5 Tips to Help Build a Strong Immune System

Your immune system is your body’s primary defense against foreign invaders. Whether it’s bacteria, viruses, or harmful chemicals, your immune system exists to make sure that your body stays as safe as possible. However, no two immune systems are exactly alike. Some people have particularly strong immune systems, while other people have weakened immunity. 

Genetics, diseases, and preexisting conditions can all factor into the strength of your body’s immune response. There’s even evidence that stem cell therapy can help rebuild weakened immune systems. If you’d like to learn more about the relationship between immunity and stem cells, be sure to contact the experts at ThriveMD.

In any case, your lifestyle can also have a major impact on your immune system. This means that the choices you make every day can affect how well your body fights off infection, disease, or other illnesses. So, let’s look at 5 tips to help you build a strong immune system!

1. Get the Sleep You Need

Everybody’s sleep schedule is a little different. While the average amount of sleep recommended by health experts is 8 hours per night, this number can vary (a little) from person to person. In any case, your mind and body generally know when you’re getting enough sleep and when you’re not. If you feel drowsy or low on energy throughout the day, you probably just need an extra hour of sleep per night. Your immune system will definitely thank you!

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

While it may seem like “a healthy diet” is touted as the cure for everything, it really is one of the best ways to build strong immunity. Your body craves fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, the modern western diet is high in many of the things we don’t need, like salt and processed sugar. So, make an effort to improve your diet. Not only will this help you keep your weight under control, but it will make your body stronger and better able to fight off illness.

3. Exercise 3 Times Per Week (Or More)

There’s no one-size-fits-all exercise regimen. If you already lead a very mobile and active lifestyle, then exercising for one hour, 3 times per week is more than enough to build a stronger immune system. However, if you live a more sedentary lifestyle, you may need to increase that number. People who sit for long periods of time are more likely to get sick or suffer from issues like obesity and heart disease. Part of the problem is that the lack of exercise can gradually weaken your immunity. So, whenever you get the chance, try to fit an hour of exercise into your schedule!

4. Don’t Smoke

Smoking really is one of the worst things you can do for your body. It weakens your lungs and greatly increases the risk of heart disease or cancer. It also weakens your immune system, thus making your body more susceptible to sickness and disease. If you already smoke, there’s no time like the present to kick the habit. You can even do it slowly by transitioning to vaping devices (though the jury is still out on how safe these are for your general health). 

5. Wash Your Hands Regularly

People often get confused when it comes to the relationship between germs and immunity. It’s true that you should allow yourself to be exposed to germs. Your body needs to do this in order to build up immunity. That said, it is not safe to be unhygienic, as certain germs and bacteria can do a lot more harm than good. So, remember to wash your hands every time you use the bathroom, as well as before and after you eat. This will help keep your body safe and your immune system strong!