"Your immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies) and chemicals. This system works together to protect you from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that cause infection, illness and disease," according to the website of the Cleveland Clinic.

When the immune system is functioning properly, it can identify our own cells and foreign organisms in our body. It immediately sends white blood cells to attack and kill pathogens before they can harm our health.

Photo: YouTube/Dr. Eric Berg DC

But our immunity can also get weakened by stress, inadequate sleep, smoking, alcohol, and processed foods.

So, how can you boost the power of your immune system? Here are several ways to do it, as recommended by WebMD:

• Take time to relax and enjoy life's blessings. According to Mayo Clinic, chronic stress is harmful to our health because 'long-term activation of the stress response system and the overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones that follows can disrupt almost all your body's processes. This puts you at increased risk of many health problems, including depression, heart disease, and digestive problems'. And so, it's important for everybody to take the time to relax both mind and body in order to regain inner peace. We must also take time to do the things that make us happy and appreciative of life.
Photo: YouTube/Dr. Eric Berg DC
• Love-making strengthens immunity. Based on a study that was published by the PubMed Central, this kind of activity enhances the ability of the immune system to fight infection from SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 virus.
• Adopt a pet. Having a pet has numerous health benefits such as motivating us to be more physically active, enhancing our psychological well-being, and lowering our risk of heart disease and other illnesses. In fact, pet owners have been found to benefit from a 24% reduction in mortality due to any cause as reported by CNN. Pets like dogs can also help kids lower their risk of developing allergies.
• Make more friends. Humans are social beings; it's why we need other people in our lives. And when we have healthy relationships, we tend to live longer because good friends enrich our lives, fill us with happiness, reduce our stress, build up our self-esteem, and help us cope with traumatic experiences. So, go on and expand your circle of friends and be true to those who are true to you.
Photo: YouTube/Dr. Eric Berg DC
• Be optimistic. Having a positive attitude strengthens our immunity. Hope gives us the power to endure and to be joyful even amidst trials.
• Laughter is indeed the best medicine. There's nothing like having a good laugh and appreciating our life's blessings.
• Eat your colors. Enjoy colorful fruits and vegetables as part of your diet. The antioxidants they contain will protect your body from free radicals that cause damage to cells.
• Ask your doctor about herbs and supplements. Get advice about the benefits of various herbs and supplements that are now popular on the market. Ask if any of these can help boost your immunity. Also, you need to find out whether they will interact with the medications you may be taking.
• Lead a healthy, active lifestyle. Moving around helps in reducing stress and enhancing your mood. There are many forms of exercise, such as walking, biking, swimming, and playing golf. You don't have to go for hard workouts. It's always best to engage in activities that you truly enjoy.
Photo: YouTube/Dr. Eric Berg DC
• Get enough sleep. Sleeping gives your body time to repair and rejuvenate, which is a great thing for your immune system. Don't drink caffeine or alcohol before bedtime.
• Drink less alcohol, or avoid it if you can. Alcohol weakens our body's defense system. If you want resveratrol for heart health, you can also get it from purple and red grapes.
• Stop smoking and vaping. Nicotine is a health-wrecker. Consult your doctor so you can stop this habit. You must also avoid second-hand smoking.
• Regular hand-washing. Now, this is a habit worth developing. Through proper hand-washing, you can get rid of many germs, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds to really clean them. You can also use a hand sanitizer in case there's no soap and water, but make sure that it contains at least 60% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol.

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