1/31/2024 0 Comments Immunity tales![]() Curtail alcohol and smoking: This may seem like an obvious health suggestion, but many don't know that cigarettes and alcohol actually hinder immune system function.Go for brisk walks if you're able or find some at-home workouts that get your heart pumping to give your immune system a boost. Not only does it help alleviate stress (hint: see above), studies have shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to catch colds than those who don't. Break a sweat: Exercise is one of the best things we can do to maintain our health and boost immunity.Meditation, getting in some movement, setting regular video calls with friends and family, or seeking help from a mental health professional are all options. So it's important to make efforts to minimize and manage stress in whatever ways we can. Manage stress: It's understandable that stress levels these days are high.Making small efforts to reach that minimum, even if that means getting into bed an hour earlier or implementing a "no screen time" rule before bed so it's easier slipping into sleep mode can truly be helpful. Adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep a night to boost their immune systems, but with our busy lives today, that can be unrealistic at times. Get your Zzzs: Did you know sleep boosts the immune system? When we don't get adequate rest, we don't just feel tired on the outside, it can cause stress and inflammation in our bodies, making it harder to ward off illness.It's important to eat well-but we also want to make sure we do all we can to treat our bodies with TLC. "A diet filled with plenty of important nutrients is crucial for overall health and a strong immune system, but many other lifestyle factors play a role, too," explains Rodriquez. It also contains vitamin B6, which is important to the formation of new and healthy red blood cells." Chicken broth (bone broth) contains nutrients that help with gut health and immunity, too.Ġ5 of 09 Myth: Foods and vitamins are the only way to improve immunity. "Poultry (like chicken) is chock-full of it. For one, it's hydrating-but it also contains zinc, an important mineral for helping to manage inflammation. Chicken: Chicken soup is a go-to comfort food for a reason."Vitamin A precursors like carotenoids (beta-carotene) are important antioxidants that strengthen immune function and can help our bodies fight off infections," says Rodriquez. Carrots: We're often told carrots are great for eye health (they are!), but the large amount of vitamin A they contain is also a fantastic immunity booster.Garlic: According to Rodriquez, the sulfuric compounds in garlic have been shown to help improve immune system function.Red peppers: Just one half-cup contains over 150 percent of your daily value for vitamin C.Rodriquez recommends upping your intake of some of these savory ingredients so you can add some immune-boosters to every meal: "These are great to reach for when you're looking for a sweet pick-me-up, but they aren't the only foods that can support immune system health by helping you to get sick less and also helping to shorten the duration if you do," says Briana Rodriquez, RD at Jenny Craig. Not true! Citrus fruits, like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, are delicious, valuable sources for the immunity powerhouse vitamin C, yes. 04 of 09 Myth: The only foods that boost immunity are citrus fruits.
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