If there’s something we’ve all learned over the past year, it’s that taking care of our health is imperative. From common colds to the COVID-19 virus, it’s necessary to do everything you can to keep yourself healthy. This means understanding how your immune system works and what you can do to keep it working strong behind the scenes. Fortunately, there are easy ways to maintain your immune health. In this blog, we’ll offer easy ways to protect against illnesses.
Understanding Your Immune System
Your immune system is made up of a variety of organs, cells and proteins that work together to fight off bacteria, viruses and other toxins without you even thinking about it. Needless to say, your immune system has an important job; you encounter billions of germs every single day that can sideline you from your daily routine and activities.
When your immune system is strong, you barely notice it as you go about your day normally. But when your immune system isn’t functioning properly, your body will be less likely to fight of colds, viruses and other illnesses.
5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System Naturally
A strong immune system means a healthy life. As we progress through the winter season, here are 5 natural ways to protect your immune health:
- Make Healthy Food Choices. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals can help boost your immune system. You should aim to consume a diet full of vitamin C-enriched foods such as strawberries and red bell peppers, foods high in vitamin E such as nuts and seeds, and foods with high amounts of zinc and protein.
- Take Steps to Avoid Infection. We contract colds, viruses and infections without even realizing it. Luckily, there are habits you can adopt to maintain your hygiene. Practices such as washing your hands and bathing regularly can protect you from germs and ward off infections.
- Make Meditation Part of Your Routine. Studies show that even just a few minutes a day of guided meditation, where you sit quietly and focus on your breathing, can make a huge difference. Regular meditation can lower your heart rate and blood pressure and reduce anxiety. It can also help you feel calmer and improve your quality of sleep. Reducing your anxiety and getting enough sleep are both essential in maintaining your immune health.
- Take Vitamins. Taking the proper vitamins on a regular basis can naturally strengthen your immune system. Vitamin C can offer a serious boost to your immune system, as it is essential to your health and your body doesn’t produce or store it. Vitamin B6 helps to support biochemical reactions in the immune system, and vitamin E serves as a powerful antioxidant that supports your body’s ability to fight off infections. All three of these vitamins are available in different foods and supplements. Talk with your doctor to determine the best way for you to get the vitamins your immune system needs.
- Take Good Care of Your Gut. A large part of your immune system is in your gut, which means keeping your gut healthy will help give your immune system a much-needed boost. Make sure you are consuming a healthy diet of unprocessed foods and antioxidants to help reduce inflammation and encourage good gut bacteria.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
At the end of 2020, the COVID-19 vaccine emerged as yet another way to help you keep your immune system strong. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting vaccinated is the very best way to protect you from the COVID-19 virus and put an end to the pandemic.
You can visit the CDC website to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccination.
Ethos Home Care Helps You Stay Healthy
The health and safety of our home care patients in Ethos Home Care’s top priority. That’s why we’ve implemented comprehensive infection control measures to protect our patients and staff. We will continue to monitor the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation and enact increased safety and screening precautions as needed.
Contact us today to learn more about everything we’re doing to keep our home care patients healthy.