The need for a robust immune system has been a matter of concern now more than ever, thanks to the ravaging effects of COVID-19. There are plenty of rumors and unconfirmed claims on how people can boost their immunity and keep the virus at bay. Before you implement any of those tips, it’s important to understand exactly what immunity is. Read on as we unpack the details of immunity and how you can strengthen yours.
Basically, the immune system refers to a complex network of cells, proteins, and organs that protect your body from the invasion of foreign substances, especially disease-causing microorganisms. Examples of these include bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and allergens.
While it keeps disease-causing microorganisms at bay, your immune system keeps a record of all the microbes that have attacked your body. So, it’s easier to deal with these germs in the event of a future invasion.
Also Read: How Does Yoga Increase The Immunity and Resistive Power of The Body?
Some of the common symptoms of a compromised immune system include;
- Generalized fatigue
- High-stress levels
- Recurring cold
- Recurring tummy problems
- Wounds that take considerably longer to heal
- Recurring infections
Types of Immunity Include:
- Innate immunity
Innate immunity refers to the kind of immunity that develops from birth.
- Adaptive immunity
Also known as acquired immunity, adaptive immunity develops as you go through life. For instance, your body can build resistance against COVID-19, especially after successfully fighting the virus using the right supplements like Cannabis Budder.
- Passive immunity
Passive immunity usually emanates from another source. Therefore, it’s transient, and its effects generally do not last long.
- Immunizations
Immunization refers to the introduction of a vaccine into the body as a defense mechanism against specific infections.
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System
- Eat a Balanced Diet
The importance of eating a balanced diet has been proven from time immemorial. So, you probably already appreciate the crucial role that a balanced diet plays in boosting your immunity. The more pertinent question then should be, ‘what constitutes a balanced diet?’
The following table illustrates the main food groups that constitute a balanced diet and the functions and source of each food;
| FOOD | FUNCTION | COMMON SOURCES |
| Carbohydrates | Provide energy | Whole grains like maize, wheat, millet, and rice, as well as Root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams. |
| Proteins | Facilitate the growth and maintenance of muscles and tissues | Beef, seafood, eggs, legumes like beans, and nuts like macadamia. |
| Fats | Provide energy and facilitate hormone production | Dairy products, nuts, plant oils, and seeds. |
| Fiber | Boosts digestion, enhances bowel movements and regulates blood sugar levels | Whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and leafy vegetables. |
| Vitamins and minerals | Perform various biochemical functions | Fairly abundant in all foods, mainly fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| Water | Maintains hydration and cellular functions | Water and fresh plant juices. |
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- Reduce Stress
It’s hard not to live a stress-free life. There’s a common joke that the apparent absence of stress is stress itself. That means not all stressful situations can deal a significant blow to your immunity. But if left unaddressed, stress has a way of degenerating into anxiety and depression, and that’s when it becomes a serious medical condition.
According to studies, stress hormones can lower your immunity by reducing your body’s white blood cell count. White blood cells are the body’s frontline soldiers that shield you from all kinds of diseases. Therefore, reducing their number is opening up your body for invasion by microbes.
Stress hormones like cortisol can also induce unhealthy weight gain or loss by either stimulating or suppressing your appetite. Thankfully, there are various stress-relieving activities that you can engage in, including yoga and meditation, going for a nature walk, doing aerobics, dancing, etc.
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- Work Out
Exercising triggers the release of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Therefore, workouts have direct effects on stress and anxiety.
Exercising also helps strengthen your bones and muscles, keeping you safe from conditions like osteoporosis and muscle weakness. Additional benefits of working out include improving your heart and cardiovascular system’s health while also boosting your lung capacity.
The convention is to exercise for at least 150 minutes every week for low-to-moderate workouts, and 75 minutes for strenuous exercise. Remember to optimize your workouts by accompanying them with the right diets and healthy performance-enhancing supplements.
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- Sleep a Lot
Adequate sleep is one of the natural ways to boost your immunity. According to experts, our bodies require a minimum of seven hours of sleep every night. While you sleep, your body heals itself in readiness for the day ahead.
But regardless of how crucial sleep is, millions of people worldwide suffer from various forms of sleep disorders. The most prevalent sleep disorder is insomnia. Insomnia is primarily the result of pain and anxiety, so addressing these causes is key to relieving the condition.
If untreated, insomnia can result in a wide range of annoying side effects, including weight gain, poor focus, irritability, and a compromised immune system. The National Sleep Foundation claims that sleeplessness lowers the body’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant proteins, making you more susceptible to diseases.
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- Consider Immune Boosting Supplements
Last but not least, you can strengthen your immunity by incorporating certain natural supplements into your health and wellness routine. There are plenty of natural herbs that you can consider, including Echinacea, astragalus, medicinal mushrooms, elderberry, garlic, kratom, and cannabis.
The topic of cannabis often arises whenever immune-boosting herbs come up for discussion. Cannabis is a plant genus comprising various species of flowering plants. There are several cannabis species, also known as strains. However, the three most popular ones include Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis.
These strains are distinguished by various parameters, such as their resilience, maturation period, and the kinds of cannabinoids they contain. But despite their differences, all cannabis strains pack potent immune-boosting compounds known as cannabinoids.
The cannabinoids contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, all of which are useful in boosting your immunity. Examples of these compounds include cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Cannabis plants
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So, here are five tips on how to strengthen your immunity. Remember, these methods are intertwined. Therefore, you can only enjoy the benefits of one if you also practice the other.
