8 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Our immune systems are made up of white blood cells, bone marrow and antibodies which help identify and destroy viruses, parasites, bacteria and fungi that attempt to attack us every day. Your defences can weaken during winter as poor weather may dampen our mood, we may take less exercise and eat larger meals and at other times of the year due to stress, anxiety and generally getting run down. The strength of our immune system determines our ability to resist daily onslaughts and protects us from the growth of abnormal cells. Symptoms of a lowered immune sysstem include dry skin, headaches, tiredness, aches and pains, weight imbalance, disrupted sleeping patterns and sickness. Here are 10 ways in which to help yourself by boosting your immune system:

1- Get Enough Sleep

Sleep researchers in Germany vacinnateed volunteers against hepatitis A infection, divided them into tw groups, ensured that one group had plenty of sleep while the second group were kept awake for 24 hours. Four weeks later the well-rested group had nearly twice the antibody level than the sleep-deprived group and showed a much stronger immune response to the vaccine. Most adults need an average of seven to eight hours sleep a night.

2 - Avoid Over-Processed Foods

Over-processed foods are energy robbers which can add toxins to your body. Avoid eating over-processed foods and opt for eating healthier, drinking alcohol in moderation, ventilating our homes and keeping them dust dree will contribute to a healthier environment.

3 - Drink Water

Our bodies lose three litres of water daily through urine, perspiration and breathing. Too little fluid in our body inhibits the efficient working of the blood and lymph systems which reduces energy and contributes to a sluggish feeling. Eight to ten glasses a day is recommended.

4 - Lessen Your Stress

Be sure to clearly identify stressors in your life and try your best to minimize them or elimininate them completely. Stress places our body into fight or flight mode which, in the long-term, puts our repair systems under constrant strain.

5 - Stop Smoking

Nicotine contains 4,000 chemicals including 60 known cancer-causing agents. Smoking directly effects our respitory system which contributes to coughs and colds. When you stop smoking your immune system begins to improve after 30 days.

6 - Reduce Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics used to fight infections can depress your immune system if used in the long-term. Become more pro-active by eating healing foods, herbal medicines, have plenty of fresh air and a positive attitude towards your life. Try complementary therapies some which work to release trapped energy in the body. This trapped energy leads to physical illness especially if you have a stressful lifestyle.

7 - Be Active

Go for a 30 minute walk every day and this alone will provide you with more energy, increases you metabolism, improves heart, bowel an lung functions which will benefit your immune system.

8 - Laughter - The Best Medicine

Positive emotions greatly boost your immune system. It has been proven at the University School of Medicine in California that laughter is good for you and strengthens the body's infection-fighting T-cells.

So, now you have your eight easy steps start off slowly and introduce a new one daily or weekly and eventually you will feel fit and full of energy.