Sickness seems to be all around us lately, doesn't it? Whether it's the flu, a cold, or coronavirus, it seems like no one is immune to getting sick. While there is no guaranteed way to avoid illness altogether, there are certainly ways that you can strengthen your immunity and make yourself less susceptible to sickness. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for men looking to resist illness and stay healthy!
Your immune system consists of tissues, proteins, cells, and organs. Together, these components carry out bodily functions that fight off the bacteria, viruses, and foreign bodies responsible for diseases. Therefore, it is a huge concern if your immune system functions at subpar levels. It is estimated that about 3% of Americans have a weak immune system for various reasons and to different degrees of severity. Fortunately, there are many things you can consume to boost your immune function. Here's what you can take to enhance your immunity.
Get Vaccinated
We've all heard the advice over the past couple of years about the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccination but there are plenty of other jabs that will help improve your immunity against other illnesses too. Vaccinations help prepare your body in advance to fight off certain diseases and illnesses, so be sure to stay up-to-date on all of your vaccinations.
Eat Good Foods That Will Help Your Body
Your natural immune system is the body's best chance of fighting an illness before you even feel sick. A good diet is essential to maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help keep your body fueled and ready to fight off any foreign invaders. In addition, foods that are rich in antioxidants can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Some great examples of antioxidant-rich foods include blueberries, dark chocolate, and leafy green vegetables.
Additionally, here are some items that can help with both nutrients as well as reducing inflammation so your immune system stays strong.
Poultry
There's a reason why chicken soup is one of the most popular foods people take when sick. This soup is more than a placebo that makes you feel better; it can actually lower inflammation and improve common cold symptoms. Chicken and turkey contain a lot of Vitamin B6. Just 3 ounces of light chicken or turkey meat is reportedly enough to get a third of your daily recommended amount of this essential nutrient. Vitamin B6 is essential to many of the chemical reactions that occur within the body. It is also crucial to the formation of fresh and healthy red blood cells.
Multivitamins
Multivitamin supplements can help strengthen your immune system since they contain various vitamins. Many crucial vitamins are likely missing from your daily diet. Therefore, taking multivitamins is one of the best ways to ensure you get the right daily dose of all the essential vitamins for men. Multivitamins contain Vitamin C, one of the most effective immune systems. A daily Vitamin C dose is highly recommended because your body doesn't make or store it. Multivitamins also contain Vitamins B6, B9, B12, B2, A, and D3, which are also effective in boosting immune function.
Yogurt
An occasional cup of yogurt can also keep your immune system functioning at optimal levels. Yogurt is a great source of multiple minerals like zinc, selenium, magnesium, riboflavin, and vitamins that support immune function. Specifically, magnesium and selenium play a vital role in producing immune cells that protect your cells from damage. However, it is best to be picky with which kind of yogurt you consume, especially if you want to enjoy the best immune-boosting benefits. For instance, stick to Greek yogurt and other types with "live and active cultures" on their label since they may better support your immune system to combat illnesses. Also, consume more plain yogurts instead of those flavored and packed with artificial sugar. You can always sweeten your plain yogurts with the right amount of honey and healthy fruits. Finally, yogurt can also be an excellent Vitamin D source, so favor brands fortified with this nutrient. Vitamin D is an immune system regulator known to enhance your body's natural defenses against sickness.
Green Tea
Green tea contains a lot of flavonoids, a kind of antioxidant. Also, it is particularly rich in another potent antioxidant named epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Studies have shown that EGCG effectively enhances immune function. Therefore, green tea is a better choice than black tea since the latter loses much of its EGCG during fermentation. This tea is also an excellent source of L-theanine, an amino acid that helps produce pathogen-fighting compounds in the T-cells.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is not only good for your overall health, but it can also help boost your immune system. Exercise helps circulate antibodies and increases white blood cells throughout the body. These are essential in fighting off infection.
In addition, exercise also helps reduce stress levels. High levels of stress have been linked to a suppression of the immune system. Therefore, by exercising regularly, you can help keep your stress levels in check and your immune system functioning properly.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Water is essential for proper immune system function. It helps carry oxygen and nutrients to your cells and flushes toxins out of your body. When you're dehydrated, your body isn't able to function at its best. This can lead to a suppression of the immune system. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and your immune system functioning properly.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is another important factor in maintaining a strong immune system. When you sleep, your body produces more cytokines, which are proteins that help fight infection and inflammation. In addition, sleep also helps reduce stress levels. As mentioned earlier, high levels of stress can suppress the immune system. Therefore, it is important to get enough sleep every night to help keep your immune system functioning properly.
There are many other lifestyle changes you can make to help boost your immunity. However, these are some of the most effective ways to strengthen your immunity and resist illness.
Get Outside, Breathe Fresh Air, and Enjoy the Sunlight
One of the best things you can do for your immune system is to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Breathing in fresh air helps improve lung function and can help reduce stress levels. In addition, sunlight exposure is a great way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. As mentioned earlier, Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for proper immune system function. Therefore, by getting outside and enjoying the sun, you can help boost your immunity and resist illness.
So there you have it, some tips to help boost your immunity and resist illness. Remember, covid isn't the only thing that can make you sick so it is important to make your body stronger at resisting illness. These lifestyle changes can help you do just that.
