In the world of health and wellness, you may often read about ‘boosting’ your immune system. Ultimately, we all want the ability to fend off infection so that sickness doesn’t stop us from our favorite activities.
But, is it actually possible to boost your immune system?
In reality, human immune function is more complex than it’s often depicted. So, rather than ‘boosting’ it, you may want to think about balancing it. Continue reading to learn more.
How Does The Immune System Work?
To better understand how to support your immune function, let’s first go over how the immune system works.
Your immune system recognizes an infection or injury and responds to it. The goal of this process, known as an immune response, is to return the body to its normal function.
So, for example, when you have a cold, symptoms like fatigue and congestion are signs that your immune system is working properly.
With that said, in the case of autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This response can lead to a variety of unwanted symptoms, such as fatigue, swollen glands, joint pain, swelling, and skin discomfort.
How To Best Support Your Immune System
To keep your immune system functioning at its best, try the following tips:
- Eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Additionally, consider testing to identify food sensitivities, which may be triggering your immune system.
- Exercise regularly to support your immunity, improve your quality of sleep, and manage your mood.
- Focus on getting plenty of high-quality sleep each night, as a lack of sleep can diminish your immunity.
- Limit your alcohol intake, as it can suppress your immune system in excess.
- Quit smoking, as it weakens your body’s ability to fend off illness.
If you’re struggling with poor immunity, the skilled physicians at The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine can help. We offer personalized, comprehensive treatment plans including lifestyle changes, intravenous nutrition, alternative therapies, detoxification, supplements, dietary changes, and more. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
