Have you ever considered working out your immune system? On the internet, you can find everything from full body yoga to 5-minute plank workouts. But what about flexing your immune system muscle? Maybe it’s time to give it a good old-fashioned workout!
Let’s face it. Americans have gotten lazy when it comes to their immune systems.
Our ancestors had strong immune systems. Their systems had no choice but to combat common ailments on their own. But today there are medications available for just about every disease known to man. Our immune systems aren’t given the chance to work hard. Americans are popping pills more than ever before in the history of humanity.
But what happens when those pills no longer work? What if bacteria becomes resistant to medications, or viruses mutate and become more pestilent? What do we do then? I know what I would do. I would take the time to strengthen my immune system.
It is an infectious smorgasbord out there. To fight off disease-causing agents like viruses, you need to strengthen your immune system.
It’s more important than ever to have a healthy and robust immune system. Particularly in the wake of the Zika Virus scare and antibiotic resistant bacteria emerging.
To fortify your immune system, work it out. Just like our muscles, if you don’t use it you lose it.
Ready to work up a sweat?
7 Ways To Give Your Immune System A Healthy Workout
1. EAT DIRT
Americans are obsessed with keeping everything so sterile and clean. We feel the need to eradicate every speck of bacteria in our environment. We use sanitizing hand gels, germ-killing wipes, and antibacterial soap everywhere.
Even our connection to dirt is not the same as our ancestors. Supermarkets have replaced backyard vegetable gardens and technology keeps our children indoors. Gone are the days of playing outside from dusk until dawn.
Dirt is part of nature. Don’t be afraid to allow a bit of dirt into your environment. It will challenge your immune system to work harder. If your immune system never encounters invaders, it won’t know how to combat them. Younger children especially need to build up their immune systems.
2. INDUCE A FEVER
Fevers are an important weapon your body uses to fight infections. So reducing it when one arises cripples your immune system.
By encouraging a fever and not trying to stop it, is one way to promote an active immune response. This is referred to as an artificial fever.
When you promote a higher fever when a low-grade one exists, you help your body fight off an invasion. It can even shorten the duration of a cold or flu.
If you already have a low fever, don’t immediately reach for ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Let the fever do its job. It will help your immune system learn to fight off disease with temperature control. The more you do this, the better your immune system will be able to combat a sickness the next time you get sick.
3. LAY DOWN AND REST
A tired body is not the strongest body. The more you overwork your body, the harder it will be for your immune system to combat sickness. Give your body the downtime it deserves.
4. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND BREATHE
Practicing mindfulness or meditation has a powerful impact on your immune system. According to a UCLA study, mindfulness increases immune cells that fight infection.
When meditating or being mindful, there is a weaker secretion of adrenaline and cortisol. Some speculate that this is the reason for the increase of immune cells.
Doing this on a regular basis may help program your body for a stronger immune response.
5. DO AEROBICS
Exercising keeps your immune system healthy and gives your heart a good workout. It gets your blood moving and strengthens your heart muscles. That means more oxygen circulating throughout your body.
Think of it as a stream of flowing water. When the flow gets obstructed with a rock or tree trunk, it dams up. The water becomes stagnant and bacteria, and bugs gather. Don’t let that happen to your blood flow.
6. TAKE A COLD SHOWER
According to people who take cold showers, it’s exhilarating. Studies support increased immunity benefits due to elevated levels of blood cells. It also has oxidative protection due to increased blood too.
7. TAKE VITAMIN D
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in an active immune response. Vitamin D significantly improves your immune system. Get your vitamin D levels checked. If they are low, take a good quality vitamin D3 supplement.
Don’t be defenseless against modern threats. Start working out your immune system and flex those immune muscles!
In truth, love, and healing,
Carolyn Harrington
Visit my blog: The Art of Healing
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This post is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It is meant to motivate, educate and inspire you to live a healthier lifestyle.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified health care provider with questions regarding any medical conditions. Reliance on any of the information provided by this post is solely at your own risk.
Sources:
Effect of Cold Water on Blood Parameters
Improved Oxidative Protection in Cold Water
Vitamin D and The Immune System
