We live in a microbial world, which means that we continuously encounter microorganisms that could harm our health, the human immune system comes to our rescue, and it continually defends us against these threats to our survival. It protects our body from harmful substances, germs, and cell changes that might make you ill. As long as our immune system works well, we are healthy and well, but if due for some reason our immune system fails, we will be prone to sickness and disease. It is essential to keep your immune system in check and running smoothly. Medicine may not be in our hands, but prevention is, which is why we bring you five tips to help you increase your immune system.
VITAMINS- ( C, B6, E )
Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system boosters of all. Lack of vitamin C can make you prone to illness and disease. Grapefruits, kale, oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers are some ingredients that contain vitamin C. The best part about this vitamin is that it is present in many fruits and vegetables and so there is no requirement for oral supplements.
Vitamin B6 plays an important role to support the biochemical reactions in our immune system. Foods that are rich in Vitamin B6 include chicken and cold-water fish like tuna and salmon. It is also present in green vegetables and chickpeas.
Vitamin E also helps the body with its powerful antioxidant properties in fighting off infections. Nuts, seeds, and spinach are some foods that are rich in vitamin E.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Sleep and immunity go hand in hand; you cannot have one without the other. Inadequate or poor quality of sleep can result in higher susceptibility to sickness.
In a study done between 164 adults, it was observed that those who slept 6 hours each night were more likely to get sick than those who slept for more than 6 hours each night. You may have noticed that when sick, you tend to sleep a lot, that is because it helps your immune system fight the virus better. Getting adequate rest helps strengthen your natural immunity. If you have trouble sleeping, you can try limiting your screen time, and put your electronic gadget away an hour before going to bed, as the blue light emitted from these gadgets disturb your circadian rhythm.
Adults should sleep at least 7 hours or more each night, teenagers should sleep 8 -10 hours each night, while younger children and infants up to 14 hours.
