Forget what you’ve heardthese things can actually be good for your immune system!
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Grandma warned, Wet hair in winter equals a cold.
Everyone and their parents have an opinion on whats good and bad for our immune system.
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But we can all agree that taking care of our immunity is critical to survival and well-being.
Certain habits can threaten a well-functioning immune system and throw it off-kilter.
Yet, many lifestyle factors can support it.
Turns out, they are more immune-supportive than you may think.
Eating Lots of Fruit
All too often, fruits get the side-eye fortheir sugar content.
Take fruit fiber, for example, which is a friend to immune health.
SCFAs may promote less inflammation and more gut bacteria growth and diversity.And thats good news for your gut.
Changes in gut bacteria or a less diverse bacterial environment are associated with a higher risk of diseases.
Further, inflammation and oxidative stress both influence your immune response.
Whether its mangoes, papayas or avocados,fruits are natural sources of antioxidants.
Taking Fewer Supplements
3.
Combine the fresh air and physical activity, and youve got stress reduction too.
Plus, youre exposed to beneficial microbes in nature that support your gut and immune health, says Coe.
Incorporating Animal Proteins
Plant-based dietshave become pretty popular.
Still, theres confusion and skepticism over the health of animal-based proteins such as eggs, meat and fish.
Animal proteins contain essential amino acids that your body uses to make particular proteins your immune system needs.
Further, lacking important nutrients, like zinc and vitamin A, can up your risk for infections.
Further, loneliness is associated with immune suppression and an impaired immune response.
The Bottom Line
Immune health goes beyond steering clear of sickness.Embracing habitsthat support it long-term is important.
Sleep, stress, nutrition and even your gut microbiome play a huge role in immune health.
2019;81(8):711-719. doi:10.1097/psy.0000000000000685
