It seems like everyone is talking about immunity these days. Whether you’re evading COVID-19, fighting the flu, or simply trying to keep your body in tip-top shape, the immune system is your body’s fiercest defender against infection. But what exactly is the human immune system?
Self-Defense
While the immune system is wildly complex, its purpose is straightforward: it protects the body against infection and disease.
When your body comes into contact with an agent it does not recognize, it releases antibodies or white blood cells to neutralize the intruder. Like a crime-fighting police department, the immune system keeps a record of every infection it’s ever defeated. That way, if you ever come into contact with the same infection, the body should already know exactly how to destroy it.
Sometimes, you’ll know your immune system is at work; if you experience a fever, that’s a sign that your blood temperature is rising to fight off disease. But much of the time, your immune system is just doing its thing without you noticing. When you give yourself a paper cut, breathe in a common cold pathogen, or consume a small amount of mold on your morning toast, a healthy immune system will respond immediately and prevent you from getting ill.
Still, your immune system can get overwhelmed at times. If you are dealing with too many infections or too strong an invader, your immune system can get stretched to the limit. As a result, it will be unable to fully combat the infection, making you sick.
For these reasons, it’s so important that you maintain a strong immune system. If you lead an active lifestyle, it’s even more important to protect yourself against infections that could slow you down. But how can you ensure that your immune system is running at peak velocity?
Simple Habits
There’s no silver bullet for boosting your immune system, but physicians seem to agree that developing healthy, long-term habits is the key to maintaining strong immunity. Here are some easy, everyday immunity-boosters:
- Get your steps in. Go for a brief walk around the block, or even around the shopping mall. While vigorous exercise is great, simply getting your blood to circulate for 20 minutes a day can go a long way.
- Get enough sleep. Irregular or insufficient sleep can be horrible for your physical and mental health—especially the immune system. Not getting enough rest can leave you vulnerable to colds, flu, even obesity or diabetes. But if you give your body the rest it needs (at least 6-7 hours a night), all of its systems get a chance to reset. That’s particularly true of the immune system, which works far more efficiently in a well-rested body.
- Consume clean. A diet full of empty calories won’t just make you feel bloated and sluggish, it will also slow down your immune system. But eating fruits and vegetables rich with antioxidants will help your immune system flourish. Think about color when you go to the supermarket: red, green, yellow, and orange produce are all packed with the vitamins and antioxidants that can really boost your immune system.
Remember, changing your diet does not have to be about leaving behind all the foods you love. It’s more about adding healthier items into your preexisting regimen. But if you feel like you can’t quite get all the vitamins and minerals you’re seeking, consider adding a supplement into your daily intake.
ZHROOM Hydration Immunity Mix, for instance, is packed with vitamins and minerals that support the immune system—and then some. Each serving includes healthy amounts of Vitamins C, D, E, B6 and B12, as well as iron, magnesium, and zinc, all of which will boost your immune system and give it the strength it needs to flourish. Plus, with natural electrolytes from magnesium, calcium, and potassium, ZHROOM will fuel your immune system by keeping you hydrated.
Self-Care
The human body is amazing in its ability to heal itself. But you need to show it the love it deserves so it can keep chugging along. By developing a few simple but effective habits, you can support your immune system and prevent time lost fighting illness. Staying active and being able to do what you enjoy on a daily basis make life a lot more enjoyable.
*LEGAL DISCLAIMER*
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE IMPLEMENTING ANY NEW DIET, EXERCISE AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENT PROGRAMS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE PREEXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR ARE TAKING PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS. THE STATEMENTS MADE ON THIS WEBSITE ARE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.