What Is Your Immune System and How Can You Support It?

Our immune system tries to keep us healthy but sometimes it fails and we get sick. That is why it is a great idea to give it all the help and support it needs.

What Is Your Immune System?

Your immune system is your body’s defense against infection and illness. It recognizes the cells that make up your body and will try to get rid of anything unfamiliar. This is what makes it so important – the “will try to get rid of anything unfamiliar” part especially.

What Can You Do To Boost Your Immune System?

The immune system is complicated since it is a complex “system” of intricacies and interconnectedness. Therefore, it is best to practice several support strategies to give the immune system the upper hand.

It is a good idea to start with choosing a healthy lifestyle. This is just common sense to keep not just your immune system but your entire body strong and healthy.

Tips To Strengthen Your Immune System

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, stop now. Smoking is said to have a negative impact on immunity. It can also increase the chances of developing harmful pathogenic immune responses and smoking also reduces the effectiveness of your immune system’s defenses.

Eat Healthy Foods

Certain foods can boost your immune system. Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. They are loaded with nutrients that are essential for our immune system. Some healthy foods to consider are: citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, yogurt, almonds, green tea, sunflower seeds, and turmeric. Please avoid sugar and sugary treats.

Exercise

Exercise regularly. It improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, helps control body weight, and protects against a variety of diseases. Just like a healthy diet, exercise can contribute to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Drink alcohol in moderation. Numerous researches have shown that excess intake of alcohol can tamper with the immune system and its pathway in a complicated manner.

Hydrate

Staying hydrated is key! Drink plenty of water (no ice) and warm drinks. Avoid sugary drinks.

Sleep

Get adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can cause the inflammatory immune response to activate, reducing the activity of T cells in the body. This can weaken your immune system and response to vaccines. Try to sleep for 7–8 hours and avoid having an all-nighter.

Keep It Clean

Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.

Manage Stress

Reduce your stress levels. Chronic stress suppresses the immune response of the body by releasing the hormone cortisol. Cortisol interferes with the T-cells (a specific white blood cell) to reproduce and receive signals from the body. Cortisol also reduces the antibody secretory IgA, which lines the gut and respiratory tract, which are our first line of defense against pathogens. To keep your stress in check, practice yoga, meditation or deep breathing in your regular routine.

Vitamins

How about vitamins? There are many scientific studies showing the benefits of adequate vitamins like A, B, C, D and E for keeping your immune system healthy. One of the most important vitamins for immune support is vitamin D. Since we all fear too much sun exposure it is best to take a supplement to get adequate amounts.

Minerals

How about minerals? Zinc is a mineral that’s important to support our immune system. We have all heard about zinc lozenges being a popular treatment for the common cold. And selenium is a powerful antioxidant. This antioxidant helps lower oxidative stress in your body, which reduces inflammation and supports immunity. Studies have demonstrated that increased blood levels of selenium are associated with a healthy immune response.

Adaptogens

Now let’s talk adaptogens. An adaptogen is a natural herb that helps the body cope with stress. As we have already learned, chronic stress may suppress the immune system. Adaptogens like ashwagandha, cordyceps, maca and ginseng support the ability of an organism to cope with stress and thereby conserve energy. Ashwagandha supports and maintains the body's health, especially the endocrine and immune systems. Being a powerful adaptogen, it enhances the body's resilience to stress. Ashwagandha has potent antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Mushrooms

And last but not least, mushrooms are one of the best ways to help our immune system. They’re a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins B & C, and several minerals. Maitake mushrooms are highly sought after for both their delicious flavor and immune-supporting effects. Cordyceps mushrooms are well-known among professional athletes for their ability to improve physical performance and energy levels. But what most people don’t realize is cordyceps can also benefit your immune system.

I hope this helps to give you a plan for keeping your immune system healthy. If you want to explore some dietary supplements that contain immune health support ingredients, browse our website mdriveformen.com or call our support hotline and ask about our range of men’s supplements - especially Mdrive Elite which contains vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and mushrooms. And stay healthy!

Sources:

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
• https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-boost-the-immune-system#other-options
• https://healthcareinamerica.us/for-a-stronger-immunity-natural-ways-to-boost-the-immune-system-d7aba9ae599b
• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-zinc#1
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/selenium-benefits#1
• https://thegoodinside.com/5-mushrooms-to-balance-the-immune-system/
• https://www.betternutrition.com/features-dept/best-adaptogenic-herbs
• https://www.nhc.com/cordyceps
• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/news/20000605/ginseng-boost-immune-function#1