08 Oct 5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

When you have a cold, flu or another illness, your body is under stress and needs more vitamins and nutrients than usual to fight off pathogens. To boost your immune response and accelerate the recovery process, especially during COVID-19, consider these recommendations.

1. Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables

There are indications that various micronutrient deficiencies – zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid and vitamins A, B6, C and E, for example, can alter immune responses in animals. A person lacking key vitamins and trace elements that are obtained through the diet, can experience micronutrient malnutrition. This can negatively impact immune response. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables will deliver vital nutrients. If you don’t like the taste, consider blending into sauces, soups and smoothies.

Immunity boosting action: Eat two cups of whole fruit per day and at least three cups of vegetables per day.

2. Supplement your diet

Supplements and therapies that include electrolytes, zinc, glutathione and vitamin C work to elevate your immune system and help you battle colds, flu and viruses. When your body is not ready to handle a battle by itself, or you need to prepare for an oncoming assault, consider IV therapy to strengthen your immune system. Immunity IV therapy’s mix of electrolytes hydrates, while Vitamin C boosts your antioxidant levels and lessens the duration of the common cold; Glutathione grabs the inflammatory particles and detoxifies, while Zinc has been shown to support your immune system and will help you beat and recover from you battle against pathogens.

Immunity boosting action: Book an appointment at Vivify’s medical spa for Immunity IV therapy.

3. Get sufficient sleep

Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep to keep their immune systems healthy and responsive. Studies show that people who do not get good quality sleep or sufficient sleep are more likely to become ill when exposed to a virus. Infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during phases of inadequate sleep. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.

Immunity boosting action: Make sleep hygiene a priority. Go to bed and get up at the same time daily and turn off screens an hour before bed. Read a book!

4. Exercise regularly

Just like a healthy diet, exercise can contribute to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. Studies have shown that exercise seemed to increase numbers of certain immune cells that help to bolster immune activity. Moderate exercise can increase certain immune cells, reducing the risk of infection.

Immunity boosting action: Get at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking, bike riding, workout video) five times a week for a total of 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise.

5. Stay hydrated

When you stay hydrated, your body naturally helps eliminate toxins and other bacteria that can cause disease. Keeping your body well hydrated with fluids is critical for a healthy immune response.

Immunity boosting action: Drink more water. We recommend 15 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women. If this is not doable for you, consider rehydration therapy to boost your immunity.

At Vivify, we are committed to helping strengthen the health and immunity of the community.