5 Tips for Naturally Boosting Your Immune System

The cold and flu weather season is upon us not and no one likes getting sick. Catching colds and other ickys can put you in bed for several days, which could mean missing out on important events, having to skip a week of work and experiencing plenty of disruption in your life. Apart from that, you'll feel awful and will spend days wondering when you're going to feel better and what you can do to help yourself recover. Unfortunately, once you've caught an illness, getting rid of it is a lot harder than preventing it in the first place. Therefore, boosting your immune system is one of the best ways to help yourself stay healthy and fit. Below are some of the best ways to give your immune system a boost - naturally:
 

1. Give yourself Vitamin C - You can get Vitamin C from oranges, apples and other fruits and vegetables. Have a glass of pure orange juice at the beginning of the day if you struggle to eat fruits and vegetables. Another way to get this vital vitamin is by taking a Vitamin C supplements. You can get Vitamin C from oranges, apples and other fruits and vegetables. Have a glass of pure orange juice at the beginning of the day if you struggle to eat fruits and vegetables. Another way to get this vital vitamin is by taking a Vitamin C supplements. The immune system is strongly influenced by nutrients and the cells need the vitamin to perform optimally.
   
2. Quit smoking - If you smoke, quit. It's really that simple.  You could begin by cutting down on the amount of cigarettes that you smoke but the end goal should be to stop altogether. It's important to recognize that smoking will have a negative effect on your health, both in the short term and the long term.
   
3. Exercise regularly - If you have a busy routine, this can be one of the most difficult things to incorporate into your lifestyle. However, it can really help to boost your immune system, and the knock-on effects, such as better heart health and a healthier weight, will also improve the way you feel.
4. Eat plenty of vegetables - Vegetables and herbs such as broccoli, carrots and garlic are great at improving your overall health and thus boosting your immune system to help prevent illnesses taking hold. If you feel like you are about to develop a cold or flu, improving your diet can help to keep it at bay.
   
5. Vitamin D is important too - As well as getting enough Vitamin C to help your immune system along, you should also get Vitamin D too. While it's not always possible to get this from the sun, taking a Vitamin D supplement is a great addition. Vitamin D acts as a switch in your body, turning on or off genes and processes that your body needs to maintain health. Sufficient levels of Vitamin D  strengthens your innate immune system.

The immune system is amazingly complex. It defends the body against foreign invaders. It can remember millions of different enemies, but if weakened other diseases result. Avoid this by following the tips above and avoid the ickys during this cold and flu season but all year because the ickys never go away.