The importance of a healthy immune system

During these uncertain times, I thought it might be useful information for people to gain an understanding of their immune systems, how they work and how to improve immunity. If we can focus on ourselves and enhancing our immunity, instead of focusing on the fear and panic of the pandemic, we will all be much better off. That’s not to say that you definitely wont get sick but it decreases your chances and focusing on yourself will create less stress for you as well (always a bonus).

Your immune system is very simply a system in your body that provides you with defence against illness. Your immune system protects you from viruses, bacteria and any other illnesses lurking around that you may come into contact with. Having a healthy immune system can protect you from illness, even if you come in direct contact with an illness. Have you ever been in a room with full of people, with someone sick and noticed that some people who were in the room end up getting sick and others are unaffected. This is simply because the immune systems of the people who were unaffected where functioning better at that time.

In addition to protecting you from illness, your immune system also keeps an inbuilt record of all the germs you have ever been sick from and defeated, so it can work quickly to kill that germ if it was to ever come in contact with you again. That’s how amazing your immune system is.

So how do you look after your immune system and reduce your chances of getting sick?

1. Improve your diet. Include as many fruits and vegetables as you can. These are high in vitamins and minerals and help to enhance your immune system. If your diet is currently poor, just focus on one thing that you can change and make it a habit. It is often easier to change one thing at a time but over time all the small changes add up to major improvements in your health.

2. Use vitamins and herbal supplements. A multivitamin can have a major impact on your immune system, as it bridges the gap between what you need and what you are not getting enough of in your diet. Vitamin C and Zinc are also great for boosting immunity, so if you can, use supplements!

3. Use a probiotic. Probiotics improve your gut health by helping to build up the good bacteria and decrease the bad bacteria in your gut. Without going into too much detail (I will in another post and explain it all properly), the more good bacteria you have in your gut, the healthier your immune system will be

4. Exercise! Even if you are in isolation and stuck indoors, do what you can. You can do star jumps in your living room or walking around your house, practice yoga, do whatever you can to be active for at least 20 minutes a day. Physical activity helps your immune system to get rid of toxins and anything that is not creating a favourable environment in your body. So get active!

5. Sleep. Make sure you get enough sleep. Sleeping is when your body systems get the chance to regenerate and restore. This is important if you want to feel the vitality that you are deserving of. Make sleep a routine, schedule it in and stick to it.

If you want some more specific tips on keeping a healthy immune system, don’t hesitate to get it touch!