A Strong and Healthy Immune System From A to Z

Immune system is our body’s defence system that keeps us safe from infection and diseases. It helps us keep fit and healthy. Our immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining proper health. Any foreign disease causing bacteria or germ that enters our body is prevented from causing any damage to the body by the immune system.

A strong immune system can help fights against the germs and keeps us protected. People, who have a weak immune system, may catch these diseases more easily. Since the immune system in children is still developing, they are more vulnerable to infections and diseases. It is very important for our children to have a strong immune system so that they stay healthy right from the very beginning.

Here’s the list of things that they need to have from A to Z to have a stronger and a healthier immune system.

AntioxidantsEating fruits such as prunes, raisins, plums, oranges, red grapes, cherries which are rich in antioxidants, boosts immune system. Free radicals interfere with our immune system’s response to things such as the cold or flu, a diet rich in antioxidants will fight off the damage by keeping your immune system strong.
Blueberriesb_alphabetStilbenoids from blueberries stimulate the CAMP gene to boost immune response. Wild blueberries in particular are potent immune boosters.
CoconutCoconut is rich in lauric acid, which converts in our body to monolaurin. Monolaurin is the compound found in breast milk that strengthens a baby’s immunity.
DietDOver 70% of our immune system is in our gut and what we eat forms the foundation of our health. Nutritional deficiencies can damage immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Fresh fruit and vegetables are the best sources of vitamins and minerals around, which is why it’s so important to eat a good variety every day.
ExerciseimagesExercise contributes to good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. Exercise promotes good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and function efficiently.
Food SupplementsFEven the healthiest meal plan needs supplemental nutrition. Some of Supplements rich in vitamins C, E, and A, beta-carotene, and selenium, have immune-boosting properties.
GermsGWhile we must maintain hygiene, we must not live in a ridiculously clean environment. Exposure to germs creates antibodies which are needed for a stronger immune system.
HerbsHHerbs fortify our body. Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, herbs strengthen our immune system and detoxify our body. Herbs like garlic, ginseng, clove, oregano, ginger, turmeric, mushrooms should be an integral part of our diet.
ImmunizationIRoutine vaccinations have a huge impact on reducing and in many cases nearly eradicating, a number of infectious diseases. Immunizations occurring during childhood is very vital for a strong immune system.
Junk away Sugar JEating or drinking too much refined sugar, can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs.
KaleKKale, a hearty green vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse. The nutrients in kale strengthen the immune system and fight viruses and bacteria. It’s a great source of iron, which is an especially important mineral for vegans and vegetarians.
LaughLLaughing is good for us. It curbs the levels of stress hormones in our body and boosts a type of white blood cell that fights infection. Just anticipating a funny event can have a positive effect on our immune system.
MusicMListening to music can boost the immune system and may even help fight off disease. Music leads to special physiological changes which eventually lead to stress reduction or direct immune enhancement.
Network of FriendsNWe all know friends are important, but strong social ties can also have a big effect on our health. A recent study found that people with strong relationships were 50% more likely to survive than those with poor social ties.
Omega 3OOmega 3 fatty acids help to boost the immune system by enhancing the functioning of immune cells. Seafood, flaxseed, hempseed oil, walnuts, canola oil, eggs, pumpkin seeds are rich sources of Omega 3 fatty acids!
ProbioticsPThough the exact molecular interactions between probiotic bacteria and intestinal cells are not yet well understood, experiments have shown that probiotics can enhance immunity. Eating probiotic foods such as yogurt and fermented pickles, kimchi is good.
QuinoaQQuinoa, a grain-like crop contains all nine amino acids, making it an amazing source of protein. It also contains other B vitamins and high levels of iron and zinc, minerals necessary for a healthy immune system.
RelaxRStress can weaken the immune system and accelerate the aging process. The ability to relax and rejuvenate promotes wellness, vitality and longevity.
SleepSWithout enough sleep, our immune system may not have the resources it needs to fight off illness. We can help ourselves to a more restful sleep by keeping a regular schedule, getting exercise, avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, relaxing before bedtime, and keeping your bedroom at a comfortable temperature.
TeaT1Regularly drinking tea throughout the day can help strengthen our immune system and our body’s ability to fight off germs and infections. Green and black teas, and Tulsi tea contain a beneficial amino acid called L-theanine, which can increase the infection fighting capacity of gamma delta T cells.
Unpasteurized Grass-Fed Organic MilkURaw organic milk from grass-fed cows contains beneficial bacteria that prime our immune system and can reduce allergies. Raw milk also contains beneficial fats that help our immune system.
VegetablesVVegetables such as spinach, brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli flowers, beets, red bell peppers, onions, corn, eggplant pack the most powerful antioxidant punch.
WaterWDrinking a lot of water can help flush toxins out of our body and strengthen the immune system
Xpose YourselfXVitamin D plays a number of roles in promoting normal immune function.
YogaYCountless studies show that yoga improves immune functioning. The practice of yoga is an organic immune system “boost-up” that provides us with natural ways to reduce the effects of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pollution.
Zest for LifeZPositive thoughts can give our immune system a healthy boost. One study of law students found that when they were feeling more optimistic, their immune system was stronger. So we must take time to increase the optimism, take time to savor the things we enjoy, look for the silver lining in difficult situations, and try not to dwell on negative thoughts.

This post is written for Indiblogger’s An Immune India contest in association with “Dabur Chwayanprash”.

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