5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Experts say that boosting your immune system may also give you an edge in staying healthy. Here are five smart steps to add to your to-do list now.

1  Stay active

Working out is a powerful way to boost your immune system. It causes your body’s antibodies and white blood cells to circulate more rapidly, which means they may be able to detect and zero in on bugs more quickly. Being active this way also lowers stress hormones, which reduces your chances of getting sick.

2  Watch your diet

Eighty per cent of your immune system is in the gut, so when it’s healthy, we tend to be able to fight off infections faster and better. When it’s not, our immune system is weaker and more susceptible to fighting off infection.

3  Stay on top of stress

There’s a strong link between your immune health and your mental health. When you’re under chronic stress or anxiety, your body produces stress hormones that suppress your immune system. People who are stressed are more susceptible to developing the common cold.

4  Get enough sleep

Z’s are another natural immune system booster. Your immune system is like your computer — it needs moments of rest so it doesn’t become overheated. Sleep reboots the system.

5  Be strategic about supplements

There’s no magic herb or vitamin you can pop to automatically prevent a cold, flu or other viruses. A study found that a moderate daily dose of vitamin D may offer protection if you’re already low in the sunshine vitamin.