6 Ways to Help Support Your Immune System
This is the time of year when we are most vulnerable to acute illness and viruses. There are many supplements and food products claiming to improve immunity, but the reality is that these are not a substitute for consuming a balanced diet over time. Try these tips to support your immune system:
Eat a variety of colorful produce. The different colors in produce signify different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Consuming a variety of colors will help you receive a variety of nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, B6, magnesium and zinc to improve immunity.
Consume high-fiber foods daily. A diet high in vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes helps support the growth and maintenance of beneficial microbes, which stimulate immune cell activity.
Consume sources of probiotics. This includes fermented products like yogurt with live active cultures, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh and more. These probiotics contain live beneficial bacteria that support our gut, a vital component to our immune system.
Stay hydrated. Water is an important part of many body processes and a component of our blood and lymph systems, which impact immunity.
Move your body. Physical activity is not just beneficial for your muscles and your cardiovascular health, but for your immune system as well by helping immune cells become more efficient at detecting and reacting to an infection.
Get adequate sleep. Most adults need around 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. Inadequate sleep may lead to a weakened immune response.
