The average American spends approximately $11,000 on healthcare. For most people, keeping their mind and body healthy is something they view as a top priority. As the country adjusts to the new normal brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a renewed focus on staying healthy.
One of the best ways to fight off viruses and dangerous bacteria is by keeping your immune system working at peak efficiency. The sad reality is that most Americans live a very unhealthy lifestyle. Eating processed foods and drinking sugar-filled drinks can wreak havoc on your immune system. Recognizing weak immune system symptoms and taking action to fix these issues is imperative when trying to stay healthy.
Are you tired of your life being disrupted by a constant array of sicknesses? If so, now is the time to take action. Boosting your immune system naturally is easy if you follow the tips below.
Staying Hydrated is Crucial
Drinking enough water throughout your day is vital when trying to avoid health issues. Most people fail to realize just how dehydrated their body is until they start to experience issues with headaches, mood, and low energy levels. Simply drinking sugar-filled drinks all day is not enough to keep your body and your immune system healthy. Rather than waiting until you are in the midst of a full-fledged health crisis, you need to take staying hydrated seriously now.
While drinking more water on a daily basis will be difficult at first, you will get used to it after a few weeks. Investing in a large water bottle and carrying it with you to work or the gym is a wise move. The longer you deprive your body of the water it needs to thrive, the higher the risk will become for things like heart and kidney function issues. These health complications will make you far more susceptible to illnesses because they typically weaken your immune system. If you work outside or live in a hotter part of the country, you may need to consume more water to offset the number of fluids you lose to sweating.
The Right Supplements Can Be Helpful
Vitamin deficiencies are far more common than most people realize. If your body is deficient in things like vitamin D or zinc, it is only a matter of time before your immune system starts to suffer. When trying to keep your immune system strong and functional, you need to think about taking supplements like:
· Vitamin D- This fat-soluble nutrient is a vital part of a healthy immune system. When increasing the amount of vitamin D in your body, you can ramp up the production of pathogen-fighting white blood cells. People who are vitamin D deficient typically have problems with upper respiratory conditions and are more susceptible to getting the flu. This is why investing in a quality vitamin D supplement is essential.
· Vitamin C- For years, doctors and scientists have touted the power of vitamin C. With more vitamin C in the body, you can boost the function of immune cells and increase their ability to fight off common viruses. Vitamin C is also known to be a powerful antioxidant. By ridding your body of oxidative stress, you can give your immune system a much-needed boost.
· Zinc- Providing your body with more zinc is crucial when trying to boost immune cell development. A zinc deficiency typically leads to a weakened immune system and an increased risk of disease. Over 2 billion people in the world are zinc deficient. Older adults seem to be more susceptible to this deficiency. Studies show that over 30% of older adults are zinc deficient. Addressing this deficiency is only possible when investing in a high-quality supplement.
Before investing in a supplement, be sure to familiarize yourself with the contents. Avoiding supplements that have tons of filler ingredients can help you get a potent dose of the substances mentioned above.
Address Problems with Your Sleep Schedule
Did you realize there is a strong correlation between sleep problems and a weakened immune system? People who are getting an inadequate amount of sleep on a regular basis are more susceptible to getting sick. In fact, a recent study found that people who received fewer than six hours of sleep or less were far more likely to get sick with conditions ranging from the common cold to the flu.
If you are struggling with sleep problems, you need to work on creating a bedtime routine. This routine should consist of things like turning off all electronics an hour before you go to bed. If you can’t seem to fix your sleep problems with the implementation of a bedtime routine, then you need to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to see if they can help.
Limit the Amount of Sugars in Your Diet
The types of foods in your diet can also play a role in weakening your immune system. People who are obese typically have a higher risk of developing immune system issues. This is why you need to focus on losing weight and eating healthy when trying to boost your immune system.
Reducing the amount of sugars in your diet and increasing the number of quality proteins is a must when trying to achieve this goal. You also need to consider exercising on a daily basis due to the immune-boosting benefits this can provide. Before starting a new diet or exercise regimen, you need to consult with a doctor. These medical professionals will provide you with advice regarding how to achieve your weight loss goals without jeopardizing your health.
It’s Time to Take Action
In the age of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to find ways to strengthen your immune system. With the tips in this article, you can give your immune system a boost. This means your body will work harder to battle dangerous viruses and bacteria. The lifestyle changes you have to make to benefit your immune system will be worth it considering the long-term benefits they provide.
