Natural Ways to Boost Your Immunity

GIDOCJHB is a gastroenterology practice in Johannesburg. If you are experiencing Gastrointestinal disorders of any kind, you can get in touch with us for effective diagnosis and treatment options available for disorders ranging from simple to complex.

We works together to provide treatment with care, so you can find relief from uncomfortable GI symptoms and return to an improved quality of life.

Every case is different. As a result, we tailor our diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to your specific needs.

Importance of the Immune System

Your immune system is designed to defend and guard your body against illness, viruses, and disease.

The complex system is made up of healthy cells in your skin, blood, bone marrow, tissues, and organs that, when working the way they should, protect your body against potentially harmful pathogens (like bacteria and viruses) however, to best protect your body from harm, every component of your immune system needs to perform exactly according to plan, and that means keeping your immune system healthy.

To find out more about how to protect your immune system, click here

Immune System Boosters

If you want to boost your immune health strong and healthy, you may wonder how to help your body fight off illnesses.

While boosting your immunity is easier said than done, several dietary and lifestyle changes may strengthen your body’s natural defenses and help you fight harmful pathogens or disease-causing organisms.

Here are 3 natural science-backed ways to ensure your immune system has everything it needs to function optimally.

Your Nutrition

A healthy gut plays a significant role in overall health and well-being, so we will put most of the emphasis on your diet and what you put into your body.

We recommend sticking to a low-fat, plant-based diet which may help give your immune system a boost.

Plant-based diets are also effective for losing weight because they are rich in fiber, which helps fill you keep full, without adding extra calories. Fiber can also lower BMI, which is linked to improved immunity.

We also recommend the following in your diet:

• Watermelon

Watermelon is an immune-boosting fruit. Watermelon also provides vitamin B6 and glutathione.

The body needs these vitamins, nutrients, and compounds like glutathione for proper immune function.

• Yoghurt

  Consuming yogurt with little to no added sugar and “active, live cultures” is an effective way to support immune health.

  Yoghurt’s benefits come from the probiotics or good bacteria which aid immune health.

   

• Broccoli
  
  Broccoli is a nutrient-packed superpower to support your immune system. It’s a good source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, broccoli also contains glutathione, the master antioxidant in the body.

   

   

• Chicken or Chicken Soup

  Eating chicken soup mixed with other healthy vegetables has a mild anti-inflammatory effect that impacts white blood cells. This could lead to a decreased risk of developing a respiratory infection, something that may be due to a compound in chicken that inhibits viral infections. 

   

• Eggs

  Eggs that are fed a vegetarian diet provide a good source of protein, which is important to support immune response. Eggs contain important nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E that the body needs for proper immune functioning.

   

• Sweet Potato and Carrots

  Sweet potato and carrots are top sources of beta carotene, which is linked to vitamin A. This nutrient aids the immune system by helping to produce white blood cells, which fight bacteria and viruses. 

   

• Consider Taking Vitamin D

  Vitamin D plays an important role in supporting the immune system by helping your body produce antibodies, which can then fight illness. In the long-term, a lack of vitamin D can make you more susceptible to infections. 

   

  

  
  Your Lifestyle

  Your lifestyle conditions are an important aspect of your overall health and can make a big difference in how fast your immune system recovers and remains healthy.
   

  • Minimise Stress

  During a period of stress, particularly chronic stress that’s regular and long-lasting, your body responds by initiating a stress response.

  This stress response, in turn, suppresses your immune system — increasing your chance of infection or illness. Stress is different for everyone, and how we relieve or cope with it is, too.

  Given the effect it can have on your health, it’s important to know how to identify stress. And, whether it’s deep breathing, spending time outside, mediation, prayer, or exercise, you should also get familiar with the activities that help you reduce your stress levels.

   

  • Stay Active

  Regular physical activity isn’t just for building muscles and helping yourself de-stress, it’s also an important part of being healthy and supporting a healthy immune system.

  Exercise improves immune function by boosting your overall circulation, making it easier for immune cells and other infection-fighting molecules to travel more easily throughout your body.

   

  • Get Enough Sleep

  Sleep and immunity are closely linked. Our bodies need sleep to rest and recharge to build up our energy and keep an active mind.

  Without at least 7 hours of sleep a day, we increase our risk of developing serious health problems like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity. Inadequate sleep has also been linked to suppressed immune function.

   

  • Stay Hydrated

  Even if you’re not exercising or sweating, you’re regularly losing water through your breathing, as well as through your urine and bowel movements. To help support your immune system, be sure to drink at least 2 liters of water every day.

   

  • Limit Alcohol

  High alcohol intake has been shown to suppress immune function and high levels cause dehydration, which we know does not help the immune system. When you’re dehydrated, your cells aren’t able to function at their optimal level, and that can open up the door for you to get sick.

   

  Your Attitude

  A positive mindset is important for your overall health and well-being. Research shows that positive thoughts reduce stress and inflammation and increase resilience to infection