While we tend to say we want to “boost” our immune system, friends, what we really want to do is balance it! Technically, you don’t want a really “strong” immune system because that would react to things that are not necessarily harmful, which is essentially what allergic reactions are.
It’s not as difficult as it may seem to get your immune system back to its level self, especially when you try the ways to do so below.
Get your gut healthy
You probably don’t think of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract when you consider your immune system, but it makes up a big part of it. Around 70 percent of your immune cells live along your GI tract, as noted in the Clinical and Experimental Immunology medical journal (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/). Your intestinal lining, for example, secretes antibodies and has cells that can identify and destroy harmful bacteria. Your gut also contains bad and good bacteria that can work for you–by processing vitamins–or against you by setting off an autoimmune response or even disease.
To keep this important immune hub healthy, consider taking a probiotic each day. This helps restore your gut’s beneficial bacteria. Talk to your doctor about food sensitivities, and ask about stool tests that can asses your gut bacteria levels and what you can do about any imbalances the tests uncover.
Get your vitamin levels checked
You need both vitamin D and vitamin C for your immune system to work at its best. Ask your doctor for blood tests to identify any deficiencies you have so you can add to your diet or supplement as necessary. Vitamin D deficiency is common in particular, with Mercy Medical Center noting that an estimated 42 percent of the US population is lacking vitamin D (https://www.cantonmercy.org/healthchat/42-percent-of-americans-are-vitamin-d-deficient/).
Add some cardio to your routine
Aim for at least 30 to 40 minutes of cardio exercise a day for five days a week. This will boost your blood circulation and improve your lymphatic fluid flow. This fluid travels through your tissues and cells and removes waste products, toxins, bacteria and even cancer cells.
If you’re new to cardio, you may need to start off with low-impact exercises to prevent injury. There are many free online cardio guides that you can use to build a safe, effective routine, no matter what level of fitness you have. As always, be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new workout program.
