|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
A remarkable aspect of the human body is the immune system. It protects your body against infection when it is working properly, and when you’re ill it fights infection to make you better. Your immune system can really suffer if you’ve been overdoing it or eating and drinking the wrong things. So if you find yourself getting ill a lot or just feeling under the weather, it can mean your immune system needs a boost. Here are some helpful hints which can make all the difference.
Sleep is vital to your immune system with most people needing around 7-8 hours a night. Sleeping is your body’s way of repairing itself, so you’re ready to fight infection.
Fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain foods contain lots of immune boosting vitamins and minerals, so eat plenty of these instead of processed junk food.
Drink plenty of water, fruit juices, and herbal teas instead of alcohol or caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and cola. Water will flush out your system and fruit juice is packed full of vitamins and minerals.
Smoking will damage your immune system (including passive smoking) and put you at risk of many serious health conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
Exercising for 30 minutes five times a week will reduce your risk of long-term health conditions as well as improve your circulation and keep your immune system in tip-top condition.
Relaxation is important, as when you get stressed, your heart beats faster and can slow down your immune system, allowing infections to slip through your defences.
Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine to keep your spirits high!
- Loosen your clothing and get comfortable
- Tighten the muscles in your toes. Hold for a count of ten
- Relax and enjoy the sensation of release from the tension
- Flex the muscles in your feet. Hold for a count of ten. Relax
- Move slowly up through your body — legs, abdomen, back, neck, face — contracting and relaxing muscles as you go
- Breathe deeply and slowly
|