We all wish to live a life free from illness and disease. To live fully and healthily.  Whilst wishes are wonderful, we also need to take loving steps to support our overall health and wellness. 

A significant element of our health and wellbeing is our immune system, and we can make slight changes to our daily life to support it.

What is the immune system?

First things first, understand what an immune system is and how we can improve it. The immune system is an extended network of cells, organs, proteins, and antibodies that systematically protect the body against foreign pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. A weak immune system can make us prone to certain diseases. COVID 19 is one of the best recent examples that can highlight the importance of the immune system in our overall health.

What are the best ways to keep our immune system healthy?

The immune system comprises of many individual parts, which all work to protect you from infection. The immune system works by releasing T and B cells to fight the harmful pathogens invading the body, but it is not that simple. Due to the complexity of the immune system's structure and function, even scientists don't fully understand how it all works. But what they do know is that following a healthy lifestyle will help support the immune system's function.

What are the ways to support our immune system?

Healthy living strategies for boosting the immune system include:  

• Regular daily exercise, with appropriate rest days.
• A balanced, healthy diet, containing lots of plant based foods and a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables.
• Maintaining a healthy weight – BMI of 25 or lower is ideal and is achieved by doing regular exercise and a healthful diet.  
• Getting quality sleep – A nightly routine for bedtime - We recommend 7 to 8 hours of zzzz's per night.  We also love a nap when our bodies need it!
• By reducing stressors and building techniques to cope with stress.  These can include: practising yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and exercise. Likewise, improve mental health by meeting loved ones and sharing your thoughts and problems
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce alcohol consumption.
• Don't overdo it on the red meat consumption.
• Take measures to prevent infection.
• Remove high sugar, empty calorie foods. 

Boosting Our Immune Systems, Naturally

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
• Fermented foods, pro and prebiotics have been shown to boost the immune system by identifying and killing harmful foreign pathogens. 
• The NHS has recommended that here in the UK, we supplement our diets with Vitamin D, during the winter months.  Beautifully Nourished's Vitamin D3 provides Cholecalciferol, providing 3000iu per tablet. That is 1500% of Daily RI*.
• Other Nutritional supplements to consider include Zinc and Vitamin C. 
• Omega 3 Fatty acids provide so many nourishing benefits to the body.  Omega-3s have a significant anti-inflammatory properties. We recommend Beautifully Nourished's Omega 3, 6, 9 Fish Oil Capsules to support overall health.
• Selenium is a crucial nutrient to boost the immune system. It is also an antioxidant which provides defence against bacteria, viruses and cancer cells.  Selenium is present alongside antioxidants A, C and E in our Anti Age Nutricosmetic.  Our dosage provides selenium at 400% of daily RNI.
• Probiotics contain good bacteria that improve gut health and regulates the immune system. Our Fibre Pro contains Lactobacillus Acidophilus, which helps to support a healthy and balanced gut bacteria.

Supporting the Immune System at Every Age

We're all born with an immune system, but the tendency to fight against diseases is not the same in every individual. Not every baby's immune system is robust enough and functions as it should. Some babies and young children might be prone to different diseases that the other children of their age do not pick up bugs, especially at the age to start nursery or school.

A healthy diet, physical activity, hygiene and good sleeping habits can help support a child's immune system.

Everyone's immune system keeps on changing during their life. The immune response starts to decline with the growing age, which means older adults are more susceptible to infections. Good nutrition and physical activity are even more critical for older people, to support and ensure the proper working of their immune system.

Take Away

If we commit to a lifestyle and nourishing dietary steps, we can strengthen our immune system. As per discussion in the above article reduce your sugar intake, stay hydrated, exercise, have an adequate sleep, and manage stress levels. In a few months, the difference is that these changes have reinforced your body's defence mechanism and have boosted the immune system will be pretty noticeable.