5 Immune System Hacks to Keep You Healthy

Your immune system is everything. When it’s healthy and strong, you are healthy and strong. But when it’s weakened, well, you know what happens. Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways you can naturally boost your immune system. Use these five tips below to get started.

1. Take Your Vitamins

An apple a day keeps the doctor away—and so does a well-thought-out vitamin regimen. You can talk to your doctor about the specific vitamins that you should incorporate in your diet, but as a general rule, load up on Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. In other words, work toward an anti oxidant-rich diet, eat nutritious food, develop strong bones and get plenty of sunshine.

2. Wash Your Hands

This one is kind of a no-brainer, but you would be surprised by how many people still don’t wash their hands enough. Every time you use the restroom, prepare food, handle a baby or are around someone who is sick, wash your hands. Wash them in between these times, too. We all touch our faces more than we realize, and keeping our hands as germ-free as possible can help prevent the spread of sickness, thus leading to a stronger immune system.

3. Fill Up on Anti-Oxidants

In addition to taking vitamins that boost your immune system, try incorporating anti oxidant-rich foods into your diet. Not only will these boost your immune system, but they’ll also help keep your gut healthy and functioning properly. The next time you visit your local grocery store, stock up on raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Yum!

4. Try to Cope With Stress

This is a hard one because, well, life is stressful. And while it is almost impossible to completely eliminate stress from your day-to-day existence, you can take steps to improve how you handle it. First, start meditating. Meditation is proven to help with mindfulness—and finding peace of mind is more than half the battle. Next, try yoga. This also has a meditative effect, and it’s great for your overall health, too! Finally, try using essential oils or burning candles in your favorite scent to unwind after a busy day. Bottom line: Take care of yourself. It’s good for you on many levels.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Last but certainly not least, make sure you’re getting enough rest at night. We can’t stress this one enough. When you don’t get enough sleep, it compromises your immune system and makes you more susceptible to all sorts of ailments. Make it a priority to get at least eight hours a night. Not only will you probably be in a much better mood, but your body will thank you ten times over.