Boost Up Your Immune System

Inside our body is an amazing protection mechanism that fights against invading bacteria and microbes. This mechanism is called “Immune System.” It is designed to defend us against millions of invading bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, which cause diseases like H1N1, SARS Virus, Common Colds, Flu, even Cancer. Everyday our human body provides an ideal environment for these foreign microorganisms to enter, trying to pass through the skin barrier – some fail but others succeed – causing us to fall ill. Our immune system is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that has evolved to defend us against foreign invasion. (www.cancer.gov)

What shall we do then to improve our Immune System? Well, here are a few tips

1. Increase your vitamin C intake. Research has shown that Vitamin C is a key immune system booster and a potent free-radical fighter. It helps the immune system fight off foreign invaders and tumour cells. Vitamin C-rich foods include All Green-Colored vegetables, such as broccoli, kailan, kangkong (water cress), bakchoy, bayam (Spinach), and citrus-containing fruits.
    

2. Drink plenty of water. Water is important in all the cell-processes inside our body. A well-hydrated system is needed in order to fight the invading microorganisms. Throbbing headache, feeling thirsty are indications of dehydration. It is important to drink at least 7-8 glasses of water every day.
    

3. Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep, depending on your body needs. Sleep is a natural healer. Rest is an important ingredient of developing a good immune system. Sleeping at 10 PM is well recommended if you want to get a deep, restful sleep, waking up feeling refreshed and energized. It is during the DEEP SLEEP that our body releases growth hormones which is needed to repair damaged tissues, stimulates the formation of lymphocytes (white blood cells) – which is needed in order to fight infection.
    

4. Lower down your sugar-intake. Research shows that sugar raises the insulin level, and as a result, it inhibits the release of growth hormone, which in turn depresses the immune system (www.healingdaily.com). Correct me if I’m wrong but if you want to boost your immune system, sugar-rich foods are something that you may not want to eat everyday.
    

5. Engage in Moderate Exercise (Brisk-walking, 40 minutes) everyday. Recent studies have shown that there are physiological changes in the immune system as a response to exercise. During moderate exercise immune cells circulate through the body more quickly and are better able to kill bacteria and viruses. (http://sportsmedicine.about.com)
    
6. Have a positive outlook. Laughter is the best medicine. A study by Harvard University students revealed that positive thinking people who can laugh and see the better side of every situation have better immunity against diseases as compared to those who are negative-thinking people.