What is Good and Bad for Your Immunity?

Immunity is one of the most searched words on google, due to the coronavirus, people are obsessed with this word and ways to boost it. Immunity helps you in fighting against diseases and, it's a known fact. But many a time people are ignorant that their immunity is compromised, owing to certain activities. Let's find out what is good and bad for your immunity

There has been a lot in the media related to boosting immunity for almost a year now. The COVID-19 pandemic sensitized almost every individual about the immune system and how it can protect us from not just the novel coronavirus, but other pathogen infections as well. In the past year, we got to know about many ways through which we can strengthen your immunity. But, did you know that some common day-to-day practices can lower your immunity and make your body prone to contracting infections easily? Here are some of those activities which one must avoid.

• Smoking
  

  Smoking is Injurious for Immunity

Cigarettes contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can lower your body’s immune response towards the foreign infection-causing bodies. Also, since most of the viruses attack our respiratory system, people who smoke are more likely to contract them and have adverse effects or complications.

• Drinking
  

  Drinking Is Harmful For Immunity

Not just smoking, but drinking too can be harmful to overall health, including our body’s ability to fight certain infections and diseases. With time, the body also loses its ability to repair itself.

• Staying Indoors
  

  Staying Indoors For Long Hours

Staying indoors all the time can also have a negative impact on your immune system. When you step out in the sun, your body gets a good dose of vitamin D, which is also important for strengthening immunity. Also, during the cold weather, sitting outdoors will do no harm.

• Not Sleeping Enough

3-4 hours of sleep at night or not sleeping at all can also affect your immune system. Our body makes proteins called cytokines, which help with the functionality of the immune system and are released when we are asleep. Therefore, a quality sleep of 7-9 hours is a must.

• Stress and Anxiety

Constant feelings of stress and anxiety can take a toll on your immunity and make you more vulnerable to the infection. Depression too is a part of it. The stress hormones, namely cortisol, and adrenaline are increased in the body. Sometimes certain vaccinations too may not be as effective in a person suffering from these conditions.

• Sedentary Lifestyle
  

  Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is something that almost all of us are victims of. Sitting in the same place for longer durations, constant eating, and not moving at all can be very harmful. Every doctor and expert around the world stresses exercising for at least 30-45 mins. Physical activities not only keep you fit but also boosts immunity. However, remember that too much strenuous exercises must be avoided.

What Can You Do?

1. Eat healthy and balanced meals
2. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet
3. Avoid smoking, drinking, or drug abuse
4. Have a sound sleep every day
5. Maintain good hygiene
6. Manage stress with the help of yoga or meditation
7. Exercise regularly
8. Take a walk in the outdoors or sit out and soak in some sun
9. Choose a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight
10. If you are immuno-compromised due to certain medications or illnesses, ask your doctor if you require any supplements