Boost the Immune System
Your immune system is made up of many different parts including your skin, tonsils, lymph nodes and white blood cells. Everyday, these parts work together to protect you from foreign invaders that could otherwise wreak havoc on your health. While your immune system is pretty amazing and at most times successful at fighting off invaders, there are instances when it’s just not strong enough to keep you from getting sick. Team ALOHA's recommendations for avoiding this and keeping your immune system healthy include eating food to boost the immune system, practicing daily hygiene, and managing your stress levels.
Here are a few of the most simple ways you can have a positive impact on your immune system.
Nutrition
What you eat can play a big role to boost your immune system. Each time you eat, it is an opportunity to fill your body with nutrients. Those nutrients provide the essential nourishment your body needs to properly function. While your goal should be to get a wide variety of nutrients through your diet, there are a few that seem to be extra important for supporting B cells (immune system boosters), specifically zinc, vitamin D, and selenium. Foods to boost the immune system like meat, brazil nuts, and fatty fish like salmon are excellent sources of these nutrients. Our ALOHA Protein Bars are jam-packed with all of the nutrients mentioned, and were made with your immune system in mind.
One other simple way to eat more nutritiously is by focusing on whole foods - foods in their natural state. Opt to cook a meal at home rather than heating up a microwave dinner. It doesn’t have to be anything complex, but your body and immune system will thank you.
Hygiene
Hand washing is a habit we are taught early on in life, and with good reason.
By practicing good hygiene, like washing your hands regularly, you can stop germs from getting far enough to make you sick or spread to others. Hygiene is one of our first lines of defense, being imperative to boost the immune system.
Washing your hands throughout the day is an excellent way to practice good hygiene. Be sure to give those hands a good washing after using the restroom, before preparing food, and after wiping your nose.
Other ways to practice good hygiene include covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, wiping down high-traffic areas and objects regularly with disinfectant and keeping all cuts or wounds properly bandaged.
Manage Stress
Stress can be very taxing on the body, particularly on your immune system. Stress increases cortisol, a hormone. While some cortisol is healthy, high levels can suppress your immune system and make you more susceptible to illnesses and infections.
Managing stress is easier said than done. While often unavoidable, there are strategies you can utilize to help manage stress. One of the best stress-reducers is exercise. By getting your body moving, even if just for ten minutes a day, you will release feel-good endorphins and let go of any built up negative energy.
Working your distraction muscles is another way to manage stress. Giving your brain a few moments to focus on something else can be a great way to refresh your mind and reduce anxiety. This might be stepping outside for a few minutes, reading a chapter in a book or turning on your favorite song. You deserve a few moments to yourself and so does your health.
And remember, if you find yourself overwhelmed by stress, never be afraid to reach out to a professional for help. There is no shame in asking for help and it can be empowering to take control of your health and wellbeing.
Support your health and the health of others by taking care of yourself.
