When it comes to our health, we all know that stress is one of the biggest detractors. It's not only hard on our mental state but also on our physical health. Did you know that stress can actually lower our immune system function?
It's important to keep our immune system functioning at its best year-round, but especially during the winter when cold and flu season is in full swing. Below are a few tips to help keep your stress levels in check and improve your immune system health.
Understanding the Link Between Stress and Immunity
It's no secret that stress takes a toll on the body. You may feel exhausted, tense and even sick. What you may not know is that this can also have a significant impact on your immune system.
Stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can actually suppress the immune system and make you more susceptible to colds and other infections. In fact, prolonged stress can even lead to chronic health problems like heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
That's why it's so important to find ways to manage stress and keep it in check. This will not only help improve your overall health, but also your immune system health.
Ways to Reduce Stress Levels
There are many ways to reduce stress levels. Some people work out, some people read, and some people find solace in nature. But another option is by practicing meditation.
Meditation is a form of mindfulness that allows you to focus on your breath and your thoughts. It's a great way to clear your mind and focus on the present moment. This can be incredibly helpful in reducing stress levels.
Not only that, but meditation can also help improve your immune system health. A study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity showed that people who meditated had better immune system function than those who didn't.
So if you're looking for a way to reduce stress and improve your immune system health, meditation may be the answer for you.
Exercising to Reduce Stress and Improve Immunity
You don't have to be a fitness fanatic to keep your immune system in check. In fact, all you need is a moderate amount of exercise on a regular basis.
Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels. When you're feeling stressed, your immune system takes a hit, so anything you can do to reduce that stress will benefit your health in the long run. Not to mention, exercise is a great way to get your blood pumping and promote overall health and well-being.
So whatever your fitness level, find a way to work some exercise into your daily routine. It doesn't have to be hours at the gym—even a brisk walk outdoors can do the trick. And be sure to schedule regular breaks throughout the day to take a few deep breaths and center yourself.
Nutrition and Immunity: What to Eat
What you eat can play a major role in your immune system health. To make sure you’re getting the right nutrients, try to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. You also want to limit added sugars and saturated fats as much as possible since they are linked to inflammation and an increased risk of infection.
The best foods to eat for better immunity are probiotic-rich fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir, as well as antioxidant-packed options like blueberries, spinach, sweet potatoes, and nuts like almonds and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, sardines and mackerel have also been found to help boost immune health. And make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day!
Other Ways to Boost Immunity
Now that you know how stress can affect your immune system, let's look at some other strategies you can use to keep your immunity strong.
First off, getting enough sleep is key. Sleep helps to regulate hormones and gives the body time to rest and recover. Aim for at least seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is also important for keeping your immune system strong. Make sure you're including ample amounts of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, which are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help protect against infection.
You should also limit your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks, which can wreak havoc on your immune system over time. And don't skimp on hydration—staying hydrated helps your body rid itself of toxins and regulates temperature.
Supplements that support your immune strength and enhance your antioxidant protection are always a great way to boost your immunity. We recommend the Immune Health Bundle of Revive Supplements. It comes with Immune Defense, Multi Vitamins and Zinc tablets.
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When to Seek Medical Help for a Weakened Immune System
When it comes to assessing the health of your immune system, it’s important to know when it’s time to seek professional help. If you’re feeling like your stress levels are getting out of control, or if your symptoms don’t seem to be improving, it may be time to see a doctor.
Your physician can diagnose any underlying illnesses or infections that may be affecting your immune system and prescribe the medication or treatments needed for optimal health. He or she can also go over lifestyle changes and dietary modifications that may help boost your immunity and strengthen your body’s natural defenses against illness.
Having a weakened immune system can make even simple tasks more difficult, so don't hesitate to get professional medical help if you start feeling like you need it. Taking a proactive step now can save you some serious hassle later on.
Conclusion
Stress definitely takes a toll on our immune system, but thankfully there are plenty of things we can do to help keep it healthy. From getting enough exercise to making sure we're getting enough sleep, these are all simple things we can do to help keep our immune system functioning at its best. So if you're feeling a little run down, give some of these tips a try and see if you start feeling better.
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