Ways to Boost Immune System

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 1 August 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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Can you actually boost your immune system? Here’s the truth | Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter
Video: Can you actually boost your immune system? Here’s the truth | Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter

Content

White blood cells, also known as white blood cells, are the body's natural defense against infectious agents and are also a key component of the immune system. White blood cells "feed" on foreign bacteria and other microorganisms that enter the body, thus they are responsible for the body's immunity (its ability to fight off infectious agents). In some people, the immune system may be weaker due to an inherited gene, in others due to a bacterial or viral infection.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Eat Right

  1. Get enough protein. A well-balanced diet ensures that the right nutrients reach the bone marrow where white blood cells are produced. Let's start by eating plenty of protein, the most important component of white blood cells. You can get protein from meat, milk, eggs and vegetables.

  2. Choose the right fats. Avoid saturated fat and eat plenty of unsaturated fats. Saturated fats increase the risk of heart disease, but unsaturated fats help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. These "good fats" are found in corn, sesame, safflower, soybeans and cottonseed oils.

  3. Eat carbohydrates in limited amounts. Consuming adequate amounts of wheat, corn, and whole grains helps create the energy the body needs to produce white blood cells. However, consuming too much of these foods will decrease the levels of T-lymphocytes (thus the immune response is also reduced).

  4. Include immune-boosting foods in your diet. Some special foods that can help include:
    • Garlic
    • Almonds
    • Kale
    • Navy beans
    • Ganoderma
    • Blueberries and blackberries
    • Yogurt
    • Green vegetables, Matcha green tea powder, and basil, teas
  5. Eat antioxidants. Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that help repair damaged cells in the body. Some examples of antioxidants are beta carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium. These nutrients can be found in some vegetables and fruits, or in supplements.
    • Beta carotene is found in apricots, broccoli, beets, spinach, green pepper, tomatoes, corn, and carrots.
    • Vitamin C is found in berries, broccoli, nectarine, oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cauliflower.
    • Vitamin E is found in broccoli, carrots, nuts, papaya, spinach and sunflower seeds.
    • Zinc is found in oysters, red meat, legumes, nuts, and seafood.
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Part 2 of 3: Taking Vitamins and Supplements

  1. Beware of "immune-boosting" products. There is no scientific evidence to prove that increasing the number of immune-fighting cells is a good thing. In fact, in some cases, increasing the number of certain "good" cells in the body increases the risk of stroke. Medically, the best thing you can do for your immune system is to lead a healthy lifestyle, with adequate care for the treatment of diseases and infections.
  2. Increase your zinc intake. Zinc is one of the most important components of enzymes present in white blood cells, and a deficiency of this mineral can weaken the immune system. You can get zinc from meat, fish and milk.
    • Supplements are also available, however you should consult your doctor before taking it regularly.
  3. Make sure enough copper is loaded. You only need a very small amount of copper to stay healthy (the entire amount of copper in a healthy person is about 75-100 milligrams.), But copper plays a very important role in metabolism and immune function. free radicals, neutralize free radicals and even potentially reduce some of their toxic effects. You can get copper from animal organs, leafy vegetables and whole grains.
    • It is known that copper in too high levels can be turned into an oxidizing agent, and in large amounts, copper can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, you should be careful and make sure to consult your doctor before increasing your copper intake.
  4. Get enough vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the number of white blood cells and enhances the effect of the cells. It is also an antioxidant that prevents the destruction of existing white blood cells. In addition to dietary supplements, you can get vitamin C from oranges, berries, and most citrus fruits.
    • For adults, the highest possible vitamin C intake is about 2,000 mg.
  5. Pay attention to vitamin A. Vitamin A is also an antioxidant and helps the immune system work more effectively. In addition to dietary supplements, you can get vitamin A from carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and squash.
  6. Take vitamin E. Like vitamins C and A, vitamin E is also good for skin and eyes. In addition to additional food sources, you can find vitamin E in olive oil, nuts, some fruits and vegetables.
  7. Try other therapies. Echinacea, ginseng, aloe vera, and green tea are known to help increase white blood cell counts.
    • Selenium is found in tuna, beef, and Brazil nuts.
  8. Consider taking colostrum supplements. If you have a weak immune system, you may need a supplement. Colostrum powder containing immunoglobulins (immunoglobulins) is a convenient option because it can be purchased over the counter as an oral capsule. For most people, one month of colostrum is enough for five years.
  9. Talk to your doctor about an immunoglobulin injection. If your immune system is particularly weak, you may need intravenous injections of immunoglobulin (polyvalent IgG antibodies), extracted from the plasma of blood donors. This therapy should always be prescribed by a doctor and should be used only if you have primary immunodeficiency, autoimmune diseases, severe inflammatory diseases or acute infections. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Choosing a Healthy Lifestyle

  1. Eat a healthy diet. Many people only care about it when there is a health problem. Do not wait until you are sick or injured to look after your body. Making healthy daily food choices is one of the best ways to maintain heart health, boost energy levels, and keep bones and muscles strong. A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean protein, and low sugar, fat and alcohol.
    • Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines and tomatoes contain vitamin C, which helps protect the immune system.
    • Eat chicken, turkey, salmon, tofu and other lean meats. These foods are rich in protein and do not have as much excess fat as red meats and shrimp. Other sources of protein include quinoa, kidney beans and black beans.
  2. Exercise regularly. Adequate exercise will improve heart health and significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Exercise enhances blood circulation to the organs of the body, helps promote the elimination of toxic metabolites, so that the immune system can function properly and can even reduce the risk of development. heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. So run, bike, swim, walk - whatever makes you move!
    • Children and teenagers ages 6-17 years should exercise for 60 minutes a day. Most of the exercise time should be spent on aerobic activities, and the rest of the time should be spent on strength-building exercises.
    • Adults 18-64 years old should spend at least 150 minutes (2 and a half hours) of aerobic exercise a week and two-day muscle-strengthening exercises like weight training.
    • Adults over 65 years of age and without any medical condition should spend at least 150 minutes (2 and a half hours) of moderate exercises like brisk walking and At least two days of muscle-strengthening exercises.
  3. Stop smoking. Smoking is harmful to almost every organ in the body, damaging the immune system and increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack and lung cancer. When nicotine enters the bloodstream, hemoglobin binds to nicotine instead of carrying oxygen as normal, reducing the body's ability to deliver oxygen to each cell. In addition, smoking also exposes the body to cancer-causing chemicals and tar, and increases the risk of infectious diseases because the immune system is overactive.
  4. Drink enough water. Water strengthens muscles, improves intestinal function and balances the amount of fluids in the body. You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day.
    • Avoid quenching thirst with soda, alcohol, tea or coffee, as these will actually dehydrate you.
  5. Limit alcohol intake. When metabolized in the body, alcohol turns into toxic chemicals that can damage white blood cells. Alcohol also reduces the absorption of many vitamins and minerals, having an adverse effect on white blood cell counts.
  6. Get at least six to eight hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep not only improves your mood and energy levels, but also prevents strokes and helps you manage your weight. Full and deep sleep also helps cells replenish and regenerate, and are therefore essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.
  7. Regular medical screening. This helps to detect the disease early, so you can get the most effective treatment.
  8. Hygiene. Cleanliness isn't just about good looks and smells. Taking proper precautions can prevent the onset and spread of infections or other illnesses.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water. This helps to remove dirt, bacteria, or germs that have stuck on you over the long day. Hands should be washed after using the toilet, before, during, and after cooking, after handling animal waste and handling, and before eating.
    • Bathe daily. If you don't want to wash your hair every day, cover your hair with soap and cover it with soap. Use a loofah fiber or sponge to remove dirt and dead skin cells.
    • Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night. This will help prevent gum disease.
  9. Manage stress. Not only does it affect emotions, but stress is detrimental to health, and chronic stress also adversely affects the immune system.
    • There are two possible ways to overcome stress, and ideally both. Avoid activities and people that can cause you extreme stress, if possible. While this can help, you also need to learn how to deal with the ups and downs of your life in a healthy way. Make time for activities like meditation, dancing, or “falling in love”.
    • If you think you have chronic stress, consider seeing a therapist or someone with a specialist to help you manage your condition.
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Warning

  • Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise or diet regimen, especially if you have a medical condition.
  • Be careful when using exercise machines such as treadmills or weights.
  • If you want changes in your lifestyle or diet, try them one at a time. This way you will know how your body responds to the change.