We are living in some weird times caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. People from around the world are living with the constant worry that they, or their loved ones, might get infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This, unsurprisingly, has made everyone become more interested in learning ways to improve their health and better protect themselves from diseases.   

Now, it's important to note that no immunity booster supplement, diet, or everyday lifestyle change can protect you from getting infected with the Covid-19 virus. The only efficient way to stay safe from the virus is to practice physical distancing and proper hygiene. However, that's pretty much the deal with all viruses, not only the SARS-CoV-2. 

Many people wrongfully believe that the immune system is directly linked to protection from infections and viruses. That's not the case! Your immune system is rather linked to fighting those diseases should you get infected with them, rather than preventing them from entering and developing in your body. 

Keep reading below to understand better what exactly is the immune system and what are the ways to boost it for improved health. 

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What exactly is your immune system? 

Before you run to the supermarket to purchase a million supplements, it's best to understand what immunity is and why it is important for your health. And, more importantly, that you can improve it naturally, without taking any pill. 

So, first things first, let's make sure we're on the same page with what the immune system is. 

It is made of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins. All these create the immune system that fights off pathogens, commonly known as viruses, bacteria, or foreign bodies that cause infections. Now, when a body's immune system comes into contact with a pathogen, it triggers an immune response, meaning that it releases antibodies that aim to kill the pathogens. 

Put simply, your immune system's job is to recognize when something is wrong with your body and release "weapons" to fight that something, be it a virus, bacteria, or infection. Think of your immune system as the army inside your body that fights infections if they invade your "territory." Yet, just as you'd do with a real army since you can't send soldiers to war before training them, you need to train your immune system to keep it up and running to be able to fight any pathogens that may come into your body. 

So, strengthening your immune system actually means helping it be ready to fight off illnesses more efficiently. 

7 ways to boost your immunity 

It may sound pretty obvious, but boosting your immunity isn't that easy. Although you can find many types of supplements and products in the supermarket that promise to help you boost your immunity, it takes more than taking a few pills to improve your complex immune system. 

Now, the thing with the immune system is that it is very complex. More precisely, the immune system has to be able to fight against a variety of pathogens while also not being too tough to overreact unnecessarily, which can make it cause allergies or other autoimmune disorders in the body. Yet, despite being so complex, you can understand and help your immune system if you pay attention to it. Even a few everyday lifestyle habits can help boost your immunity to prepare it to ward off pathogens. 

1. Quit smoking

If you're a smoker, you should quit right now! Sure, you've likely heard or read about thousands of reasons why you should stop smoking to improve your health. Well, we must repeat it: quit smoking to improve your health. 

Smoking is an incredibly unhealthy habit that affects your health in several ways, including your immunity. On the flip side, quitting this habit helps improve your circulation, increase oxygen levels, and lower inflammation in the body. All these effects play a vital role in giving your immune system a boost, helping it be more efficient in fighting off colds or other diseases. 

1. Stay active 

Exercising is a must for mental and physical wellbeing. Physical activity also plays a vital role in supporting a healthy immune system. 

How does exercising help boost your immunity? By boosting your body's blood circulation, which helps the pathogens-fighting molecules and cells released by the immune system to move in your entire body and fight off any kind of infection that threatens it.

Remember that all medical specialists recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise daily? That's because that's all it takes to stimulate your immune system. 

1. Get enough sleep 

While it may not seem like something you're in control of, getting enough sleep to support a healthy immune system is an active process and a lifestyle choice. 

Forget about the nights spent scrolling on social media or binge-watching TV series because while they might be entertaining, they're not good news for your immune system. Studies suggest that those who miss on sleep are more prone to becoming sick when exposed to pathogens. 

What's more, find out that the immune system creates important pathogen-fighting cells while we're asleep. 

1. Have a healthy diet 

You've likely heard this one before several times, but you REALLY are what you eat! So, the healthier your eating habits, the healthier your body and mind will be. 

What do you need to have in your diet to support a healthy immune system? The most important micronutrients that you shouldn't miss for your diet are Vitamin B6, C, and E. 

So, eat more chicken, salmon, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds, as well as plenty of vegetables and fruits. 

1. Minimize stress

Stress can have a pretty big, negative impact on your overall health, including your immune system. 

Long periods of stress cause your body to put extra pressure on your immune system. Thus, making you more sensitive to viruses and pathogens and getting infections or illnesses. 

So, find ways to manage and minimize stress. 

1. Keep reminders to care for your health 

Sure, this one may not seem like medical advice, but it is worth mentioning. 

Think about it: now you know what you should do to stay healthy and boost your immune system. But with your busy modern life, will you remember to do all these things? We're guessing not. At least not all the time. So, use different strategies to remind you about these healthy habits you need to have from now on. 

• Get a display board to hang reminders there in the area of your home where you spend most of your time. 

• Set up notifications on your smartphone to remind you to stay committed to healthier habits. 

• Use wellness apps to stay motivated and learn more ideas on how to stay healthy. 

1. Take steps to avoid infection

The best way to avoid getting sick is to prevent infections. How? By washing your hands frequently and practicing social distancing. 

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