Maintaining a healthy immune system

By: Isabel Murillo

If you've ever been sick, you know how easy it is to take for granted basic things like breathing normally, talking normally, and thinking clearly. You see the value of looking after your body and the benefits of having a good immune system. But how does one get at that point? Eating healthy, sleeping seven to nine hours a day, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are all indicators of a healthy immune system. High levels of stress, constant colds, fatigue, digestive problems such as gas or constipation, slow wound healing, frequent infections such as more than four ear infections per year, and fatigue are all signs of a struggling immune system.

Having a healthy and strong immune system is extremely important. The immune system is a complex system of cells, tissues, and organs that operate together to defend the body from foreign invaders. A weakened immune system can be caused by unhealthy eating habits, dietary patterns, lack of sleep, and chronic stress. Bacteria, viruses, and toxins will overwhelm the body when the immune system is weakened. The result is sickness.

A healthy immune system has much more benefits other than just being healthy. Relationships are a lot easier to acquire and maintain. Relationships are a lot easier to maintain and acquire because once your body is healthy and thriving, your mental health will follow. Having a healthy body and mind can make any goal or desire much easier to attain because your well being is no longer an obstacle you must overcome. Maintaining a healthy immune system can make relationships, goals, and happiness a lot easier to acquire.

One can build a healthy immune system by following a set routine. Going to sleep at the same time every day, or at least five days a week, will boost immune health significantly. According to studies, good sleep habits, or the lack thereof, is directly related to illness.

A well-balanced diet is another important factor in maintaining a strong immune system. Eating a well-balanced diet will help avoid chronic diseases. Supplements are another effective way to maintain a well-balanced diet. While supplements have not been proven to prevent or cure chronic diseases or sickness, they do a fantastic job overall strengthening the body's immune system. Vitamins C, D, and probiotics are excellent options for supporting a healthy immune system.

Maintaining a daily exercise regimen will help the cells regenerate on a regular basis, as well as improve the efficacy of vaccines for those with damaged immune systems. Keeping one's stress level under control is essential for good immune health. Long-term stress can trigger an imbalance in immune cell function and even suppress immune response in children. Meditating, journaling, and even something as simple as going on a walk can help maintain stress levels.

After being sick, you see the value of looking after your body and the benefits of having a good immune system. However, after maintaining your health, you continue to see the benefits of having a healthy immune system. Maintaining a strong immune system isn't just about not getting sick, it's about being healthy and happy. Overall, maintaining your immune system and your body will not only help prevent you from sickness or chronic diseases, but it can help your mental well being.

Isabel Murillo// EOTT