Overview

The immune system has two entities that work together to protect the body from all sorts of microbes.

The two entities are:

The innate (non-specific) immunity 

The acquired (specific) immunity

Optimizing the function of your immune system will ensure that your body remains clear of infections and harmful pathogens.

In this article, we will cover some of the natural ways to help you improve immune function.

Nutrition

Scientists repeatedly emphasized the role of nutrition in increasing the efficiency of the immune system.

In one study conducted by Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers identified numerous foods that modulate the immune system, including broccoli, garlic, and ginger. 

Another large study published by Cambridge University inspected the effects of vitamins on immune cells and antibodies.

Vitamin D was one of the studied compounds.

Researchers found that vitamin D is essential for the intercellular signaling that occurs between different immune cells – regulatory and effector cells.

The findings of these studies highlight the importance of nutrition in the function of your immune system and how you can use this information in your favor.

Note that other substances can also optimize your immune system; however, you need to consult with your primary care physician to avoid adverse effects. This is especially important when you are taking other medications – the risk of interactions.

Physical activity

Hundreds of studies confirmed the positive impact of regular physical activity on the functioning of the immune system.

In a 2018 study, researchers concluded that even moderate physical activity is enough to stimulate immune cells.

Scientists are unsure of the underlying mechanisms that lead to this result; however, several hypotheses have been proposed, including the optimization of the intercellular signaling of immune systems. 

Additionally, exercise may improve the process of producing hormones and neurotransmitters, which is crucial for the optimal function of the immune system.

Sleep quality

Poor sleep quality (e.g., insomnia) deteriorates several physiological functions, including cognitive abilities, metabolism, and immunity.

For this reason, experts recommend sleeping around 7–8 hours a night to regulate certain pro-inflammatory metabolic pathways that mess with the wiring of your immune system.

Just relax!

Chronic stress is a classic trigger of relative immunosuppression.

When you are emotionally stressed, your body secretes large amounts of stress hormones (e.g., cortisol,  epinephrine, norepinephrine).

Cortisol possesses anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties that interfere with the normal function of the immune system.

The good news is that the regular practice of stress-relieving activities interrupts the production of cortisol.

Examples of anxiolytic activities include yoga, meditation, and listening to music.

Cupping therapy

The immune system has a myriad of roles in our physiology, including protection against all foreign aggressors and internal threats. 

Your immune system is a marvelous entity that constantly neutralizes threats and keeps your organs safe from microbes, cancer, and foreign invaders.

In an Australian study, researchers found that immune cells kill hundreds of suspicious cells every day, which have the potential to turn into cancer.

For this reason, many experts attribute the vast majority of diseases that we see today to immune system dysfunction.

For instance, experiencing recurrent bacterial, viral, or fungal infections is a sign that your immune system might not be functioning properly.

By increasing blood flow to areas below the skin, cupping therapy releases immune-modulating chemicals that signal different types of cells (e.g., T-cells, B-cells).

Additionally, cupping improves lymph and blood circulation, which allows the body to get rid of all toxins and germs.

Takeaway message

Boosting the function of the immune system is an important process to prevent all sorts of infections.

We hope that this article managed to highlight some helpful tips to promote the function of your immunity.

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