How can I strengthen my immune system?
Our 6 powerful tips to strengthen your immune system!
Your immune system protects your body against infections, diseases, toxins, allergic substances and ensures recovery after injuries. The immune system consists of a complex network of cells, tissues and organs.
It is therefore very important that your immune system is strong so that it can do its job. Below are some tips on how you can strengthen your immune system:
- Power supply
It is possible to boost your immune system by eating the right foods. Think of enough fruit and vegetables. The following foods help boost your immune system:
- Fiber > This keeps the intestinal flora healthy. When you have a disturbed balance, the intestinal wall can lose its protective effect. As a result, the barrier that should protect our body against dangerous bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances is lost.
- Proteins > Proteins are the building blocks for antibodies and enzymes that can clear up intruders. Proteins are also needed to recover from infections and wounds. So make sure you get enough protein every day. For example, try our Vegan protein powders with superfoods!
- Vitamin C > Vitamin C is the most important nutrient for our immune system. It cleans up free radicals in your body and thus ensures that your body is protected against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a metabolic condition in which more reactive oxygen species are formed in the cell than is normal.
- Vitamin D > Vitamin D is important for strong bones, cell growth, the immune system and much more. With a shortage of vitamin D, the natural defenses deteriorate and you are more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
- Nuts > Nuts contain the mineral selenium, which ensures that your immune system is strengthened.
- Garlic > Garlic contains the substance allicin, which ensures that you do not catch a cold.
- Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect. By protecting against inflammation, the immune system is stimulated.
- Zinc: Zinc is an important mineral for the human body and plays an important role within our immune system. By taking zinc in combination with vitamin C, you have a lesser chance of catching a cold.
- Get enough sleep
When you go to sleep, your body can focus on recovery. That is why a night's sleep of about 7-9 hours is recommended and that way you maintain a good immune system.
- Movement
Keeping enough exercise is good for your blood circulation and has an inflammation-inhibiting effect on your body. It is recommended to exercise about 3-4 times a week. Walking or cycling for half an hour a day also contributes to your immune system.
- Maintain a healthy weight
If you are overweight or underweight, this has a negative effect on your immune system. Being overweight reduces the production of anti-inflammatory substances while more pro-inflammatory substances are produced.
Do you have trouble losing weight and the right diet? For example, try one of our breakfast recipes in the morning. The recipes contain only good ingredients, are delicious and contain Vegan protein powder . The Vegan protein powders provide a feeling of fullness, so that you also snack less.
- Avoid stress
If you experience stress on a daily basis, this becomes a problem for your immune system. Stress is not good for your endocrine system and stress disrupts the hormone 'cortisol'. So if this hormone declines, this causes a weakened immune system and you are more susceptible to infections.
Try to avoid stress as much as possible and to schedule sufficient rest / reflection moments in your day.
- Hygiene
It is important to wash your hands regularly. A virus can get on the skin of your hand and when you touch your face or eat something with your hands, the virus can enter your body.
A virus is wrapped in a layer of proteins and fats. When you wash your hands, that fat dissolves and the structure of the virus falls apart. Alcohol also causes this effect.
