Different types of immune system remedies include maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising. In addition, other types of immune system remedies may include taking vitamin and mineral supplements and effectively managing stress. The immune system is designed to fight off viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. In addition, a healthy immune system is the body's first line of defense for disease protection.
One of the most important immune system remedies is consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and lean protein. In addition, adequate amounts of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals are essential for optimal immune function. Research has shown that proper nutrition not only can maintain the immune system, it can actually boost immunity. Being overweight and consuming a high-fat diet can weaken immune function. This is not to imply, however, that maintaining a healthy diet will keep people from become sick, but it may make a difference in the severity of the illness and recovery time.
Important immune system remedies also include getting adequate sleep and managing stress levels. Not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system, causing the individual to become prone to viral and bacterial infections and even certain diseases. In addition, when a person is already sick, a weakened immune system may delay the recovery period. The recommended amount of sleep is eight hours for adults and nine hours or more for children.
Managing stress is also one of the most important immune system remedies. Being under stress not only influences the mood, it can also cause anxiety attacks which promote the release of adrenaline. Too much circulating adrenaline can hinder the immune system and make it less effective against disease. People who experience anxiety and panic attacks should talk to their healthcare providers to learn about available treatment plans. Anxiety can typically be managed effectively through appropriate psychological evaluation and treatment, exercise, eliminating caffeine, and sometimes, with medication.
Other important immune system remedies are controlling blood pressure, not smoking, and drinking in moderation. Poor nutrition may create immune system problems for the elderly. Many elderly people are deficient in trace minerals and essential vitamins because they sometimes eat less and don't have as much variety in their daily diets. For these people, dietary supplementation may help promote a healthier immune system, but should not be considered until discussed with the healthcare provider.