Our immune systems are a delicate and intricate system of white blood cells, antibodies, and complex proteins. The immune system is responsible for protecting our vital organs, blood, and brain from dangerous viruses and bacteria that lead to serious illnesses.
Still, your immune system can’t protect your body unless it familiarizes itself with the different microbial enemies we face daily. This includes the flu, the common cold, and now, COVID-19. While we can’t avoid everything all the time, there are ways you can support your body as it fights off these germs. Here are some of the top ways your HYDR8 team suggests boosting your immune system.
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Get Some Shut-Eye
We know that getting enough sleep at night is a struggle, but if you want to boost your immune system, don’t let yourself run ragged. When you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system can’t reboot, which is precisely what it does when you sleep. A lack of sleep also forces your body to turn out stress hormones to keep you running with a low battery. The stress hormones suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses and diseases.
So, make sure you try to get that recommended 8-10 hours of sleep every night for boosted immunity.
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Drink Plenty of Water
Your body is 60% water, so being dehydrated isn’t an option. In order for all of your muscles, joints, organs, and cells to operate and function, you have to replenish those liquids. When your body is dehydrated, you can experience headaches and have mood swings, and it can cause your heart and kidneys to not function properly. When your overall health declines because you don’t drink enough water, you leave the door wide open for germs to get in and attack. So, take a moment and drink some water.
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Have a Balanced Diet
When it comes to what you eat, you can boost your immune system when you limit sugars and eat the right foods. Foods high in Omega-3 and vitamin C are highly recommended and are found in fish, fruits, and vegetables. You should also try to incorporate more nuts and seeds, which provide your immune system with the antioxidants and nutrients it needs to fight off trespassers. Focusing on healthy foods that are good for your gut, heart, and overall health is a great way to support your immune system.
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Take Your Supplements (Wisely)
It’s tempting to try all the supplements you can to avoid COVID-19. However, you shouldn’t believe everything you hear nor try everything under the sun. Instead, choose your vitamins wisely by considering what might be missing from your diet. Some of the most common and highly recommended supplements that will boost your immune system include:
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- Vitamin C
- Elderberry
- Garlic
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
- Echinacea
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Work It Out
While intense workouts can suppress your immune system, moderate exercise has shown to give it a boost. This is especially important as we head into the winter months, where the risk of catching the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19 go up. Working out moderately can also help you manage your stress, keeping that stress hormone cocktail to a minimum. Furthermore, moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and help your immune system regenerate regularly.
Why Is Your Immune System Important?
Your immune system does a lot for your body, whether you realize it or not. Not only does this network of white blood cells protect your vital organs from being attacked by free radicals and germs, it also works hard to lower inflammation, reduce swelling, and heal muscles, joints, and other tissues if you get hurt.
As we continue to battle the spread of COVID-19, experts are warning us about a second wave coming through. Doing everything you can to boost your immune system will help ensure that you don’t fall ill and help stop the spread of COVID-19. Keeping your immunity up will also help you fight off the common cold and flu viruses that are always a cause of concern this time of year.
Drink Up with HYDR8!
When it comes to giving your immune system a boost through hydration, HYDR8 knows a thing or two. Not only do our bottleless, hands-free water coolers filter out germs and other harmful pathogens, but they also prevent the spread of microbes at the water cooler. To learn more about our systems or to try one free for 8 days, give us a call (718) 313-0113.
Photo Credit:https://unsplash.com/photos/GrdJp16CPk8
