Strengthening your Immune System

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We do not, for a fact, live in a sterile-clean world. In reality, we live in a dirty world. However, our bodies, being the incredibly efficient machine that it is, have devised ways to survive this dirty world.

The human body has an innate immune system that provides us natural protection from diseases and illnesses. It is composed of various specialized cells that fight off bacteria, viruses and other foreign bodies that might get into our bodies. They function so systematically that almost nothing can get through them!

However, like a real machine, our immune system can also get rusty and old. Or worse, its parts can get worn out, and the function of the whole system can be problematic. This will leave our bodies exposed to the different infections thriving in our surroundings.

We, therefore, must be vigilant in ensuring that our immune system is always functioning at its best. There are certain ways by which we can promote the maintenance of our immunity. Here are just some of the factors that we must consider.

Nutrition

Machines need fuels to make them run. And so do our bodies. The foods we eat are like gasoline that fuel the body’s organ system and, hence, drive our bodily functions. But it should not be just any food. Vitamins and minerals have proven to be critical food components that play a role in strengthening our immune systems.

Vitamin A or Beta-carotene is a strong antioxidant and improves activities of the body’s immune cells. A combination with Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant, has demonstrated an enhanced function of white blood cells which can kill infectious organisms.

Vitamin C’s functions include synthesis of body structures that also serve as immunity barriers. Vitamin B12 and B6 improves the functions of the cells involved in the immune protection. The former is also concerned with production of genetic materials while a deficiency in the latter increases the risk for cancer.

Minerals such as zinc, magnesium, selenium also help in making our immune systems stronger.

Your environment

Though we can not make the environment surrounding us completely clean, we should still strive to make them “live-able”. Make sure you have clean water for drinking and also for household needs such as washing dishes, taking a bath or brushing your teeth. Clean your house regularly to keep the dirt and contaminants away.

Healthy and Hygienic Practices

To get better results, complement your clean environment with “clean living”. Always practice hygienic habits. Take a bath everyday especially when it is necessary, such as if you just performed an activity that exposed you to more dirt and other pollutants. Always wash hands before eating, or after a “dirty” work. Practice segregating your garbage and taking them out regularly for they can be sources of contaminants.

Stress and Relaxation

Stress is one of the most common yet most potent factors that impair our immune system. Being overstressed can leave us feeling weak and grumpy, and simple ailments like cough and colds become more often. These are signs of weaker immunity. We should not then underestimate the power of relaxation. Find time for unwinding and relieving those body aches.

Drugs and natural therapy

Medicinal drugs give immediate and easily accessible cure for the simplest up to the most complex of diseases. However, drugs are still synthetic and chemical reactions that take place during its processing might produce side effects to humans.

These side effects might be minimal but their consequences might just be gradual. If possible, it is still best to go for the natural healing powers of vegetable, fruits and other organic food products.

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