10 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Written by

Canyon Ranch Staff

Canyon Ranch Reviewer:

Published: January 16, 2013

What makes for “strong immunity” can be confusing. When you consider that your immune system is your body’s natural defense against threats to your health, you may think that it best serves you by always being active and in fighting mode. But a strong immune system is actually one that remains calm and un-agitated until it is called to action—and you can do your part to help yours stay that way.

“Inflammation is an active immune system’s response to some stressor, like an infection, injury, allergy or emotional crisis,” explains Dr. Mark Liponis, M.D., corporate medical director of Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Mass. When your body needs it to, say, protect you from the flu, it is what helps keep you from getting sick or gets you on the road to being well again. But this positive force can also bring its own set of dangers. “Inflammation can arise for a number of reasons, not just illness. And whenever it is present, your system is busy and you have fewer resources available to fight off a real threat.”

Do what you can to keep your immune system ready, willing and able by helping it stay quiet when its efforts truly aren’t needed and keeping inflammation in check:

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Rest and Restore

Insomnia, sleep apnea and a chronic lack of sleep can reduce your T-cell count and increase inflammatory cytokines, both of which make you more susceptible to illness. Try setting and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and keep your bedroom dark and free of distractions. If you snore, wake up feeling tired or suspect you may suffer from a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor.

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Choose Calming Foods

Fruits and vegetables (aim for a broad rainbow of colors to get the most antioxidant variety), fish and fish oil, olive oil, ground flaxseeds and spices like ginger, rosemary, basil and turmeric can all have a quieting effect on an overactive immune system. Look for new opportunities to fit these options into your diet: Add fresh basil to a sandwich, or drizzle olive oil on veggies, for example.

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Commit to Quit

Smokers have high levels of c-reactive protein and white blood cells, which indicate heightened inflammation and potentially hampered immune response. The good news is that when smokers quit, their immune activity often begins to improve within 30 days. Create a plan to quit smoking, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, to keep your defenses working without interruption.

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Turn on Workout Tunes

Music and dance are especially beneficial components of an exercise routine, according to Dr. Liponis. Scientists have discovered that exercising to rhythmic sounds boosts antibody levels while reducing stress hormone levels, which can weaken the immune system.

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Take Care of Your Smile

Brush and floss every morning and night, and make regular appointments with a dentist for a check-up. Persistent infections in the gums or teeth increase the body’s inflammation levels, leading not only to decreased immunity, but a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

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Avoid Inflammatory Foods

Foods that contain arachidonic acid can provoke an immune response and contribute to unnecessary inflammation, so limit or avoid sources like meat, shellfish and egg yolks; hydrogenated or trans fats in processed foods; sugary foods and refined grains (white bread, rice, and cereal).

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Practice Relaxation

Deep and relaxed breathing can pacify your immune system and decrease inflammation by reducing the levels of stress hormones in your body, so consider making focused breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or Tai Chi part of each day.

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Eat Several Small Meals

Your body knows that every bite of food could introduce potential toxins, so the immune system kicks in as you digest. Bigger meals means more time spent on high alert, so try several mini ones throughout the day instead of three squares.

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Form Emotional Bonds

When we feel close to a person or a pet, the amount of time we spend being anxious, angry or depressed—all emotions that tax the immune system, thanks to a surge in the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline—is drastically diminished. A strong connection to a place, hobby or a spiritual practice can have similar effects.

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Maintain a Tranquil, Clean Home

Continue efforts to keep stress to a minimum by creating a pleasing home environment. Try incorporating fresh flowers or indoor plants, natural or quality lighting, music or other pleasing sounds from wind chimes or water features, and any items or artwork that make you feel happy and calm. It’s also important that you work to minimize indoor pollutants like pet dander, harsh cleaning chemicals and mold. When you breathe them in, they settle in the respiratory tract, which can trigger the immune system to respond.

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