How to boost your immune system: From going to bed early to eating more mushrooms

Keep your overall wellbeing in tiptop condition this summer

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

With winter out of the way and summer just around the corner, you may have come to the incorrect conclusion that your chances of falling ill are now low.

However, illness can strike at any time if you fail to take proper care of yourself.

There are many ways that you can give your immune system a bit of a boost, from including certain foods in your diet to enjoying your dog’s company.

Don’t let an annoying ailment stop you from living life to the full this summer.

Here are 6 simple ways for you to give your immune system the boost it needs:

Do plenty of exercise

Exercising is an extremely effective activity to do to prevent a cold, as it can improve your body’s ability to fight infection.

According to MedlinePlus, the reason for this could be due to an increase in the speed of white blood cells circulating around the body during exercise.

Furthermore, partaking in some light exercise while you’re ill can also help you along on the road to recovery.

However, you must take note of your body’s response to physical activity. If you feel like you’re straining yourself too much, then it may be a good idea to stop.

Eat mushrooms, garlic and spices

Incorporating certain foods into your diet could help keep your immune system in tiptop condition.

Herbs such as turmeric, oregano and cayenne have been used for a very long time for their medicinal properties.

However, foods such as mushrooms and garlic have also been known to have a positive impact on a person’s wellbeing.

According to a study conducted by the University of Florida, eating a cooked shiitake mushroom every day can boost immunity over significant periods of time.

Moreover, mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Consuming garlic could also do your health a whole lot of good, as it’s been hailed for centuries for its remedial properties.

Have enough sleep

As simple as it sounds, not having enough sleep could be the key reason why your health is faltering.

Regularly having a good night's sleep can do wonders for your immune system (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Approximately two thirds of adults around the world aren’t having enough sleep, with the World Health Organisation recommending that the average individual aim for around eight hours a night.

Neuroscientist Matthew Walker warns that sleep deprivation could put you at risk of illness, ranging from the common cold to more serious afflictions.

So, next time you’re tempted to watch one more episode of Breaking Bad on Netflix before hitting the hay, make a mental note to save it for another time and enjoy a restful sleep instead.

Enjoy some quality time with your pet

While having a pet is undoubtedly incredibly joyous, did you know that it can also be improving your health?

In 2013, the American Heart Association published a scientific statement that explained how having a dog can reduce an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, a 2004 study that assessed the effect that petting a dog could have on the immune systems of college students concluded that doing so could have a beneficial impact on an individual’s immune system and overall health.

Keep drinking water

With so many different variations of supposed health-boosting beverages available on the market, it can be easy to forget about arguably the most powerful one of all - water.

Drinking water can do a whole lot of good for your immune system, as it can help your kidneys flush toxins effectively from the body.

However, it’s not just increased consumption of water that can boost your body’s immunity.

According to Dr Weil, taking the plunge by regularly having cold showers can also do you lots of good as doing so can supposedly increase the number of disease-fighting white blood cells in the body.

The health benefits of sex

According to a sexual health expert Yvonne KFulbright, people who are sexually active are less like to take sick days from work.

A study undertaken by researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania came to the conclusion that students who had sex once or twice a week had greater defences against germs and viruses due to higher levels of certain antibodies.

The NHS also states that sex is good for the heart and can help reduce stress.