Can you boost your immune system?
Thursday, January 18, 2024
From the sniffles to the flu, being sick is no fun. Thankfully, our immune system is constantly working to keep us healthy. Are there things we can do to make our immune system stronger? Sadly, the answer is unclear. Research has struggled to consistently find evidence that says we can.
However, even after acknowledging the inconclusive research, Harvard Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have similar recommendations for helping your immune system perform at its highest level.
Top recommendations for supporting your immune system include:
Eat a healthy diet – a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide you with the vitamins and minerals needed to keep you healthy. According to Harvard Health, the recommended amount is two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables a day.
Exercise – You should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Not a fan? Then read our blog on How a couch potato can have a healthy heart for tips and reasons to get moving.
Get enough sleep – Typically, adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a night. To learn multiple benefits of getting enough sleep and sleep recommendations by age, read our Sleep matters blog.
Avoid drinking alcohol or do so in moderation – Certain groups of people should never drink based on health factors. However, according to the CDC, if you are going to drink, women should have one drink or less a day, and men should have two drinks a day or less.
Don’t smoke – Smoking is bad for you. Period. To learn a few ways smoking negatively impacts your health, take our Health of effects of smoking quiz.
Maintain a healthy weight – According to the CDC, obesity leads to your immune system not working at its strongest capacity. For more information on a healthy body weight, visit this page on the CDC website.
If you are following these guidelines and still struggle to stay healthy, talk to your family doctor to find out if there is an underlying cause.
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
