Sunday, April 29, 2007
Using Your Immune System to Stay Well
Experts explain how you can tap the power of your immune system to avoid getting sick.
You and a friend step into a crowded elevator and immediately notice two people coughing and sneezing up a storm. Within a couple of days you come down with a bad cold -- and blame it on that elevator ride. Yet your friend -- exposed to the same germs at the same time -- remains perfectly healthy. What made the difference? The power of the immune system. It's a network that can help us avoid illness -- or sometimes become the underlying reason we get sick.
But is there anything you can do to keep your immune system from dropping below par -- or increase its activity if it does?
Way you can optimize your body's immune system include:
Exercise regularly
But not too much! Moderate exercise of about 30 minutes, done most days of the week helps to improve the amount and activity of a number of the body's immune cells.
Eat small healthy meals and wholesome foods
Eating a well-balanced diet low in fat and abundant in antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables, and grains on regular basis provides fuel the body needs to build a strong healthy immune system.
Drink plenty of clean water
Water flushes your system, washing out toxins as it rehydrates you.
Rest and relax
The body needs rest from the stress and strain of daily life to get recharged. Adequate restful sleep helps to restore our bodies and refresh minds.
Breathe fresh air
Oxygen is needed by every cell in the body in order to live . If a cell is deprive of oxygen for just few seconds it dies, just as you would die if you couldn't get oxygen.
Stay away from cigarette smoke
Statistics show that heavy smokers get more severe and more frequent colds than non-smokers. Just being around smoke profoundly zaps the immune system.
Develop a positive mental attitude
Our mental attitude affects the immune system. Believe it or not, if you think you can recover from illness, your immune system actually works better. Negative feelings depress the immune system.
Relieve Stress
Excessive stress depresses the immune system. Do something in which you can find enjoyment. Avoid stressful situations whenever possible.
You and a friend step into a crowded elevator and immediately notice two people coughing and sneezing up a storm. Within a couple of days you come down with a bad cold -- and blame it on that elevator ride. Yet your friend -- exposed to the same germs at the same time -- remains perfectly healthy. What made the difference? The power of the immune system. It's a network that can help us avoid illness -- or sometimes become the underlying reason we get sick.
But is there anything you can do to keep your immune system from dropping below par -- or increase its activity if it does?
Way you can optimize your body's immune system include:
Exercise regularly
But not too much! Moderate exercise of about 30 minutes, done most days of the week helps to improve the amount and activity of a number of the body's immune cells.
Eat small healthy meals and wholesome foods
Eating a well-balanced diet low in fat and abundant in antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables, and grains on regular basis provides fuel the body needs to build a strong healthy immune system.
Drink plenty of clean water
Water flushes your system, washing out toxins as it rehydrates you.
Rest and relax
The body needs rest from the stress and strain of daily life to get recharged. Adequate restful sleep helps to restore our bodies and refresh minds.
Breathe fresh air
Oxygen is needed by every cell in the body in order to live . If a cell is deprive of oxygen for just few seconds it dies, just as you would die if you couldn't get oxygen.
Stay away from cigarette smoke
Statistics show that heavy smokers get more severe and more frequent colds than non-smokers. Just being around smoke profoundly zaps the immune system.
Develop a positive mental attitude
Our mental attitude affects the immune system. Believe it or not, if you think you can recover from illness, your immune system actually works better. Negative feelings depress the immune system.
Relieve Stress
Excessive stress depresses the immune system. Do something in which you can find enjoyment. Avoid stressful situations whenever possible.
