken pox, shingles, Hepatitis A and B, and much more.
Here at Springfield Pharmacy, we want to help you keep up to date on recommended vaccines so you can stay healthy and avoid potentially dangerous diseases. If you are interested in getting a vaccine but don’t want to visit the doctor, we’ve got you covered! We make it easy and convenient for you to get the vaccines you need with just a quick trip to our local pharmacy. Schedule a vaccine appointment today to start boosting your immune system and helping your body stay healthy from unwanted illness.
