How to Boost Your Immune System

Rather than attempting to fend off illnesses once they have already taken hold of us, something that can be much more beneficial to our overall health and wellbeing can be to prevent them to begin with. A strengthened immune system is the key to stopping us from getting ill in the first place, but how do we achieve it? There are many ways it is claimed we can improve our immune system, and here we take a look at some of the most effective and relatively easy changes you can make to your lifestyle to see an increase in your immunity, as well as your overall sense of health and wellbeing.

Eat Well

It is a well known fact that our nutritional intake plays an important role in our overall health, including that of our immune system. While some may claim that certain vitamins and minerals are more beneficial to our immune system than others, the best way to boost it is to eat a varied and balanced diet so you can be sure your body is getting everything it needs. Try to get as much of your nutrients from natural food sources as possible, but vitamins and supplements can be a great addition to your diet if you struggle to always get your recommended daily amount through your meals or because of specific dietary requirements.

Exercise

Keeping fit is good for our general health and for that reason it’s important to exercise to boost our immune system. By exercising regularly you'll be fitter and able to fight off illnesses much easier, particularly those that affect the respiratory track such as colds. With that being said, it’s also important to allow your body to get some rest, especially if you already have an illness – get the balance right and you are sure to see an improvement in your immunity. There are so many retreats that can help you to get active and improve your fitness levels if you’re struggling to do so on your own, we love EPIC SANA Algarve, where there are a range of different fitness retreats that ensure no matter your ability, goals, or interests, there will be something that’s right for you.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for so many reasons, and one of these is the role it plays in boosting our immune system. Overnight our body has the chance to rest up and heal itself undisturbed so it’s important to get enough hours, especially when you are already ill and trying to recover. If you find it difficult to drift off at night, there are a few natural remedies you can try, some of which can be found here, but if you’re still struggling to switch off at night you might benefit from a retreat that can help resolve the issue. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a medical spa in Switzerland that offers an effective Sleep Diagnostic programme that will help you figure out what could be causing your sleep issues and offer you ways to resolve them so you can enjoy a more restful night in no time at all.

Avoid Stress – Relax!

There are many studies that have shown stress to impair the immune system, you’ll be relieved to know that there’s actually a reason why you always seem to get ill at that crucial moment (important presentation, exam, interview?) and it’s because stress places strain on the immune system. To combat this is both so simple yet for some so difficult at the same time – relax more. Take the time out of your busy schedule to relax and you’ll be surprised at how much better you feel, as well as how fewer illnesses you get. If you, like so many, struggle to relax, perhaps you could benefit from a retreat that gives you the chance to unwind. Kamalaya’s Relax and Renew programme is one of our favourites, using a range of holistic treatments to help you, as the name would imply, feel both relaxed and renewed.

Stop Smoking

The negative effects of smoking are extensive and well documented, with us all aware of how it can cause serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. However as well as this, smoking can also make us more susceptible to more common illnesses such as colds and viral infections. Smoking while ill can also be especially harmful to your recovery time, slowing it down and keeping you feeling unwell for longer. It can be difficult to quit, so for those that need a helping hand we offer stop-smoking retreats, such as this Anti-Tobacco programme at SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain, which will increase your chances of quitting for good. Free yourself from smoking and reduce both the risk of serious conditions as well as the more common and annoying ailments.

By adapting your lifestyle to include these changes, you will soon start noticing a difference in how often you get ill, as well as just generally enjoying an improved sense of wellbeing. For more information on improving your immune system and to find out about the retreats we offer that can help you, contact one of our wellness experts on 020 7843 3597 or Enquire here.