In light of the recent virus outbreak, many of us have rushed or queued to buy masks and hand sanitizers in a bid to protect ourselves from potential contact with the virus (us included).

While it’s important for us to practice good hygiene to reduce the spread of the virus, another aspect which we should focus on is boosting our immune system as this can help increase the chances of a faster recovery.

What exactly is my immune system?

Your immune system is basically your body’s defence system. It is a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work in concert to protect you from foreign invaders. Your immune cells are like the security guards of your body, constantly surveying and patrolling, making sure there is not a break in.

The key to understanding how to boost your immune system is to understand that the various parts of your immune system need to communicate with each other to work together optimally. Your immune system needs to be a seamless, coordinated team.

And that communication is handled by your nervous system, the master wiring system of your body that controls and coordinates all of the functions of your body.

Here are our 5 tips to ensure that your immune system is working efficiently:

1. Get enough sleep

Getting a good rest at night, on a regular basis, can have a profound positive effect on your level of health and vitality. Not getting enough sleep can lead to high levels of a stress hormone, and may lead to more inflammation in your body.

It’s important that we make getting consistent, high-quality sleep a priority. Rest and recovery need to be essential aspects of a person’s health promotion efforts. We need to create a lifestyle that supports restorative sleep and general stress-management.

2. Protect your Gut

Did you know – a large proportion of your immune system is in your gastrointestinal tract?

Help your gut function better by including prebiotics and probiotics into your diet. They may seem similar but they have different roles in the digestive system.

Prebiotic foods such as banana, berries, garlic, and onions go through the small intestine undigested and is fermented when it reaches the large intestine. Us humans can’t digest the fibre, and it helps feed and increase the number of good bacteria in your intestines, which is a crucial part of your digestive system.

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that we find mainly in fermented foods such as yogurt, miso, and kimchi that are good for your digestive system. They help to balance out your good and bad bacteria to keep your body healthy.

3. Exercise regularly

Try to get regular, moderate exercise, like a daily 30-minute walk. It can help your immune system fight infection. Exercising improves circulation, allowing cells of the immune system to move better through your body and do their job more effectively.

Exercise can also boost your body’s feel-good chemicals and help you sleep better. Both of those are good for your immune system.

4. Reduce sugar, and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds

 Eating or drinking too much sugar (like bubble tea) curbs immune system cells that attack bacteria.

An eating regime that is rich in vegetable and fruits provides protection against cardiovascular disease, cancers, and other chronic illness. There is a reason why people say we are what we eat, as our diet impacts our immunity and our overall health significantly.

5. Chiropractic Adjustments

Your immune system is directly controlled by your brain through your nervous system. By far, the most important thing you can do to boost your immune system is to fine tune your nervous system by keeping your spine healthy, flexible, and aligned.

Chiropractic adjustments are gentle inputs of energy that stimulate your immune cells to coordinate and act more effectively.

Align your spine, optimize your nerve system, and boost your immune system.