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Your Immune System and How It Can Be Affected

The immune system the primary mechanism that helps us fight off disease and stay healthy.  Fortunately, there are many things we can do to affect how well our immune system functions.  Keep reading to find out what you can do to make sure your immune system is functioning optimally. 

How Your Immune System Works 

The immune system works in complex ways to keep us safe from germs, bacteria, and viruses. Together, these harmful substances are called antigens. There are two main components of our immune system that work together to fight off antigens: white blood cells and antibodies.  

  • White blood cells work by attacking new invasions on our body.  They also remember old invaders so that our immune system knows how to attack if we are infected by the same invaders again. 
  • Antibodies attach themselves to the antigens in order to destroy them or stop them from further infecting us.  

How Our Choices Affect Our Immune Systems  

The choices we make can have huge effects on how our immune system functions.  Here are some ways we can either damage or boost our immunity: 

  • A lack of sleep or not getting enough sleep can severely impact our immune function. Our bodies need sleep to recover from the day and even more if we are experiencing an infection.  So make sure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night!  
  • Numerous studies have been done on how our mental states affect health.  The American Psychological Association has linked high stress to weakened immune responses.  So, if you are feeling stressed, relaxation will calm your mind and help your immune system function optimally.  Your body will definitely thank you for it.  
  • Getting the proper nutrients and vitamins in our diet is extremely important to ensure a healthy immune system.  There are many vitamins our bodies need like zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, retinol, and vitamins B, C, D, and E, just to name a few.  If you are looking to add some vitamins you are not getting enough of, try our Vitamin D and Vitamin C supplements. 
  • Moderate exercise - exercising for at least 30 minutes a day has been proven to reduce infections of the upper respiratory tract.  It is a great idea to make time to take a brisk walk, go for a bike ride, lift weights, take a hike, do water aerobics, play tennis, or even dance a little bit.  

Boost Your Immunity and Hire a Health Coach 

If you really want to make sure your immune system is functioning as efficiently as possible, consider working with a Healthy Beings health coach.  Health coaches are specifically trained to help you take the necessary actions to have a strong immune system and a healthier way of life.  

References 

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