We can’t deny that the immune system plays a vital role in protecting us from getting bacteria, viruses, and other foreign bodies that are detrimental to our overall health. This is why it’s important to keep it strong and healthy at all times, pandemic or not. Any abnormalities in the immune system may lead to developing certain diseases and disorders and may be life-threatening in the long run. To prevent this from happening, we need to be aware of how we can give the proper care and maintenance to our immune system.
So how exactly can we do that? The solution is actually in the way we manage our lifestyle. Read on below and get a head start on how you can strengthen your immunity!
Get as much sleep as you can
Sleep has a big influence on our immunity. A body that is well-rested is highly likely to be in better shape, inside and out. Ideally, we should get at least 8 hours of sleep to let our bodies recuperate and keep them functioning at their best. Children and infants should get more sleep, between 10 – 14 hours at most. People who get adequate sleep are less likely to get sick. Just by keeping your eyes closed and lying still on your back, you’re actually already strengthening your immune system. Sounds pretty simple, right?
However, it’s understandable that there are some who are having sleep troubles, especially adults. There are far too many distractions sometimes, making it hard to get that much-needed rest.
Try to sleep in a dark room that is free from any distractions such as loud sounds, lights, televisions, and gadgets. If the problem still persists and you feel that there may be underlying health reasons for your lack of sleep, it is recommended to seek the help of a medical professional, particularly a sleep specialist.
Keep calm and exercise
Exercise is another key in keeping your immune system healthy and strong. An active body keeps your entire system up and running, letting them produce the necessary hormones and immune cells that can keep you protected. This also helps combat stress which also has an impact on the immune system more than you may know.
Stress is the leading cause of developing most sickness; it is more than being just a state of mind or feeling, which is why there is a need to regulate and manage it to prevent it from escalating into something more detrimental. There are a variety of physical activities you can do to keep yourself active and stress-free. Some of which are, but are not limited to:
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Running
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Jogging
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Walking
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Swimming
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Any sports that you enjoy and desire to do
Beyond stretching those muscles, our state of mind needs some exercising too! These are some relaxing activities you can do to keep it at ease and keep your stress levels at bay:
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Writing or journaling
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Meditation
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Yoga
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Any hobby that you enjoy and that gives you some peace of mind
Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated
Most of us, if not all, enjoy eating to our heart’s and stomach’s contents. After all, eating and drinking are just some of the basic things we need in order to stay healthy. Without a doubt, they contribute to keeping the immune system healthy and functioning. However, as we already know, there are two kinds of food and drinks: healthy and unhealthy ones. Not everything we intake is healthy, hence, some food and drink selections must be taken in moderation and discretion. It is recommended to load up on your fruits and vegetables as most of them have antioxidants that are beneficial for the immune system. Moreover, a healthy balanced diet will also prevent you from getting digestive problems such as gastroenteritis, acid reflux, or diarrhea.
On another note, staying hydrated is just as important as eating food to keep us healthy and functioning. Dehydration is the cause of developing some physical ailments that may interfere with our overall daily life function such as headache, urinary & kidney problems, as well as circulation problems. For a healthy and natural way to stay hydrated, the best go-to liquid would be water as they are free from unnecessary calories and sugar.
Reduce smoking and alcohol intake
Frequent smoking and alcohol consumption are some of the leading causes of a weak immune system. Manufacturers of these products have always been transparent about the health risks they carry and have advised moderate consumption of cigarettes and liquors. Nonetheless, some still consume them for socializing purposes, while for some, they may have their personal reasons.
Those who smoke and consume alcohol have a higher chance of getting sick easily, especially when accompanied by a poor sleeping lifestyle and diet. For a healthier immune system, refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol, especially when not needed.
Diligent Urgent Care: Your Trusted Healthcare Partner in New Jersey
When it comes to accessible and affordable healthcare, especially in the midst of a pandemic where we are vulnerable, Diligent Urgent Care continues to be of service to cater to your urgent health needs. We believe that strengthening the immune system is a starter in living a healthy lifestyle, as they are tied to our overall health. They also prevent us from developing certain injuries and illnesses that keep us from functioning. Some of the most common illnesses and injuries that we are prone to getting are:
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Common Colds and Flu
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Allergies and Rashes
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Urinary Tract Infection
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Infections
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Heartburn
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Dehydration
We understand that there are inevitable times when certain mishaps happen, and that’s what we are here for! We have several locations in New Jersey including Union City, Jersey City, Hoboken, North Bergen, West New York, Weehaken, and West Orange.
