Most common questions used to investigate
Do you get enough sleep?
Do you consume enough fruits and vegetables?
Do you eat yogurt and other fermented foods?
Do you exercise?
Do you consume a lot of sugar?
Are you well-hydrated?
Have you been stressed for some time now?
Common conclusions
Sleep and immunity go hand-in-hand and research shows that people who sleep less than six hours a day or have a disturbed sleep pattern tend to catch a cold often. This is because when you sleep, your body will strengthen your immune system naturally and will help you to be better prepared to fight infections.
Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants and nutrients and these can give you better immunity against infections. Also, the antioxidants present in foods and vegetables decrease inflammation by controlling the free radicals and toxins that may be present in your body.
Yogurt and other fermented foods increase the gut bacteria present in your throat and stomach and in turn, this increases the ability of your body to digest food. More importantly, it helps to fight infections easily. So make it a point to include fermented foods in your diet regularly. If you can't find fermented foods, make up for it with a probiotic supplement that will boost your gut health.
Regular exercise boosts your hormones and strengthens the different parts of your body like the bones and organs. As a result, your body is in a better position to fit against bacteria, viruses, and other infections. Start with something as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day for five days a week and slowly build your strength, endurance, and immunity from there.
Research clearly shows the impact of sugar and refined carbs to your weight, thereby increasing the chances of obesity. It is also known to increase chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and cancer. So, controlling your intake of carbs and sugars can go a long way in strengthening your immune system, but make sure you consume enough calories. In other words, opt for healthier foods over refined carbs.
Hydration alone doesn't protect you from infections, rather it reduces the resources needed to handle dehydration. To put it simply, the lack of enough water leads to dehydration that could be characterized by headaches and fatigue. Your body is forced to send resources to address these conditions instead of fighting the infections and this can prolong your recovery time. To avoid these complications, make sure you drink enough fluids such as water and juices to keep you going.
Long-term stress is known to have a big role in your immunity levels as it could cause imbalances in cell functions. In particular, prolonged psychological stress can change the way you handle infections and can bring down your immunity greatly.
Short-term stress is not good for the body and can lead to infections. Try using techniques such as yoga, meditation, and exercise to keep the stress away.
References
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