07 Jun Five Surprising Immune-Boosting Tips & Tricks

We all know the basics of boosting your immunity; diet, exercise, supplementation and self-care are all essential components of keeping well through winter. But here are some lesser-known and more unusual immune-boosting tips that will keep those antibodies fighting-fit throughout ‘flu season. These unexpected tips and tricks are surprisingly fun and easy to follow!

Laugh

The saying that “laughter is the best medicine” is more than just an expression – laughing and joking with your loved ones doesn’t just give you an emotional boost, it improves your physical wellbeing too. Share your favourite jokes or cuddle up with a comedy DVD – your immune system will thank you.

Why it Works

• First of all, laughing quickens the pulse and the breathing, sending more oxygen to your body’s tissues.
• When you laugh, you breathe from your diaphragm, and this diaphragmatic breathing stimulates your thoracic duct, which is the largest lymphatic vessel in your body. In this way, laughing improves the function of your lymphatic system, which is responsible for helping to cleanse your body of toxins. More efficient cleansing = stronger immunity.
• Laughing engages your body’s parasympathetic nervous system; this produces endorphins (feel-good hormones), reduces stress hormones and improves T cell function.

Get Cuddly

Hugging, snuggling, kissing and human contact also give your immune system a helping hand. Great news for those of us looking to get extra-cosy this winter.

Why it Works

• Regular human contact has been scientifically proven to lower your body’s levels of cortisol; a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands, which supresses immune response.
• A loving or friendly touch signals your adrenal glands to stop the excessive production of cortisol. This means your body and mind become more relaxed and your immune system becomes better able to fight off viruses and inflammation.

Listen to Music

Listening to your favourite soothing tunes is another great way to keep your immune system healthy and strong.

Why it Works

• Listening to your favourite “feel-good” music will boost your levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a type of antibody that fights infections.
• Listening to music also reduces stress and lowers your levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Make Your Own Music

You can literally “drum up” better immunity by embracing your musical side! Enjoy a therapeutic drumming session to give your immunity a boost.

Why it Works

Various medical studies have shown increased immune activity in people whose blood was tested after participating in a group drumming session. This rhythmic activity enhances your body’s natural killer cell activity.

Munch on Mushrooms

When you’re cooking up those warming winter dishes, make sure to include a generous helping of mushrooms in your recipes. Not only are mushrooms delicious and versatile, they’re also a wonderful immune-boosting food.

Why it Works

• Mushrooms are a great natural source of selenium, an essential health-boosting nutrient your body can’t produce on its own.
• Mushrooms are rich in a specific unique antioxidant called ergothioneine. This antioxidant has a specific protein transporter in the blood, making it must very important to human immune function and overall health.

What’s you’re favourite ‘flu-fighting, immune-boosting trick?