No one enjoys dealing with the flu or a nasty cold.
It's downright miserable and in many cases your immune system may be what's letting you down.
Many of us have some bad habits that can end up causing use to deal with infections.
The great news is that there are quite a few things you can do to give your immune system a boost.
Here's a closer look at some of the best ways to keep yourself in the best possible health, even during flu and cold season.
#1 - Lose Some Weight - One of the best things you can do is to lose some weight.
Being overweight can cause many problems.
Extra pounds can elevate your risk of developing various diseases and this is because too many fat cells can have a negative effect, causing inflammatory chemicals to be released.
This leads to ongoing inflammation and it can even lead to tissue damage.
Losing some weight can lower the number of fat cells and help improve the way your immune system works.
#2 - Tone Down the Stress Levels - For many people, too much stress can lead to problems.
Long term stress can lead to the release of stress hormones on a regular basis, and they can actually suppress the action of the immune system.
Reducing the stress in your life is an effective way to improve your health.
Although you can never totally get rid of stress, at least cutting back on the stress can be helpful.
#3 - Develop Strong Relationships - Developing strong relationships can help you be more healthy and happy.
Those who have good relationships and a good social network around them have stronger immune systems, according to recent studies.
So keep up those important relationship - they'll actually improve your health.
#4 - Exercise Regularly - Exercising on a regular basis is a great way to stay healthy.
You can enjoy better health by elevating your heart rate 3-4 times each week.
When you exercise, the level of leukocytes, which fight infection, is increased.
Endorphins are released as well, which provide you with better sleeping and make you feel happier.
#5 - Get Enough Sleep Each Night - Getting enough sleep is very important.
When you start missing out on sleep, you are more likely to end up getting an infection.
Lack of stress can also increase inflammation within the body and can increase stress hormones, which can have negative effects on the immune system.
Plenty of sleep on a regular basis will definitely help.
#6 - Eat Plenty of Antioxidant-Rich Foods - Antioxidants are important for fighting off infections, increasing good immune function, and helping to eliminate free radicals within the body.
Elimination of free radicals is important, since it seems that they can lead to various diseases.
Great antioxidants to include in your diet include zinc, vitamin C, beta carotene, and vitamin E.
You can get them by eating foods like berries, apples, carrots, citrus fruits, spinach, kale, kiwi, onions, and even red grapes.
Garlic is a food known to help the immune system as well, since it has both antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help.
#7 - Enjoy Laughing - Last of all, you should enjoy laughing.
Yes, laughter can help your immune system.
When you laugh it helps to get rid of the stress hormones within your body.
It also increases certain white blood cells as well, which are used to fight off infections within the body.
Studies have shown that laughter is an important factor in health, so you should make sure you find a way to laugh every single day.
Even if you are feeling sluggish, sick, and like your immune system isn't doing it's job, you can make changes that will improve the way it works.
With these great ideas you can help your body out and you'll soon be feeling better.
Remember, your body will thank you for it!