Must-Read Tips To Boost Your Immune System | Healthy Living slideshows | Well Being center

Indulge In Sex Regularly To Boost Your Immunity

Not only is sex pleasurable, research proves that it is also good for your body. Regular sex is said to improve your health and boost your immune system. This is because, indulging in sex once or twice a week increases the levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody, that improves the immunity protects our body from common infections. A research carried out by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania has found that having sex at least once a week can improve the immunity in both the partners by almost 30%. Another research carried out at Queens University, Belfast, has shown that having sex at least three times a week reduces the risk of heart attacks by a whopping 50%.It also provides relief from the pain associated with chronic arthritis.

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www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-strengthen-immunity
http://scienceblog.com/community/older/1999/C/199902516.html

Spending Time With Your Pet Can Boost Immunity

People who spend time with their pets have been found to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and a better health. A study conducted by Wilkes University found that there is a surge in the production of immunoglobulin A every time you stroke your pet for 18 minutes. Along with this, certain chemicals are released in the brain, which boosts the immune system. So, keeping a pet is a good way of enhancing your immunity. Another benefit of keeping pets is that every time to take them out for a walk, you get some exercise, and it is a known fact that exercising is good for your health and immune system.

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www.foxnews.com/health/2013/07/03/10-things-should-be-doing-to-boost-your-immunity/

Even Friends Can Boost Your Immunity

Although it is difficult to believe but spending time with your friends and being socially active can also enhance your immune system. A recent study has found that people who have strong social ties have a 50% more chance of living longer compared to those with poor social ties. Another study tested the efficacy of flu vaccine in freshmen. It was seen that those freshmen who had few friends showed poor immune response to the vaccine compared to the freshmen who had a large social circle. Yet another study has shown that the immune system is affected on a cellular level in a person kept in isolation. So, all the evidence points out that having lots of friends is a good immunity booster.

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www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/10-easy-ways-boost-your-immunity

Have A Good Laugh And Boost Your Immunity

Having a good laugh is a great stress buster. It decreases the levels of hormones which produce stress and increases the levels of certain type of white blood cells which play an important role in fighting off infection. In a recent study, men who were told that they will be seeing a funny movie in three days, experienced a fall in the levels of stress hormones while there was a marked increase in the levels of endorphins and growth hormones. Both of these hormones are associated with an increase in the body’s immunity. Besides improving immunity, a good laugh also results in a better circulation, improved digestion, a drop in blood pressure and reduced tension in the muscles.

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www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/10-easy-ways-boost-your-immunity

A Diet Rich In Vitamins Can Improve Your Immunity

Vitamins play an important role in fighting off diseases and protect the cells from damage. Although all the vitamins are important for the body, a few of them are good immune boosters. These vitamins include: Vitamin A: It is said to possess antioxidant properties and protects the cells from oxidative stress. Because of this property, vitamin A offers protection against aged related degenerative diseases, protects vision and helps maintaining the integrity of skin and mucus membranes. Vitamin B: According to the American Cancer Society, folic acid, better known as vitamin B9, lowers the risk of developing cancers. Vitamin C: Helps in wound healing and protects against inflammatory conditions. Vitamin D: Protects against degenerative diseases of the bones, strengthens the immune system and reduces inflammation. Vitamin E: Protects against genetic damage and cell death caused by the free radicals produced during oxidative reactions.

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www.livestrong.com/article/270454-what-vitamins-help-boost-your-immune-system/

Antioxidants Are Necessary For An Effective Immune System

Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients which help the body to repair damaged cells are called antioxidants. They protect the cells from free radicals which can cause cell death. Beta Carotene, vitamins C and E and minerals like selenium and zinc are all examples of antioxidants. Spinach, tomatoes, green peppers, apricots and broccoli are good source of Beta Carotene. Citrus fruits, berries, broccoli and cauliflower have abundant quantities of vitamin C. Vitamin E can be found in papaya, nuts, spinach, carrot and sunflower seeds. For getting adequate amount of zinc, one should consume red meat, seafood, nuts and beans. Selenium can be derived from tuna, Brazil nuts and beef.

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Exercising Regularly Can Boost Your Immunity

Exercising daily for a minimum duration of 20 to 30 minutes is really good for the immune system of your body. Exercising improves the circulation and facilitates faster movement of antibodies and white blood cells to the site of infection. Similarly, it causes the release of ‘warning hormones’ which alert the immune cells about intruding pathogens. Exercise can reduce the level of stress and lower the risk of developing osteoporosis. A study found that women who walked briskly for 45 minutes 5 days a week for 12 to 15 weeks fell ill much less compared to a group of sedentary women. However, experts say that moderate exercise is much more beneficial than intense exercise.

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Certain Herbs And Supplements Can Also Boost The Immune System

Proponents of natural therapy cite a number of herbs which they say possess immune booster properties. Some of these herbs include: Echinacea: It is said to protect the body from upper respiratory tract infections. Ginseng: It is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is also believed to be effective against diabetes. Garlic: Research shows that garlic exerts anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties and is good for the cardiovascular system. Turmeric: It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful in digestive problems. If your diet is deficient in antioxidants, you can depend up on supplements to get these necessary nutrients. However, always remember to take them after reading the label carefully. Vitamins like A and E are fat soluble vitamins which get stored in the body when taken in excess and can produce deleterious effects.

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Give Up Smoking To Improve Your Immune System

Exposure to even low levels of smoke can cause multiple health problems like heart attack, stroke and asthma. Smoking weakens the immune system and you compromise your immune system even if you are an occasional smoker. A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia compared the immune system of 35 smokers before and three months after they had they quit smoking. It was seen that people who kicked nicotine had several positive changes in their immune system. So, in order to have a stronger immune system, give up smoking. If you face problem in giving up the habit, consult your physician.

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www.health.harvard.edu/flu-resource-center/how-to-boost-your-immune-system.htm

Get Enough Sleep To Boost Your Immunity

According to the National Institutes of Health, an uninterrupted sleep of 7 to 8 hours is necessary for your immune system to get recharged and act effectively. Studies have shown that even a few days of partial sleep deprivation can create havoc with your immune system. Sleep is essential as it is only while you are fast asleep in a dark area that your body produces melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that protects your body against certain diseases. When you are sleep deprived, the production of melatonin decreases while the production of estrogen increases. Increased quantities of estrogen in the blood increase the risk of developing breast cancer.