How to boost your immune system

							How to boost your immune system

Reduce stress - lt's day-in-day-out chronic stress, rather than the odd difficult period,
that seems to cause a measurable decline in the immune system's ability to fight
disease, as it results in lower levels of natural killer (Nk) cells. You cant always control
what’s happening in your life, of course, but it's important to manage your response to
it,’ says stress expert Dr Cary Cooper. Try meditation, as studies suggest it enhances
the number of disease-fighting cells you produce

Intimacy

Interestingly, research has found those who make love once or twice a week make
30% more immunoglobulin A cells vital antibodies than those who don’t. But ensure you
get enough shut- eye, too, as studies show that those who sleep for less than seven
hours a night have a muted immune response.

Sugar intake

lt reduces the activity of white blood cells for several hours after consumption. This
happens because eating sugar raises insulin levels, which then impacts upon other
hormones that affect the immune system.

Fresh air

Environmental pollution could shut down the immune system over time and make you
more susceptible to illness, says research from Duke University Medical Center, in
the US. While you can’t control your environment, do your best to steer clear of very
polluted areas - if you cycle, wear a mask, and avoid walking by busy roads.

Socialize

One recent study found that people who had six or more strong friendships were
around four times better at fighting off the viruses that cause colds than people with
fewer close relationships.

Assertiveness

Those classed as having ‘type D personalities’ — who bottle up their emotions A tend
to have fewer active NK cells than more expressive people. You can't completely
change your nature, of course, but try to get into the habit of sharing problems and
difficulties.