The immune system is a complex network of cells, organs and proteins that work together and independently to defend the body against antigens and foreign bodies such as bacteria and viruses. For this reason, a strong immune system is key. (And so is
The Detox Booster, a pretty great immunity booster, if we do say so ourselves).
Now, if you're someone that struggles with their immune system, and seems to get taken out by every single office cold or viral stomach bug, don't worry.
It's possible to boost your immune system and achieve a strong biological defence by supporting your body in the way that it needs, such as through exercising and eating well. So, if you're wondering how to boost your immune system, here's five ways to get you started.
How to boost your immune system
When it comes to the answer to this question, there are a lot of questions that typically follow. Does exercise improve your immune system? Can I take supplements to boost my immune system? What are the best foods to boost the immune system?
Well, here's your answers.
Step 1: Get moving
Does exercise improve your immune system? Absolutely, yes.
Regular, consistent exercise mobilises the T-cells, which fight infection, and helps them to circulate more rapidly, allowing them to zero in on bugs more efficiently. Research has also shown that raising your body temperature through exercise can assist in killing germs.
Here at Innermost, we recommend that you aim for 30-60 minutes most days to see the best results.
Whilst exercise can help prevent illness, rest and recovery is also important.
The Recover Capsules are a daily nootropic complex formulated for fast recovery. The functional ingredients include chocamine to reduce inflammation, vitamin D for brain function and ubiquinone COQ10 for growth and repair. Help your body to bounce back fast and benefit from a strong immune system.
Step 2: Catch some ZzZs
Sleep gives your body the chance to reboot and repair.
Lack of sleep can cause a drop in the production of molecules that counter inflammation and infection, which can affect how fast you recover from illness.
Poor sleep also puts you at a higher risk of catching a virus. The optimal amount of sleep for most adults is seven to eight hours of
good quality sleep each night.
Step 3: Just relax, dude
When you’re stressed, your immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced, making you more susceptible to infections. Cortisol,
the stress hormone, interferes with how well T-cells reproduce and receive signals from the body, meaning it's important to not let minor inconveniences drive you crazy.
Meditation, yoga, exercise and mindfulness are great practices proven to lower stress.
For additional support, our
The Relax Capsules have been formulated with ingredients including medicinal mushrooms, L-Theanine and pine bark extract to improve clarity, reduce stress and promote relaxation. Take a chill pill, literally, and you'll have cracked the code of how to boost your immune system.
Step 4: Protein, protein, protein
Vital to build and repair body tissue, regulate and generate new cells and fight both viral and bacterial infections, both antibodies and T-cells rely on protein to function.
A quick and easy way to ensure you’re getting enough protein every day to support your immune system is to whip up an Innermost protein shake. With
four protein blends to choose from, you'll never need to suffer through a bland grilled chicken breast again.
Step 5: Eat the rainbow
A great way to boost your health is through making healthy choices, and by selecting targeted foods to boost the immune system.
Making
positive nutrition choices are a great way to ensure your immune system remains strong and healthy. There are a ton of ingredients out there that can help support your health in different ways. We’ve incorporated lots of these functional ingredients across our product range.
Here are some ingredients and foods to boost the immune system that we really love:
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Capsicum: Found in The Lean Protein, it’s a great source of beta-carotene (the red-orange pigment found in plants and fruit) which has been shown to increase immune cells and boost their activity.
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Vitamin C: Found in The Health Protein. The Amazonian berry camu camu is famed for being rich in vitamin C, which has been proven to cut the risk of getting a cold in half and reduces the duration of a cold by 20% if contracted.
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Turmeric: Found in The Detox Booster. One of nature’s most potent superfoods, it has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers. The Detox Booster is also packed with an additional nine of the most powerful superfoods out there.
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Japanese medicinal mushrooms: Found in The Relax Capsules and The Health Protein, these act as booster shots for the immune system. Lion’s mane mushrooms, shiitake, maitake, reishi and cordyceps have been used for centuries for their antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
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Eat the alphabet: Found across all of our ranges. Vitamin A, B6, C, D and E can help to increase the strength of the immune system, so look for foods and vitamin supplements with high quantities of vitamins.