6 Things You Can Do to Help Boost Your Immune System

A healthy body is one that is more resistant, or immune, to sickness. Of course, not everything is in our control health-wise because we didn’t choose our genes, and some diseases are hereditary. But there are ways we can improve how our bodies work and ensure that they work well for a long time.

1. Sufficient hours of sleep each night

Sleep is when our cells (especially the T cells, which suppress infection) are restored to protect us from sickness the following day. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night has been found time and time again to be beneficial to us. Studies have shown that people who get enough sleep have better immune systems, while those who get less are at a higher risk of getting sick.

2. Exercise

People who exercise regularly are found to have a lower risk of developing chronic conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. Exercise strengthens the heart, helps you get or maintain a healthy weight, improves your mood, and keeps your mind sharp.

If you have any of the chronic conditions mentioned above, enrolling in Maxicare’s Best Life Wellness Program can help your body become strong and healthy again. Being a part of this comprehensive care program means essential medicine delivered to your doorstep; lab tests at home, the office, or a Maxicare Primary Care Clinic; doctor consultations; nutrition counseling and a customized diet plan; and more.

3. A healthy mind

Our mental and emotional health affect our physical well-being. If you’re experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or perhaps dealing with trauma, it’s wise to seek care in order to heal. This can be through communities or loved ones you feel connected with, meditation, or professional help. The healing process doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a process—but it’s something you need to do for yourself to have a healthier body and live a freer and more peaceful life.

To find mental health programs for you, check Maxicare’s offerings. Maxicare provides psychiatrist consultations and initial medical consultations, and you can get these services through clinics near you, corporate care centers, or via hotline/teleconsult.

The Metro Manila 24/7 teleconsult hotline numbers are 02 8582 1980 and 02 7798 7798. Click here for the complete list of hotline numbers nationwide.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various infections and even autoimmunity, where your immune system attacks normal cells because it can’t distinguish your own cells from foreign cells. Historically, vitamin D has been crucial in treating infections like tuberculosis, as well as influenza and HIV. Our bodies need it so that our immune system can use T cells, which we mentioned earlier, to prevent or overcome a pathogen.

Our bodies can get vitamin D through supplements or brief sun exposure (about 10 minutes three times a week).

5. A balanced diet and proper hydration

The human body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs from food, so we need a nutrient-rich diet. Apart from eating fruits and vegetables, as well as lean meats, remember to eat a wide variety of them to get a broader range of nutrients. Staying hydrated is equally important. Water regulates our body temperature, prevents infections, delivers nutrients from food to cells, and keeps our organs working properly.

SOURCE: Summit Media

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