Health
How do you stay healthy when everyone around you is sneezing and coughing?
There are well-known methods of strengthening the immune system: sleep more, drink water, take vitamins.
However, if you want to really protect yourself from diseases, you will have to resort to a non-standard approach.
Read also: Top 12 foods that boost immunity
These unusual ways will strengthen your immune system and help you resist various ailments.
How to improve immunity for adults
1. End your shower with a cold shower
Few people like to take a cold shower, but this habit can help your immune system become a powerful tool in fighting diseases. Scientists have found that people who took a cold shower every day had more white blood cells that fight viruses than those who enjoyed hot showers.
The fact is that in an attempt to warm up, the body increases the metabolic rate, and this activates the immune system, which produces more white blood cells.
Interestingly, German target Vincenz Priessnitz, who became the founder of hydrotherapy, used cold water for literally all ailments, from broken bones to erectile dysfunction.
It is believed that a contrast shower, that is, alternately drenching the body with hot and cold water, also improves lymphatic drainage, helping the immune system fight diseases.
However, remember that this is a method of prevention and is not recommended for use during illness.
2. Eat odorous foods
The basic rule is that the stronger the smell, the better for the immune system. This applies to raw garlic, onion, ginger or ginseng.
Garlic alone contains more than 70 different sulfur compounds, substances necessary for the formation of fast and strong white blood cells that kill viruses.
A study in Japan found that just 1-2 cloves of garlic a day increases immune strength by 40 percent.
3. Give yourself a massage
Finally, there's a reason to treat yourself to a massage. A 2006 study found that massage actually boosts immunity.
During the study, scientists found that in patients who received massage after treatment, cortisol levels significantly decreased, and the levels of the joy hormones dopamine and serotonin increased. Moreover, massage strengthens the immune system even in people with immunodeficiency, such as breast cancer patients.
When we are stressed, our body produces the hormone cortisol. And increased stress causes cravings for foods rich in carbohydrates, fats and sugar, which depletes the immune system. At the same time, lowering your cortisol levels will help your immune system.
4. Wear copper jewelry
Copper is an essential micronutrient in the human body that binds to enzymes. At the same time, enzymes are involved in the formation of hemoglobin, which is necessary for the repair and healing of our body.
Copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections, repairs damaged tissue and promotes healing. It is believed that if you wear copper jewelry, a small amount of it enters the tissues and bloodstream, supporting your immune system.
How to improve immunity at home
5. Listen to music
Music is not only good for your soul but also good for your immune system. Researchers have found that listening to quiet melodies lowers cortisol levels and increases levels of immunoglobulin A, a natural immunomodulator.
At the same time, soothing and melodic music has a greater effect than energetic melodies.
Scientists have also found that drumming reduces stress and strengthens the immune system. The tapping of rhythms leads to deep relaxation, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. But stress is one of the main culprits of immune system disorders.
6. Eat sauerkraut
Pickled vegetables and dairy products contain beneficial probiotics that strengthen the immune system. More than 70 percent of our immune system is in the gut, and the balance of your gut flora helps you fight pathogens.
Since the intestinal microflora regulates the immune response, the absence of beneficial microbes can upset the balance towards illness.
Therefore, include more foods like kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut in your diet to support your immune system.
7. Go to the Sun more often
Forget vitamin C. Vitamin D is one of the most important contributors to a healthy immune system.
To get a dose of solar vitamin, it is enough to be in the Sun every day for 15-20 minutes.
By getting enough vitamin D, you reduce the risk of infections by strengthening your innate immune system. Vitamin D stimulates the production of peptides of the immune system, which cause a strong antimicrobial reaction, preventing a minor illness from developing into a full-blown infection.
8. Moderation in everything
Traditional Chinese medicine states that our body must be in a constant balance of yin and yang to stay healthy. Our body regulates the amount of yin and yang, and when we get sick, the balance is broken and the body tries to restore it.
Read also: 50 signs that you are physically and mentally healthy, according to doctors
Believe it or not, a balanced lifestyle is the way to health. And this means everything in moderation — no restrictions and no frills.