In light of the global pandemic that’s taking place today, a lot of people are now more health-conscious than ever, doing their best to boost their immune systems.
While most of us generally know how to take our immune system levels up a notch or two, we are unaware of other simple things we can do to improve it. Sure, we eat the right food, practice proper hygiene, take our daily dose of vitamin C, get lots of rest, and other typical immune system boosters.
We have listed a few surprising yet simple things we can do to boost our immunity against sicknesses and diseases.
6 Surprising Ways to Beef Up Your Immune System
1. Keep your surroundings clean.
If there’s one thing this pandemic is teaching us, it’s how to keep ourselves and our surroundings clean. Clean your house regularly and get rid of anything that could trigger allergies such as dust, pollen, and molds. You may hire the services of a professional mold removal company in Denver CO, Memphis TN, Houston TX or wherever you are in the country. Make sure to also disinfect high-touch surfaces as much as you can.
2. Relieve yourself of stress.
Stress is one of the depressants of the immune system because it increases the levels of suppressor T-cells which leads to an imbalance in the immune system. Once it is imbalanced, it leaves you susceptible to plenty of viral sicknesses such as flu, the common cold, and even the novel coronavirus disease.
Stress is also partly responsible for releasing histamine into our bodies which causes different allergic reactions. Keep your anxieties and worries at bay. Relax. Meditate. Take breathing exercises. Acquire and maintain a positive mindset.
3. Adopt a pet.
People who have animals in their households are found to have lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels compared to those who have no pets. This translates to better overall health and a decrease in heart disease risk.
Owning a pet as a child is also found to decrease the risk of one’s susceptibility to allergies. Dog owners are also believed to be relatively healthier because of the physical engagement of walking their dogs.
4. Connect with people.
While this has more to do with managing stress and taking care of mental health, it is found that being around people and having connections improve one’s health and affect the mindset. Loneliness and isolation are detrimental to one’s health which can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Having healthy interpersonal relationships helps reduce stress and anxiety so pick up that phone and reach out to people.
5. Laugh a lot.
While further studies are required to validate the connection of laughter and immune system boost, one study involving healthy males watching funny movies showed a spike in the activity of the natural killer cells in their bodies compared to watching something more neutral.
As we wait for science to confirm the connection between laughter and immunity, go ahead and have a good hearty laugh. It makes you feel good plus there’s a chance that it can do your immune system good, too.
At this time of health crisis, your immune system is your best friend. If you take good care of it, it will take good care of you in the fight against COVID-19.
