In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a robust immune system is essential for overall well-being. A strong immune system helps the body defend against infections, viruses, and diseases. While there is no magic pill to guarantee immunity, there are several natural ways you can support and boost your immune system. In this article, we will explore eight effective and practical methods to enhance your body’s defense mechanisms.
To boost your immunity naturally and provide good ammunition for our antibodies to face winter without worries, it is essential to adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle and preventive actions.
Why prepare your immune defenses to brave winter?
The change of season, mainly the arrival of winter, often causes harmful effects for our body: weakening of the body, fatigue, cold snap, muscle and joint stiffness, viral and bacterial infections… An anthology of small harmful sensations to our well-being.
Proven factors such as reduced sunshine, cold and dry weather, rain, snow, icy wind and lack of light explain these winter woes. Let us also note the evolution of our behavior in the face of the cold which encourages us to go out less, to have a less balanced diet, and to go to overheated, poorly ventilated places where the proximity of people facilitates the transmission of microbes and viruses. To avoid these little hassles, it is important to understand how the immune system works to boost your immunity.
1- Stock up on vitamins and minerals thanks to micronutrition
The right foods to boost your immune defenses
To boost your immune system and deal with seasonal infections, it is first of all very important, even essential, to strengthen and protect your intestinal flora, also called microbiota. About 70% of the immune system comes from our gut. It is therefore the first immune organ of our body. To do this, make sure you eat a good, healthy and balanced diet by opting for simple, seasonal products that promote digestion such as artichokes, cabbage or even radishes.
Maintain a diet rich in natural vitamin C such as citrus fruits, peppers or spinach, which can, for example, reduce the feeling of fatigue. Also stock up on vitamins A, E and D which contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system: green vegetables, citrus fruits, egg yolks, whole grains, etc.
Also favor anti-infective trace elements such as zinc which you will find in oysters, beef, eggs, cereals and dairy products. Or the Selenium present in fish, eggs, meat and cheese.
2- Pamper your intestines with a course of probiotics
Protect your intestinal flora
An unbalanced intestinal flora threatens the entire immune system and can weaken natural defenses. To preserve and improve the balance of your microbiota, opt for a special immunity probiotic treatment.
Probiotics are “live microorganisms which, when administered in sufficient quantities, exert a beneficial effect on the health of the host” (FAO/WHO, 2001). Probiotics thus prove to be valuable allies that contribute to strengthening the immune system naturally.
Probiotics are present in many lacto-fermented foods such as dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, fermented cereals including miso paste or kefir.
Probiotics are also found in the form of food supplements to allow you to carry out a treatment adapted to your needs thanks to an optimal concentration of probiotic strains.
Probiotic immunity is a natural solution formulated by COPMED Laboratories which contains lactic ferments from 3 strains rigorously selected to take care of its immune defenses: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, vitamin D and acacia fibers.
3- Get enough sleep and relax
Restful sleep boosts immunity
According to Inserm, “rest allows the body to perform functions necessary for development and health ”. Sleeping allows the body to stock up on energy, restore memory but also allows the brain to secrete hormones helping the immune system to fight against viral and bacterial infections.
Therefore, improve the quality and duration of your sleep by avoiding exciting drinks, bright screens before sleeping and practicing sports activities too late.
To boost your immune system, say goodbye to stress. Being stressed exhausts the body, weakens your immune system and thus increases the risk of infection. Take breaks and relax in whatever way relieves and satisfies you best. Also relax with breathing exercises and meditation. Take care of yourself!
4- Practice regular physical activity
Sport, an ally for immunity
Regular physical activity helps boost the immune system and reduces the risk of respiratory infections. In fact, sport stimulates blood circulation, thus accelerating the movement of antibodies and white blood cells in the body. Increasing the speed of circulation allows our immune system to identify and fight infections and diseases more quickly.
Practicing a sport affects the well-being of your body (strengthens muscles, improves the cardiovascular system, weight control, etc.) but also your mind. Physical activity purifies your mind, releases nervous tension and endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety which strengthens our ability to stay healthy.
Daily moderate exercise such as walking 30 minutes a day is enough to contribute to a better quality of life and general well-being.
5- Protect yourself from the cold
Cold slows down the immune response
We know it well: against the cold we must protect ourselves and cover ourselves. Therefore, choose suitable and warm clothing.
In cold weather, blood vessels on the surface of the skin narrow to conserve body heat. This reduces blood flow to areas where immune cells are circulating and limits their access to infected areas, slowing the immune response. Therefore, cover your head and neck since these are the areas where there is the most heat loss, but also the extremities of the limbs, sources of frostbite.
Avoid overheating your rooms, at home or in the office, because temperature differences between inside and outside are harmful to the body.
6- Think about immunity plants
Phytotherapy to strengthen your defenses
Natural solutions exist to boost your immune system naturally. Phytotherapy is an alternative medicine that uses plant extracts to take care of your health in a preventive or curative manner.
Opt for natural actions and remedies. Medicinal plants have proven their virtues by truly boosting our immune defenses. Use them in infusion, in inhalation or even through food supplements and effective French Natural Health products.
What are the immunity plants?
- Extracts of echinacea, garlic, nettle and rosemary support the immune system and the body’s defenses.
- Pine and thyme extracts support optimal functioning of the respiratory system and thyme promotes resistance against microorganisms.
- Ginseng extract contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system and the maintenance of energy and vitality.
- Yarrow and angelica extracts support the body’s physiological resistance. Grapefruit seed extract is naturally rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C. It has beneficial effects on the body’s natural defenses and promotes body resistance. The body and helps fight colds.
Also opt for aromatherapy
Also purify the ambient air by ventilating your rooms and using essential oils promoting respiratory comfort such as Ravintsara or Peppermint.
Prevention is better than cure
In conclusion, the proverb “prevention is better than cure” which has been the leitmotif of COPMED Laboratories for two decades particularly resonates in the context of immunity.
A strong and resilient immune system is our first line of defense against disease. To boost immunity, adopt preventive practices, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, quality sleep and good stress management.
FAQs
While a strong immune system can defend against many illnesses, it may not prevent all infections. However, it can reduce the severity and duration of illnesses.
When done correctly, boosting the immune system through natural methods is generally safe and without side effects. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Moderate exercise has been shown to enhance the immune system. However, excessive and intense exercise can temporarily suppress it. Finding a balanced exercise routine is crucial.
It’s generally safe to take supplements daily if taken as directed and within recommended doses. However, excessive supplementation can lead to adverse effects, so moderation is key.
Yes, most of these natural methods are suitable for children as well. However, it’s best to adjust portions and dosages according to their age and consult with a pediatrician if needed.
2 Comments