How to build immunity in 6 easy steps

Life constantly throws new surprises at us. Figuring out the solutions to new problems and learning new ways to succeed is all part of the fun.

However, life is constantly throwing surprises at your immune system, too! Whenever you come into contact with a new germ, it has to mount a brand new immune response. Over time, it will learn to recognise some of the more familiar germs. But, chances are your immune system will go on discovering new things for as long as you will.

Unfortunately, that means that there isn't one simple answer to keeping your immune system healthy. If only it were as easy as taking a supplement each morning... But your immune system is ever-changing and constantly adapting. One tablet won't cut the mustard.

That said, fortunately there are a few general rules which can help to support your immune system as it battles with germs. The best thing is that they are all simple and easy changes to make to your routine.

1. Sleep!

When you're tired, the smallest problems balloon and feel insurmountable. It's a state of mind we all recognise and most of us know it as 'stress'.

This is why we so often hear the advice to 'sleep on' tough decisions, or to review tricky problems in the morning. We're simply better able to cope with difficult situations after a good night's rest.

Sleeping well also affects your diet, as when you're well rested you tend to experience fewer cravings for high-sugar, high-energy foods to keep you going.

What's more, sleep seems to have a direct effect on how well you can fight off germs. The results of a recent German study show how this works on a molecular level.

If you remember from our previous articles 'What is immunity?' and 'How to stay healthy in winter', one of the many specialist cells involved in immunity is the T-lymphocyte. The German researchers looked at how sleep affects these special cells, which destroy invading germs. To do this, they need to be able to locate and 'stick' to the cells in your body which have been attacked by pathogens. For example, these pathogens might include the viruses which cause flu, HIV, herpes and some cancers.

The researchers found that stress hormones reduce T-lymphocytes' ability to 'stick' to other cells.(1) This makes them less able to destroy bugs and protect you from disease.

However, when you sleep well, your stress hormone levels decrease. This gives your T-lymphocytes the best opportunity to get rid of unwanted visitors.

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2. Eat a rainbow

Not only does it make a beautiful plate, but a rainbow of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help you to build immunity, too.

Opting for a varied diet across the colour spectrum is the best way to make sure your body is getting a little of everything. Whole foods of different colours are more likely to provide you with a full palette of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients. To put it simply, the more varied your diet of natural whole foods, the more likely you are to be supplying your immune system with the building blocks it needs to protect you.

Eating well provides your body with the resources it needs to build strong, new cells. But research has also backed up something that we all know intuitively. People who don't eat a nutritionally complete diet are more vulnerable to infections.(2) What's more, when they do fall ill, they tend to get sicker for longer.

So, make like a Skittle and aim to taste the rainbow on every plate! → View Related Products

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3. Drink a river of water, herbal teas, and healthy broths

It's sometimes helpful to think of your blood as a river which runs around your body. It carries essential nutrients to the right place, helps your cells carry out vital processes, and washes away toxins, viruses and bacteria. It's crucial to make sure you're drinking lots of fluids to help your blood carry out the vital function of flushing away anything that might damage your cells.

The kidneys, which are in charge of getting rid of toxins, also work better when you stay well hydrated.

Water also helps our brains make melatonin, a hormone which promotes sleep. We've already seen just how important sleep is to maintaining the immune system.

Furthermore, water is important for producing lymph, a clear fluid which runs through the lymphatic system alongside your blood vessels. Lymph helps to cleanse the body, and is key to good immunity. The special fluid helps to collect up bacteria and carry it to your lymph nodes, which then do away with these unwelcome invaders.

Don't forget your mucous membranes, too. Your eyes, nose and mouth all need water to produce mucous. This sticky substance traps any passing nasties in the environment and protects you from the disease they might cause.(3) → View Related Products

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