Every day, the actions you take contribute to your immune health. Improving your immunity helps you stay healthy by fighting infections and reducing inflammation. To make your immune health a priority, take a look at these seven natural immune-boosting tips that you can easily add to your daily routine.
1. Make healthy choices
There’s no question that a strong link exists between diet and immunity. Natural foods are full of health-promoting nutrients that help fight off infections and protect your body from illness. The science is in: eating whole, organic fruits and vegetables is the first step in a healthy immune system that will reduce your chance of getting sick.
Here are our top picks for healthy foods that will give your immune system a boost:
4. Hydrate
Staying hydrated pumps up your immune system by helping it fight off toxins and infection-causing bacteria. Our bloodstream is made up mostly of water, and our bloodstream is what transports important nutrients around our body. If we’re dehydrated, our immune system may not receive the key nutrients it needs to fight off infection in certain areas of our body. Water also is important for draining out invaders and other toxins.
So how much water should you drink per day? It depends on your body weight.
- Berries – blueberries especially contain high amounts of antioxidants, important for fighting against harmful toxins in your system.
- Citrus fruits – fruits like grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes contain Vitamin C, a key vitamin for fighting off infections.
- Broccoli, spinach, and other leafy greens – these contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins to support your immune system.
- Mushrooms – these are full of selenium, an essential mineral that supports proper immune functioning.
- Healthy fats, like olive oil and those found in salmon – healthy fats have omega-3s, which are critical to reducing inflammation in your body.
- Low-fat yogurt – probiotics in yogurt help to fight off infections.
- Garlic – fresh garlic has the ability to fight bacteria and viruses.
- Spices like ginger and turmeric – ginger and turmeric both help to decrease inflammation. Add them to a smoothie for an extra boost!
![hydrate for immune health](http://s45484.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/hydrate-for-immune-health.png)
- If you measure your weight in pounds: divide your weight by two and you’ll get the number of ounces of water you should drink per day on average. 150 lbs ÷ 2 = 75 ounces per day
- If you measure your weight in kilograms: divide your weight by 30 and you’ll get the number of liters of water you should drink per day on average. 60 kg ÷ 30 = 2 liters per day
- Do this breathing exercise: breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath for two, and then breathe out for six. Repeat until you feel calm.
- Download a meditation app, and follow a guided meditation practice.
- Take a five-minute walk outside.
- Write down what’s stressing you out.