{"id":9004111223106592,"date":"2021-09-08T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-08T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/?p=9004111223106592"},"modified":"2023-05-24T14:35:36","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T14:35:36","slug":"the-top-12-natural-immune-system-boosters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/the-top-12-natural-immune-system-boosters\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top 12 Natural Immune System Boosters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\u201c<em>Being sick is so fun!<\/em>\u201d\u2014said no one ever. Being sick is the pits and we can probably all agree we\u2019d like to avoid it at all costs. But what can you do to stay healthy and ward off illness as the seasons change? It turns out, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/habit-change\">developing and maintaining healthy habits<\/a> has <em>a lot<\/em> to do with not getting sick.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Health and Life Coaches, we\u2019re all about finding ways to boost your immune system naturally to stay healthy through every season, and make sure our clients have the best tools to stay healthy too. You shouldn&#8217;t wait until you start to feel sick to boost your immune system either. Here\u2019s how we recommend boosting your immune system naturally right away.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-boosting-your-immune-system-naturally\">Boosting Your Immune System Naturally<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cHow can I boost my immune system quickly?\u201d<\/em> you may be thinking. It\u2019s time for a mindset shift because there\u2019s really no \u201cquick\u201d fix for bolstering yourself against illness. Staying healthy is more about the way you live your life and the behaviors you engage in repeatedly than anything else. Read on to learn more about the top 12 natural immune system boosters you should adopt as a habit and how to help your clients improve their immune system!get started.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Good Nutrition and Eating Right. <\/strong>You likely know eating right is a cornerstone of health, but you may not know that consuming a healthy diet in a range of colors is also super important for avoiding illness. Nutrition is so important in fact that learning the basics of nutrition and how to support people in planning their diet is a crucial part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/programs\/health-coach\/\">Become a Health and Life Coach<\/a> training and especially a cornerstone of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/programs\/nutrition-coach\/\">Become a Nutrition Coach<\/a> program.&nbsp;<br><br>We often tend to turn to vitamins to help in this department. <em>Oh, I\u2019ll just take some extra Vitamin C<\/em>, we think when we feel the first signs of a cold coming on. And while it\u2019s true that Vitamin C helps boost immunity, in truth, you should aim to get your vitamins from whole foods, <em>not<\/em> supplements. In addition to Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E help keep the body in cold-fighting condition.&nbsp;<br><br>If you\u2019re wondering what to eat to not get sick, here are 22 foods that boost the immune system to include in your daily repertoire:<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>22 Immune-Boosting Foods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Almonds<\/td><td>Papaya<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Berries (elderberry\/acai berries)<\/td><td>Pomegranate juice<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Broccoli<\/td><td>Poultry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Button mushrooms<\/td><td>Red bell peppers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Citrus foods<\/td><td>Shellfish<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Garlic<\/td><td>Spinach<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ginger<\/td><td>Sunflower seeds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Green tea<\/td><td>Sweet potato<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kiwi<\/td><td>Turmeric<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Low-fat yogurt<\/td><td>Watermelon<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Miso<\/td><td>Wheat germ<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"2\"><li><strong>Hydrate. <\/strong>And then hydrate some more.<strong> <\/strong>Proper water intake is essential to keep your body functioning its best. It also helps your body produce lymph, which contains infection-fighting white blood cells and other immune system cells. As a general rule of thumb, aim to drink half your weight in ounces each day and watch your intake of dehydrating beverages (we\u2019re looking at you, coffee).&nbsp;<br><br>If you don\u2019t love the taste of water, try infusing it with yummy ingredients like berries and other fruit, cucumber, and flavorful herbs and spices like mint or ginger. In addition, consuming hydrating foods (think watermelon, cantelope, celery, and cucumbers) can help you hit your water quota.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"3\"><li><strong>Move your Body! <\/strong>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/cold-and-flu\/cold-guide\/10-immune-system-busters-boosters#1\">WebMD<\/a>, regular physical activity doesn\u2019t just help you stay fit, feel good, and sleep better, it also helps your body fight infection. In fact, people who don\u2019t exercise regularly are more likely to get colds than their more active counterparts. So aim to engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise regularly to keep the sniffles at bay. (Walks count!)&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"4\"><li><strong>Get Enough Sleep. <\/strong>Researchers are now saying that we should aim to catch seven to nine hours of Zzz\u2019s a night to support optimal health (and we are HERE FOR IT). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/wellness\/why-is-sleep-so-important-for-your-health\/\">Inadequate sleep<\/a> is linked to increased stress levels and can also lead to more inflammation in the body, both of which can contribute to illness. To ensure you get the most restful night\u2019s sleep, count backward from the time you need to wake up and schedule your bedtime within that seven to nine-hour window. Bonus points if you start your bedtime routine a half hour before your scheduled bedtime to unwind away from technology and promote relaxation.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"5\"><li><strong>Minimize Stress.<\/strong> We hinted at this above, and now we\u2019re going to get right to the point. Stress can suppress the immune system and is one of <em>the<\/em> biggest contributors to sickness. It lowers the number of lymphocytes in the body and is linked to headaches, infectious illnesses like the flu, asthma, gastric ulcers, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. So in short, do whatever it takes to minimize the stress in your life in whatever ways work for you.<br><br>Blow off steam with a vigorous workout, take up meditation or other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/motivational\/what-are-the-best-mindfulness-activities\/\">mindfulness activities<\/a>, slow down, say no to doing more, attending every event, and always being busy. You should also connect with friends and family, prioritize <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/motivational\/7-types-of-self-care\/\">self-care<\/a>, work with (or even become) a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/programs\/health-coach\">Health Coach<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/life-coach\">Life Coach<\/a> to identify and eliminate the major stressors in your life, and seek counseling if you need to.\u00a0<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"6\"><li><strong>Stay Connected to Friends and Peers. <\/strong>Studies show that isolation isn\u2019t healthy for humans and a lack of connection can hurt our immune systems. One study found that lonely freshman students who were given a flu shot showed a lower immune response than their more connected counterparts. Cultivating strong relationships, it turns out, does wonders for our mind, body, and spirit. So make a habit out of scheduling regular hangouts with your loved ones.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"7\"><li><strong>Laugh Often. <\/strong>They say laughter is the best medicine&#8230;and whoever \u201cthey\u201d are\u2014they\u2019re right. Laughter doesn\u2019t just lighten your mood. It creates positive physical change within the body. Laughing increases oxygen intake, stimulating various organs, and increasing endorphins that are released by your brain. It lowers stress hormones and activates specialized immune cells called T-cells that help you fight illness. So strive to find the humor in the everyday. Watch, read, listen to, or otherwise consume content that makes you belly laugh. Recall funny events with loved ones. Don\u2019t hold onto negative feelings. Let your inner child take the reins and do things that bring the giggles out often. Your health will thank you!<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"8\"><li><strong>Get Outside. <\/strong>We talk about this a lot, but that\u2019s because it\u2019s so important and many of us are <em>not<\/em> doing it enough. Getting small amounts of sun exposure is critical to producing enough Vitamin D in our bodies, which produces antibodies and ultimately helps the immune system function properly. Vitamin D deficiency has even been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2759054\/\">linked<\/a> to respiratory illnesses. So make it a habit to spend 10-15 minutes of cloud gazing every day. As a byproduct, you may also enjoy increased energy, greater mental clarity, and elevated mood\u2014just a few of the fun side effects of getting enough Vitamin D!<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"9\"><li><strong>Drink Alcohol in Moderation. <\/strong>Numerous studies have shown that excess alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on the immune system, including reducing the amount and proper functioning of three immune system cells (microphages, T, and C cells). In addition, excessive drinking disrupts the gut barrier, which can allow more bacteria to enter the blood, and may also impair the functioning of immune cells in the lungs and upper respiratory system, making you more vulnerable to lung infections. The bottom line: drink responsibly and moderately (according to the Mayo Clinic, that\u2019s up to one drink a day for women and up to two a day for men).<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"10\"><li><strong>Maintain a Healthy Weight. <\/strong>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4717890\/\">this<\/a> 2016 study, obesity can substantially impact immunity and pathogen defense, \u201cincluding the disruption of lymphoid tissue integrity; alterations in leukocyte development, phenotypes, and activity; and the coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses.\u201d Maintaining a healthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthyweight\/assessing\/bmi\/adult_bmi\/english_bmi_calculator\/bmi_calculator.html\">BMI<\/a> can help you keep your body fit and in fighting shape. A win win!<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"11\"><li><strong>Avoid Tobacco Smoke. <\/strong>By now, we all know smoking is a very bad habit. But if you need another reason to kick those butts to the curb once and for all, here it is: smoking sabotages immune defenses, making you much more likely to contract the likes of bronchitis, pneumonia, and other upper respiratory illnesses. And for children, exposure to secondhand smoke increases their chances of middle ear infection.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"12\"><li><strong>Practice Good Hygiene. <\/strong>This one is super obvious, but it bears repeating. If you\u2019re practicing all of the above habits, but you\u2019re not keeping up in the handwashing department, you\u2019re opening yourself up to a lot of germ exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control &amp; Prevention, \u201cRegular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It\u2019s quick, it\u2019s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick.\u201d CDC recommends following a five-step protocol: wet, lather, scrub (for at least 20 seconds\u2014my son was taught by his preschool to sing the alphabet while scrubbing his hands), rinse, and dry.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>While we can\u2019t promise you\u2019ll <em>never<\/em> get sick again, practicing these 12 healthy habits to boost your immune system naturally should help make those sick days a lot fewer and further between.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-promote-healthy-living-by-joining-our-health-coach-program\">Promote Healthy Living by joining our Health Coach Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested in learning how you can adopt healthier habits so you can live your best life? In search of a rewarding career that gives you the tools to become your healthiest, transforms lives, <em>and<\/em> pays well? You might be a great fit for a Health Coaching career! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/signup-v1\/\">Learn about our six-month <em>Become a Health Coach<\/em> program.&nbsp;<\/a>Feel free to get in touch with with one of our clarity coaches directly, by calling <a href=\"tel:+18003032399\">1-800-303-2399<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Knowing how to keep your client&#8217;s body running in top shape is one of your goals as a health coach. Do you know which immunity boosters you should encourage your clients to try?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9004111223106593,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[134],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9004111223106592","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-what-is-a-health-coach"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.1 (Yoast SEO v25.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Top 12 Natural Immune System Boosters<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you know which immunity boosters you should encourage your clients to try? 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Being sick is the pits and we can probably all agree we\u2019d like to avoid it at all costs. But what can you do to stay healthy and ward off illness as the seasons change? It turns out, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/habit-change\">developing and maintaining healthy habits<\/a> has <em>a lot<\/em> to do with not getting sick.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As Health and Life Coaches, we\u2019re all about finding ways to boost your immune system naturally to stay healthy through every season, and make sure our clients have the best tools to stay healthy too. You shouldn't wait until you start to feel sick to boost your immune system either. Here\u2019s how we recommend boosting your immune system naturally right away.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 id=\"h-boosting-your-immune-system-naturally\">Boosting Your Immune System Naturally<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><em>\u201cHow can I boost my immune system quickly?\u201d<\/em> you may be thinking. It\u2019s time for a mindset shift because there\u2019s really no \u201cquick\u201d fix for bolstering yourself against illness. Staying healthy is more about the way you live your life and the behaviors you engage in repeatedly than anything else. Read on to learn more about the top 12 natural immune system boosters you should adopt as a habit and how to help your clients improve their immune system!get started.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li><strong>Good Nutrition and Eating Right. <\/strong>You likely know eating right is a cornerstone of health, but you may not know that consuming a healthy diet in a range of colors is also super important for avoiding illness. Nutrition is so important in fact that learning the basics of nutrition and how to support people in planning their diet is a crucial part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/programs\/health-coach\/\">Become a Health and Life Coach<\/a> training and especially a cornerstone of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/programs\/nutrition-coach\/\">Become a Nutrition Coach<\/a> program.&nbsp;<br><br>We often tend to turn to vitamins to help in this department. <em>Oh, I\u2019ll just take some extra Vitamin C<\/em>, we think when we feel the first signs of a cold coming on. And while it\u2019s true that Vitamin C helps boost immunity, in truth, you should aim to get your vitamins from whole foods, <em>not<\/em> supplements. In addition to Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E help keep the body in cold-fighting condition.&nbsp;<br><br>If you\u2019re wondering what to eat to not get sick, here are 22 foods that boost the immune system to include in your daily repertoire:<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>22 Immune-Boosting Foods<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:table -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Almonds<\/td><td>Papaya<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Berries (elderberry\/acai berries)<\/td><td>Pomegranate juice<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Broccoli<\/td><td>Poultry<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Button mushrooms<\/td><td>Red bell peppers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Citrus foods<\/td><td>Shellfish<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Garlic<\/td><td>Spinach<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ginger<\/td><td>Sunflower seeds<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Green tea<\/td><td>Sweet potato<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kiwi<\/td><td>Turmeric<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Low-fat yogurt<\/td><td>Watermelon<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Miso<\/td><td>Wheat germ<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:table -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":2} -->\n<ol start=\"2\"><li><strong>Hydrate. <\/strong>And then hydrate some more.<strong> <\/strong>Proper water intake is essential to keep your body functioning its best. It also helps your body produce lymph, which contains infection-fighting white blood cells and other immune system cells. As a general rule of thumb, aim to drink half your weight in ounces each day and watch your intake of dehydrating beverages (we\u2019re looking at you, coffee).&nbsp;<br><br>If you don\u2019t love the taste of water, try infusing it with yummy ingredients like berries and other fruit, cucumber, and flavorful herbs and spices like mint or ginger. In addition, consuming hydrating foods (think watermelon, cantelope, celery, and cucumbers) can help you hit your water quota.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":3} -->\n<ol start=\"3\"><li><strong>Move your Body! <\/strong>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/cold-and-flu\/cold-guide\/10-immune-system-busters-boosters#1\">WebMD<\/a>, regular physical activity doesn\u2019t just help you stay fit, feel good, and sleep better, it also helps your body fight infection. In fact, people who don\u2019t exercise regularly are more likely to get colds than their more active counterparts. So aim to engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise regularly to keep the sniffles at bay. (Walks count!)&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":4} -->\n<ol start=\"4\"><li><strong>Get Enough Sleep. <\/strong>Researchers are now saying that we should aim to catch seven to nine hours of Zzz\u2019s a night to support optimal health (and we are HERE FOR IT). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/wellness\/why-is-sleep-so-important-for-your-health\/\">Inadequate sleep<\/a> is linked to increased stress levels and can also lead to more inflammation in the body, both of which can contribute to illness. To ensure you get the most restful night\u2019s sleep, count backward from the time you need to wake up and schedule your bedtime within that seven to nine-hour window. Bonus points if you start your bedtime routine a half hour before your scheduled bedtime to unwind away from technology and promote relaxation.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":5} -->\n<ol start=\"5\"><li><strong>Minimize Stress.<\/strong> We hinted at this above, and now we\u2019re going to get right to the point. Stress can suppress the immune system and is one of <em>the<\/em> biggest contributors to sickness. It lowers the number of lymphocytes in the body and is linked to headaches, infectious illnesses like the flu, asthma, gastric ulcers, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. So in short, do whatever it takes to minimize the stress in your life in whatever ways work for you.<br><br>Blow off steam with a vigorous workout, take up meditation or other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/motivational\/what-are-the-best-mindfulness-activities\/\">mindfulness activities<\/a>, slow down, say no to doing more, attending every event, and always being busy. You should also connect with friends and family, prioritize <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/motivational\/7-types-of-self-care\/\">self-care<\/a>, work with (or even become) a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/programs\/health-coach\">Health Coach<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/life-coach\">Life Coach<\/a> to identify and eliminate the major stressors in your life, and seek counseling if you need to.\u00a0<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":6} -->\n<ol start=\"6\"><li><strong>Stay Connected to Friends and Peers. <\/strong>Studies show that isolation isn\u2019t healthy for humans and a lack of connection can hurt our immune systems. One study found that lonely freshman students who were given a flu shot showed a lower immune response than their more connected counterparts. Cultivating strong relationships, it turns out, does wonders for our mind, body, and spirit. So make a habit out of scheduling regular hangouts with your loved ones.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":7} -->\n<ol start=\"7\"><li><strong>Laugh Often. <\/strong>They say laughter is the best medicine...and whoever \u201cthey\u201d are\u2014they\u2019re right. Laughter doesn\u2019t just lighten your mood. It creates positive physical change within the body. Laughing increases oxygen intake, stimulating various organs, and increasing endorphins that are released by your brain. It lowers stress hormones and activates specialized immune cells called T-cells that help you fight illness. So strive to find the humor in the everyday. Watch, read, listen to, or otherwise consume content that makes you belly laugh. Recall funny events with loved ones. Don\u2019t hold onto negative feelings. Let your inner child take the reins and do things that bring the giggles out often. Your health will thank you!<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":8} -->\n<ol start=\"8\"><li><strong>Get Outside. <\/strong>We talk about this a lot, but that\u2019s because it\u2019s so important and many of us are <em>not<\/em> doing it enough. Getting small amounts of sun exposure is critical to producing enough Vitamin D in our bodies, which produces antibodies and ultimately helps the immune system function properly. Vitamin D deficiency has even been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2759054\/\">linked<\/a> to respiratory illnesses. So make it a habit to spend 10-15 minutes of cloud gazing every day. As a byproduct, you may also enjoy increased energy, greater mental clarity, and elevated mood\u2014just a few of the fun side effects of getting enough Vitamin D!<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":9} -->\n<ol start=\"9\"><li><strong>Drink Alcohol in Moderation. <\/strong>Numerous studies have shown that excess alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on the immune system, including reducing the amount and proper functioning of three immune system cells (microphages, T, and C cells). In addition, excessive drinking disrupts the gut barrier, which can allow more bacteria to enter the blood, and may also impair the functioning of immune cells in the lungs and upper respiratory system, making you more vulnerable to lung infections. The bottom line: drink responsibly and moderately (according to the Mayo Clinic, that\u2019s up to one drink a day for women and up to two a day for men).<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":10} -->\n<ol start=\"10\"><li><strong>Maintain a Healthy Weight. <\/strong>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4717890\/\">this<\/a> 2016 study, obesity can substantially impact immunity and pathogen defense, \u201cincluding the disruption of lymphoid tissue integrity; alterations in leukocyte development, phenotypes, and activity; and the coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses.\u201d Maintaining a healthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthyweight\/assessing\/bmi\/adult_bmi\/english_bmi_calculator\/bmi_calculator.html\">BMI<\/a> can help you keep your body fit and in fighting shape. A win win!<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":11} -->\n<ol start=\"11\"><li><strong>Avoid Tobacco Smoke. <\/strong>By now, we all know smoking is a very bad habit. But if you need another reason to kick those butts to the curb once and for all, here it is: smoking sabotages immune defenses, making you much more likely to contract the likes of bronchitis, pneumonia, and other upper respiratory illnesses. And for children, exposure to secondhand smoke increases their chances of middle ear infection.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":12} -->\n<ol start=\"12\"><li><strong>Practice Good Hygiene. <\/strong>This one is super obvious, but it bears repeating. If you\u2019re practicing all of the above habits, but you\u2019re not keeping up in the handwashing department, you\u2019re opening yourself up to a lot of germ exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control &amp; Prevention, \u201cRegular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It\u2019s quick, it\u2019s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick.\u201d CDC recommends following a five-step protocol: wet, lather, scrub (for at least 20 seconds\u2014my son was taught by his preschool to sing the alphabet while scrubbing his hands), rinse, and dry.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While we can\u2019t promise you\u2019ll <em>never<\/em> get sick again, practicing these 12 healthy habits to boost your immune system naturally should help make those sick days a lot fewer and further between.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 id=\"h-promote-healthy-living-by-joining-our-health-coach-program\">Promote Healthy Living by joining our Health Coach Program<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Interested in learning how you can adopt healthier habits so you can live your best life? In search of a rewarding career that gives you the tools to become your healthiest, transforms lives, <em>and<\/em> pays well? You might be a great fit for a Health Coaching career! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/signup-v1\/\">Learn about our six-month <em>Become a Health Coach<\/em> program.&nbsp;<\/a>Feel free to get in touch with with one of our clarity coaches directly, by calling <a href=\"tel:+18003032399\">1-800-303-2399<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9004111223106592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9004111223106592"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9004111223106592\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9004111223112318,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9004111223106592\/revisions\/9004111223112318"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9004111223106593"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9004111223106592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9004111223106592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9004111223106592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}