4 Easy Natural Ways To Boost Your Immune System Quickly

Do you live in Ottawa, and are you looking for advice on how to boost your immune system quickly?

If so, you are in the right place.

It is important to remember that we always expose ourselves to viruses.

Viruses like bacteria can play a positive role in our health and well-being.

Sometimes, however, viruses can get out of control and overwhelm our bodies.

The one thing that keeps viruses under control is our immune system.

A healthy and robust immune system can identify and destroy viruses.

So, how can you strengthen your immune system?

Today, I will explain four easy ways you can help boost your immune system.

Even better.

These ways are all-natural and easy to do yourself.

In This Article:

Let’s jump and look at how exercise can help boost immunity.

Exercise

We all know that all types of exercise are good for our health. The key to exercising and helping our immune system is intensity. 

Studies have shown that moderate to high-intensity exercise can help to improve immune function.

What are moderate and high-intensity exercises?

If you use a Fitbit or other heart rate monitoring device, moderate intensity is approximately 50-70% of your maximum heart rate. High-intensity exercise is about 70-90% of your maximum heart rate. 

If you don’t have a Fitbit, gauge your exercise intensity by your ability to talk without getting out of breath.

So, keeping active is a positive way to strengthen our immune system. Now, let’s look at how resting or, more accurately, sleep can help.

Sleep

Getting enough sleep is a crucial cornerstone of staying healthy. Sleep is essential during which our body’s immune system can regenerate, repair and fight infections. 

Scientific research has shown that people who suffer from a lack of sleep are more likely to get sick if they have been exposed to a virus.

How much sleep do you need?

The optimal amount of sleep for adults is about 7 hours. Children and teenagers need about 10 hours of sleep.

So, sleep is essential for immunity. What about the food we eat?

Diet

You may or may not know that about 70 percent of your immune system is found in your gut or, more specifically, your friendly bacteria or microbiome. So, following diet strategies to enhance your microbiome is a smart move. 

The following are some dietary tips for helping strengthen your microbiome and boosting your immunity:

• Eat a nutrient-dense whole-food diet.
• Avoid refined sugars, refined grains, industrial seed oils and processed foods.

Stress Management

Stress affects our bodies when circumstances surpass our abilities to cope. When we become stressed, it causes our body to produce more significant amounts of the stress hormone cortisol. 

In short periods, cortisol can boost your immunity by limiting inflammation. However, over more extended terms, your body can get used to having too much cortisol in your blood, increasing inflammation.

Long-term high levels of inflammation can lead to an overburdened and weakened immune system.

How can you better manage your stress levels?

Stress management techniques can not only help you feel more relaxed but will also reduce inflammation and so reduce the load on your immune system.

Two of my favourite stress-reducing techniques that studies show can be effective include meditation and yoga.

Try meditating for 10 to 15 minutes daily to help manage your stress.

Practicing yoga only daily can also help lower cortisol and inflammation.

Finally, let’s look at how social connections can help our immune system.

Social Support

Some past scientific studies show that having secure social connections can reduce a person’s risk of particular health conditions. But how does your social life affect your physical health and, specifically, your immune system?

Studies suggest that loneliness may weaken your immune system by increasing inflammation.

During this time of social isolation, how can we help ourselves?

Here are a couple of tips to help you stay socially connected.

• If you live alone, staying connected with family and friends via phone, skype, and texting are good options.
• Get outside every day in nature, if possible. Staying inside and staring at the TV or four walls will not help.

What Do You Think?

Which strategy will you try first to help strengthen your immune system?

Did I miss any strategies?

Either way, leave a comment below.

Do You Need Help To Boost Your Immune System?

Suppose you need help and live in Ottawa. In that case, I suggest you book a free functional medicine discovery session in person or via video to determine whether my Functional medicine approach fits your needs.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please do not apply this information without first speaking with your doctor.