Ok, so maybe the following nine reasons aren’t necessarily secrets, but they aren’t the run-of-the-mill reasons you’ll see in the majority of search results for “how to boost your immune system” or “ways to strengthen your immune system for Covid-19.” That frantic feeling of “I need to rev up my immune system now!” is usually a response to an immediate threat, i.e., flu season, a cold outbreak in your household, office, or school, or as we’ve all felt this past year, coronavirus. But, what if instead of “panic boosting,” we just maintained a robust and high-functioning immune system?
At Parker Dentistry Facial Rejuvenation and Wellness in Hollywood, Florida, we are complete body wellness advocates, which is why we like to sprinkle in informative and inspiring articles on our blog that aren't exclusively focused on oral health. So, let's start strengthening our immune systems, shall we?
Here's how!
Meditate
Meditation has been linked to decreased depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and an increase in focus, creativity, productivity, and an overall sense of well-being. It also directly benefits your lungs and respiratory system, which plays a vital role in your body’s immune response.
While breathing is an involuntary action, most of us are unconsciously shallow breathers. Controlled diaphragmatic breathing, or in other words, slow, deep belly breathing, causes greater oxygen flow, increased lung capacity, and inspires your immune system to produce more antibodies to fight foreign invaders.
Meditation is a free mental and physical health booster that you can start incorporating into your life right now for immediate and ever-growing benefits.
Soak in the Sunshine
Vitamin D is an immune system supercharger! You only need 10-20 minutes of sunshine to reap the benefits of this all-natural supplement.
Heat Up in the Sauna
Whether you prefer dry, steam, or infrared, treating yourself to regular sauna sessions is a delightful way to de-stress and strengthen your immune system. Your core body temperature heats up by a degree or two during a typical sauna session, which charges up your disease-fighting white blood cells.
Drink a Warm Immunity-boosting Beverage
A nice hot cup of water, lemon, honey, ginger, and turmeric is a tried and true wellness elixir many swear by! All of the ingredients individually possess their own immune-boosting properties, including antioxidants and antiviral components.
Clean Your Nasal Passages
Keeping your nasal passages clean and moist is key to keeping viral invaders out. Regularly using a saline solution spritz or Neti pot will do just the trick. Plus, if you are an allergy suffer, this method will benefit you even more!
Mind Your Gut Microbiome
Your gut microbiome is directly responsible for helping to maintain immune homeostasis. In fact, gut health is directly linked to everything that’s going on in your body. The goal here is to keep the good bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract happy and well-fed. This can be achieved through your diet and with the aid of prebiotics and probiotics.
Feed Yourself Fermented Foods
Speaking of keeping the good bacteria in your gut satisfied, fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, miso, and kefir actually fed your gut the probiotics it needs to function optimally.
Take Down Some Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Adding just a teaspoon to your smoothie, bulletproof coffee, oatmeal, or salad is a delicious way to add in some extra immunity power.
Use Antiviral Herbs
Extracts of elderberry, olive leaf, grapefruit seed, and oregano all have strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. Tinctures are an easy way to take down these powerhouse herbs and are widely available at health food and wellness shops. Make sure you consult your physician first, though, if you are taking any medications or have any existing conditioners before starting any new herbal remedies just to be on the safe side.
Incorporating all or a few of these immune-strengthening practicing, along with getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night, staying hydrated, eating a predominantly plant-based diet, keeping your meals colorful, managing your stress, and staying active, will ensure that you don’t have to “panic boost” your immune system. Make health a priority today, for both the short-run and long game. And don’t forget to wash your hands, wear your mask, stay home if you don’t feel well; remember that our choices affect more than just ourselves.