Our immune systems are hard at work, protecting us every day. Fighting off viruses and defending our bodies against disease and illness is a tough job. But to keep yourself and your loved ones as healthy as possible, there are several ways you can boost the immune system function naturally. When you do your part to strengthen immune system abilities, such as filling your body with foods for immunity, you protect your health and the health of those around you. 

Six simple ways we can all work together to strengthen immune systems:

1. Wash your hands!
2. Stay home when you’re ill
3. Get plenty of sleep
4. Find ways to manage your stress levels
5. Fill up on foods for immunity boosting
6. Focus on your gut’s health and make bone broth a part of your regular diet

Wash Those Hands Often!

We’re all familiar with the lesson of washing our hands. Use soap and water, scrub thoroughly and keep hand sanitizer handy for those in-between times. We've been taught this from a young age, but how many of us are genuinely following this simple yet imperative advice? The CDC provides statistics on hand washing and basic hygiene to prevent the spread of germs and keep our bodies guarded against the spread of illness.  It’s the simplest way to help protect and boost the immune system, so let’s all do our part by getting back to the basics of simple hand washing practices.

Stay Home When You’re Ill

Nobody likes venturing out when they’re feeling under the weather. Even more so, nobody wants to be at work, the store or dropping their little ones off only to be put in the line of germ fire. While you're doing your body an excellent service by staying in and nursing yourself or loved ones back to health, you're helping others maintain their health. It may sound easy enough, but how many of us have been guilty of this? Stay in and fill up on beneficial foods for immunity and strengthen immune system health before heading out or dropping your sick kiddos off to avoid further or longer illness and protect others in the process.

Good Sleeping Habits to Strengthen Immune Systems

Healthy sleep habits are a must for a variety of reasons. When your body suffers from a lack of sleep, you increase the hormone, cortisol. Over time, an increase in cortisol leads to suppression of your immune system. Ensuring a consistent and restful night’s sleep not only helps boost the immune system but helps alleviate:

•       Stress and anxiety
•       Chronic fatigue
•       Weight gain
•       Moodiness
•       Depression
•       Illness and disease

Find Ways to Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress plays an enormous role in our ability to maintain and strengthen immune system health and function. Our immune systems consist of billions of cells that travel throughout our organs and tissue. Our B cells produce the antibodies that work to destroy those pesky, invading viruses and bacteria that wreak havoc on our system. Our T cells come to the rescue by acting as the guardians, locking onto an infected cell, multiplying and destroying it. When we are under stress, and honestly, who isn’t these days, our immune system is weak, and its ability to fight off antigens is no longer at its best. This allows us to become much more susceptible to illness and infection.

Lowering your stress level helps boost immune system functions and strengthen immune system health and fight against:

•   Headaches
•   Flu and additional infectious illness
•   Asthma
•   Diabetes
•   Gastric ulcers
•   Cardiovascular disease

Managing stress can be as simple and enjoyable as talking time for a walk, yoga or meditation, finding a new hobby, or relaxing in a bath. We all need a little me-time and pampering, so make it a part of your routine while helping to boost immune system health at the same time!

Fill Up on Beneficial Foods for Immunity

You know what a believer I am in eating the right foods. When searching for ways to strengthen immune system health, choosing the right foods for immunity is vital. Making healthy foods part of your lifestyle rather than a once-in-a-while diet plan will serve your body well. You’ll boost immune system functions, fight belly fat, boost energy and mood levels, and fight off those dreaded signs of aging. Now, who doesn't want that?

Garlic, one of my go-to’s for everything, is known to help boost immune system health. As a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, garlic will strengthen immune system abilities, keeping your body healthier and your food more flavorful!

Additional foods for immunity that are favorites of mine include:

Broccoli

It's an excellent food for immunity, full of vitamins and minerals. Broccoli is full of immune-enhancing vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, and fiber.

Spinach

Spinach is so rich in vitamin C and an excellent food for immunity. I toss it in my sandwiches, salads, soups, and more. It's full of antioxidants and beta carotene, which help increase the ability to ward off infections and continue to strengthen immune system functions.

Citrus Fruits

We've all heard of the fantastic potential vitamin C provides, right? It's no myth. Loading up on your vitamin C will help strengthen immune system health, boost immune system function, and keep your skin looking youthful and radiant at the same time. So fill your fruit bowl with grapefruit and oranges to keep your body healthy both inside and out!

Focus on a Happy, Healthy Gut

If you’ve been with me for any length of time, you’ll know why gut health, immune systems, and bone broth go together. Incorporating foods for immunity is crucial. Maintaining a healthy gut frees our systems of the toxins that often lead to an unhealthy immune system and health conditions, including:

•       IBS
•       Bloating
•       Constipation
•       Inflammation throughout the body
•       Joint and muscle pain
•       Diabetes
•       Early signs of aging

By changing our lifestyle to include beneficial foods for immunity, we support boosting the immune system. And one of my favorite foods for immunity is bone broth. Through a variety of foods for immunity, you’ll fill up on healing collagen, nutrients, and clean proteins to strengthen immune system functions and quickly boost immune system health. Not to mention, you’ll fill up on delicious foods that are great for your entire body.

Let’s all do our part in keeping each other healthy. Strengthen immune system health for yourself and loved ones for a happier, healthier you!

Keep thinking Big and living BOLD!