To strengthen the immune system by preventing the development of some diseases and helping the body to react to those that have already manifested, it is important to eat more foods rich in vitamins and minerals, reduce the consumption of fat, sugar and industrialized sources with dyes and preservatives, and it may be indicated to take immunosuppressive drugs or supplements.
But following a healthy lifestyle is also one of the best strategies to keep the body's natural defense system always strong and efficient and so it is recommended not to smoke, eat healthy foods, do light or moderate physical exercise on a regular basis, have adequate weight, sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, avoid stress and consume alcohol in moderation. These habits should be followed by all throughout life, not only at times when the person is sick or easy to get sick.
Foods that boost immunity
Foods rich in selenium, zinc, vitamins C and E, and probiotics and omega-3 rich are best suited to boost immunity because they favor the ideal scenario for the body to produce defense cells more efficiently . Some examples are:
- Selenium: Brazil nuts, wheat, rice, egg yolk, sunflower seeds, chicken
- Zinc: oysters, shrimp, beef, chicken and fish, liver, wheat germ, whole grains, nuts
- Vitamin C: orange, tangerine, pineapple, lemon, strawberry
- Vitamin E: sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds
- Probiotics: natural yogurt and fermented milk, Kefir or Yakult type
- Omega 3: sardines, salmon, tuna and flaxseed
The person who needs to strengthen his immune system should consume a greater amount of these foods, daily and regularly, not only when he is already sick, but to prevent him from getting sick again. Check out more foods that boost immunity in this video:
Immunity-enhancing Remedies
A good way to improve the body's immunity naturally is to take a food supplement in the form of capsules, which can be purchased at pharmacies, drugstores or health food stores. Some examples are bovine colostrum, astragalus seeds, perilla seed oil, and the propolis extract.
Although they can be bought without a prescription it is good to take it with the knowledge of the doctor, because taking supplements in an exaggerated way can be harmful to health.
How to boost immunity quickly
To increase the immunity quickly by leaving the body stronger in the fight against the aggressors agents must be:
- Adopt good health habits, not be close to who smokes, sleep properly, avoid stress;
- If exposed to the sun in the morning, without sunscreen, to be able to produce vitamin D;
- Consume healthy food, and fruits, vegetables and vegetables, preferably organic or home-produced without pesticides;
- Avoiding fast food and industrialized foods;
- Take a food supplement to boost immunity;
- Do not take medicines without medical knowledge;
- Improve intestinal health by fighting constipation;
- Drink about 2 liters of mineral water or filtered every day.
In addition, it is also important to avoid crowded public places such as malls, theaters and cinemas where there is less air circulation and more likely to develop viruses and bacteria that may seem harmless to most people but can cause serious complications in those who have the weakest immune system.
How to Increase Immunity for Baby and Children
The best way to strengthen the baby's immune system is by investing in breastfeeding, healthy and diversified feeding from the age of 6 months, vaccinating the baby at the times indicated by the pediatrician and having good health habits, such as not smoking near the baby and child, and only give antibiotics when indicated by the pediatrician. That way the baby's organism can find everything it needs to produce more defense cells that are capable of fighting and overcoming pathogens such as viruses, fungi and bacteria.
Recipes that strengthen the immune system
Betting on natural fruit juices, teas and vitamins prepared with fruits and vegetables is also a good way to boost immunity. Some good recipes are:
1. Beet juice with carrot
Ingredients
- 2 slices of raw beet
- 1/2 raw carrot
- 1 orange with bagasse
- 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
- 1/2 cup water
Method of preparation
Beat all the ingredients in the blender or mixer and take next, preferably without adding sugar or coar.
2. Banana Vitamin with Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 slice of papaya
- 1 spoon of cocoa powder
- 1 pack of natural yogurt without sugar
- 1 handful of walnuts
- 1 chestnut of the par
- 1/2 teaspoon of honey
Method of preparation
Beat all the ingredients in the blender or mixer and take the next.
3. Echinacea tea
I ngredients
- 1 teaspoon root or echinacea leaves
- 1 cup boiling water
Method of preparation
Put 1 teaspoon of the root or leaves of Echinacea in a cup of boiling water. Let stand for 15 minutes, strain and drink 2 times a day.
Check out more examples of home remedies to boost immunity naturally.
Causes of low immunity
Some situations that can cause weakening of the immune system are poor diet, poor hygiene habits, not being vaccinated when needed, and smoking. In addition, during pregnancy it is normal to have a fall of the immune system, which happens naturally in all women, as a way to prevent the mother's body from rejecting the baby, and during treatment against cancer or HIV.
People who have some syndrome or other diseases like lupus or malnutrition also naturally have a less efficient defense system and get sick frequently. The use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants used in case of organ transplants, during treatment for cancer or with the prolonged use of some anti-inflammatory drugs such as Dipirone also decrease immunity of the body.
The immune system is composed of the white portion of the blood, responsible for the production of antibodies whenever the body is exposed to some foreign body, such as viruses or bacteria. But the defense mechanism can also be considered to consist of the skin itself and the acid secretion of the stomach, which often neutralizes the microorganisms present in the food, preventing them from developing within the human body.
What characterizes a weakened immune system is the increase in the number of times a person becomes ill, presenting colds, flu, and other viral infections like herpes very often. In this case it is likely that your body is failing to produce the defense cells efficiently, which facilitates the installation of diseases. In this case, in addition to being usually ill, the person may present with symptoms such as tiredness, fever, and simple illnesses that are easily aggravated, such as a cold that becomes a respiratory infection, for example. See more symptoms that indicate low immunity.
