New York by Ed Hosseinipour, Senior Clinical Pharmacist. Human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend against germs. Human Immune System: When it comes to fighting viruses, everyday precautions such as washing your hands often and avoiding sick people are key. But experts say that boosting your immune system may also give you an edge in staying healthy.
Here are some factors that could help boost your immune system:
Exercise causes your body’s antibodies and white blood cells to circulate more rapidly, which means they may be able to detect and zero in on bugs more quickly.
Being active this way also lowers stress hormones, which reduces your chances of getting sick. There also may be a protective benefit from the sweat in your sweat session: Research has shown that simply raising your body temperature may help kill germs in their tracks.
Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, found in foods such as fatty fish, nuts and olive oil. “This eating pattern is high in nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc and other antioxidants shown to help reduce inflammation and fight infection. Adults who follow this type of diet, along with taking a daily 400 IU vitamin D ,and Vitamin C 500 mg supplement can improve their disease-fighting cells such as T cells.
Here are some foods may help keep your immune system strong. Citrus fruits, Red bell peppers, Broccoli, Garlic, Ginger, Papaya, Spinach, Yogurt, Almonds, Green tea, Turmeric Kiwi, Sunflower seeds, Seafood such as Salmon, and shellfish
Supplements:
some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Some may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions. Be sure to talk with our clinical pharmacists at Baron Specialty Pharmacy before starting any supplements.
Here are some supplements that are known for their immune-boosting potential. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, B-Complex Vitamins, Zinc, Echinacea, Elderberry, Selenium
Less stress There’s a strong link between your immune health and your mental health.
When you’re under chronic stress or anxiety, your body produces stress hormones that suppress your immune system.
Also, people who are stressed are less likely to pay attention to other healthy habits, like eating right and getting enough sleep, which can affect immunity
Even if you can’t avoid stress in your life, you can adopt strategies to help you manage it better.
Find what works for you. For example try Exercise, meditation, yoga, art, laughter, etc.
Laughter releases dopamine and other feel-good chemicals in the brain, all of which can help decrease stress. Twenty minutes of laughter a day may not keep the doctor away, but it may help keep your immune system working properly. Basically, try to have some healthy fun in your life, it will help with you immune system.
sleep. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body gives out stress hormones like cortisol to keep you awake and alert, which can suppress your immune system.
People who got a full eight hours of sleep have higher levels of T cells , according to a 2019 study. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep a night, as a 2015 study, published in the journal Sleep, found that people who did so were four times less likely to come down with a cold than those who clocked less than six.
Immune-related Disease: Our immune system touches almost every aspect of our health, so it’s no surprise that so many diseases have their root in an unbalance in that system.
Immunodeficiency disorders: Primary immunodeficiency disorders — also called primary immune disorders or primary immunodeficiency — weaken the immune system, allowing infections and other health problems to occur more easily.
Many people with primary immunodeficiency are born missing some of the body’s immune defenses or with the immune system not working properly, which leaves them more susceptible to germs that can cause infections. Signs and symptoms of primary immunodeficiency can include
- Frequent and recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis or skin infections, Inflammation and infection of internal organs, Blood disorders, such as low platelet counts or anemia, Digestive problems, such as cramping, loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea, Delayed growth and development
autoimmunity Sometimes your immune system attacks the tissues in the body, causing disease. This is called autoimmunity. Some examples of autoimmune disorders are, lupus, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or type 1 diabetes
Baron Specialty Pharmacy carries all related supplements and medications. Our trained clinical staff is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us at your convenience. [ENG]