12 Simple Habits to Naturally Boost Your Immune System

What you eat, your attitude, and the amount of exercise you get can all play a role in strengthening your immune system and preventing illness.

Laughter can boost your immune system along with your mood. It raises levels of antibodies in the blood and those of the white blood cells that attack and kill bacteria and viruses. It also increases the number of antibodies in the mucus made in the nose and respiratory passages, the entry points for many germs—here are some other weird facts about laughter you probably didn’t know.

Sing your way healthy

A study of a German choir revealed that singing activates the spleen, helping to increase the blood concentrations of antibodies and boost the immune system. If group singing isn’t for you, belt out your favorite tunes in the shower—even just listening to music has some great health benefits overall.

Choose friendly fats

Some fats are essential for building cells and for the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds that help to regulate the immune system’s response to infection, such as the way it reacts by making white blood cells that combat invaders. Italian athletes on very low-fat diets were found to be significantly short of these cells. The secret is to choose your fats with care. Opt for unsaturated vegetable fats rather than saturated ones from animal foods, which reduce the ability of white blood cells to zap bacteria. And avoid trans fats, manufactured fats labeled as “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated.” Often found in processed foods and baked goods, they can interfere with the immune system. Here are some signs you need more healthy fats in your diet.

Stay away from sugar

Just 10 teaspoons of sugar—the amount in two 12-ounce cans of soda or carbonated lemonade—impairs the ability of white blood cells to deactivate or kill bacteria. Opt instead for a natural sweetener, such as one made from the stevia plant to boost the immune system. Try to limit calorie-free alternatives such as aspartame. Here’s how you can work to limit the amount of sugar in your diet.


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