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Selection of food that is good for the heart, rustic wood background

At Regency Retirement Village of Birmingham, we understand the importance of active senior living and making healthy choices everyday. It’s more important than ever to boost our immune systems, and live in such a way that promotes good health. But what can we do to keep our bodies as healthy as possible and stave off potential illness? Check out this list of simple steps you can take to better maintain your health.

Tip 1– HEALTHY FOOD

We all know eating healthy is a staple for wellbeing. We all know how important it is to feed our bodies nutritious foods so that we can stay healthy and strong. Healthy diet is paramount when it comes to fostering a healthy immune system. No brainer, right? A diet high in fruits and vegetables is a great place to start. Did you know there are specific foods that help boost your immune system? Check out a list of 15 foods that are immunity boosters in this Healthline online article.

Tip 2– DRINK WATER

We’ve all heard that drinking lots of is essential for overall good health, but did you know that staying hydrated has incredible benefits for your immune system specifically? Water helps ensure your blood can carry oxygen aplenty to the cells that make up your body, and for those cells to function at their best, they need to be oxygenated. Drinking plenty of water also allows your kidneys to flush toxins out of your system. The flip side– when you do not get enough water, those toxins can build up in the body, weakening your immune system while they’re at it.

Tip 3– STEER CLEAR OF SMOKING

The immune system is your body’s main line of defense against infection and disease. When you smoke, your immune system becomes weakened, leaving it less able to fight off everything from colds and viruses to conditions as grave as cancer. The fact of the matter is, compounds found within tobacco and cigarettes act as pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents, and one of the results is a weaker immune system.

Tip 4– EXERCISE REGULARLY

Active senior living is a vital piece of this puzzle. The simple act of moving your body can serve as a powerful tool in fighting off infection and disease. Exercising actually increases blood flow, while also increasing the circulation of immune cells. Exercising regularly also helps to decrease inflammation in the body, which can also have a positive effect on the immune system.

Part of an active senior living healthy lifestyle is incorporating regular exercise into your routine.

Tip 5– GET GOOD REST

Did you know that skimping on sleep can adversely affect your immune system? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting 8 hours of sleep per night can work wonders, keeping your immune system up to the challenge of fighting off illness. When you don’t get sufficient rest regularly, your body produces fewer cytokines, a type of protein that targets inflammation and infection.

Tip 6– DESTRESS

Actively working to minimize stress levels can also contribute to a healthier immune system. During times of stress, the immune system’s ability to fight antigens is reduced. The stress hormone, corticosteroid, can also suppress the immune system’s efficacy, lowering the number of lymphocytes.

Stress can also inadvertently affect your immunity, because in times of stress, we are less likely to eat right, get good sleep, exercise regularly, and more. And as you know, all these factors can contribute to a compromised immune system.

Tip 7– HAND HYGIENE

Of course, practicing proper hygiene is another important way to maintain health. Especially in a world where we have to worry about viruses and their spread, it’s imperative to practice good hand washing always. Being conscientious about clean hands, clean homes, and really just cleanliness overall can help protect against illness.

As you make your own choices and practice active senior living for your own best health, we hope you will be inspired to cultivate a healthy immune system that’s primed for fighting off whatever potential illnesses you may encounter. For more tips on how to boost your immune system, check out this info from Harvard Medical School.