Moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and promote the healthy turnover of immune cells. Jogging, biking, walking, swimming, and hiking are great options.

Dehydration can cause headaches and hinder your physical performance, focus, mood, digestion, and heart and kidney function. These complications can increase your susceptibility to illness To prevent dehydration, you should drink enough fluid daily to make your urine pale yellow.

You may need more fluids if you exercise intensely, work outside, or live in a hot climate Older adults need to drink regularly even if they do not feel thirsty. Relieving stress and anxiety is key to immune health. Long-term stress promotes inflammation, as well as imbalances in immune cell function 7 , 9.

In particular, prolonged psychological stress can suppress the immune response in children Activities that may help you manage your stress include meditation , exercise, journaling, yoga, and other mindfulness practices. You may also benefit from seeing a licensed counselor or therapist, whether virtually or in person.

Lowering your stress levels through meditation, yoga, exercise, and other practices can help keep your immune system functioning properly. Thus, you should only purchase supplements that have been independently tested by third-party organizations like United States Pharmacopeia USP , NSF International, and ConsumerLab.

Though some supplements may fight viral infections, none have been proven to be effective against COVID If you decide to supplement, make sure to purchase products that have been tested by a third party. These include reducing your sugar intake, staying hydrated, working out regularly, getting adequate sleep, and managing your stress levels.

Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Anxiety is a common symptom of trauma. Here's why. While we don't fully understand why, developing anxiety as a long COVID symptom is common.

However, we do know how to treat it. AVPD and SAD overlap in symptoms, both impairing social functioning. If the anxiety of an upcoming surgery is disrupting your sleep and day-to-day life, it may be time to talk with your doctor about medications.

Anxiety can lead to tooth pain through increased jaw clenching and other mechanisms. Addressing the cause of your anxiety, as well as maintaining good…. Shadow work is a concept developed by Swiss psychoanalysis Carl Jung in the 20th century.

Here's how to get started. Do you have thanatophobia? Acclaimed journalist and TV personality Lisa Ling is sounding the alarm about the affect social media use can have on kids and shares the steps she's…. Many people turn to yoga when feelings of anxiety start to creep in or during times of stress.

You may find that focusing on your breath and your…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Get some tips on how to stay healthy here. The immune system defends the body from invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies. Find out how it works, what can go wrong, and how to….

A strong immune system helps a person stay healthy by fighting off bacteria and viruses. In this article, we look at foods that can help to boost the…. In this article, we describe types of foods that may weaken the immune system and others that may help support it.

Learn more here. Many people take supplements to strengthen their immune systems. But what is the evidence for this, and what are the limits? My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Human Biology. Nervous system Cardiovascular system Respiratory system Digestive system Immune system. Tips for a healthy immune system. By Hannah Nichols on January 25, — Fact checked by Honor Whiteman.

Share on Pinterest Our immune system protects us from infection and disease, but is there a way we can enhance the way it functions? Can the immune system be boosted? Share on Pinterest The immune system contains many different cell types that respond to different microbes.

Weakened immune system. Impact of lifestyle on immune response. Share on Pinterest Many factors, including diet, exercise, and sleep, can impact immune response. Diet and the immune system. Share on Pinterest Eating a healthful, balanced diet is important for maintaining immune function.

Exercise and the immune system. Other immune response factors. Share on Pinterest Being outside in the sunshine has been shown to benefit the immune system.

Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause. RSV vaccine errors in babies, pregnant people: Should you be worried?

Scientists discover biological mechanism of hearing loss caused by loud noise — and find a way to prevent it. How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome.

Related Coverage. How to stay healthy with a weak immune system. Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M. Bring broth to a boil in a Dutch oven. Add carrots, celery, ginger and garlic; cook uncovered over medium heat until vegetables are just tender, about 20 minutes.

Add noodles and chicken; simmer until the noodles are just tender, 8—10 minutes. Stir in dill and lemon juice. Nutrition per serving 1½ cups : calories, 4 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 1 g monounsaturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 38 g protein, 18 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, g sodium.

Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Center Serves 4 Serve as condiment with chicken steak, fish, fried eggs or toast. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sautee onions for two minutes.

Then add all the spices; toast and stir for two minutes. Add the tomatoes, apples, vinegar and sugar. Mix together and simmer over low heat for 20—30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste.

Nutrition per serving 2 tablespoons : 24 calories, 0. Kristi Wempen is a dietitian in Nutrition in Mankato , Minnesota. Skip to main content. Posted By. Kristi Wempen, R. Recent Posts. Speaking of Health. Topics in this Post. Keep the immune system strong While having a healthy immune system is a plus during the season of colds and flu, consider these tips for keeping your immune system strong throughout the year: Focus on a balanced eating plan.

Because our immune response to fighting disease, infections and viruses in the body is so complex, there's a lot we don't know about why some people have a more balanced immune response while others don't. You may not have a lot of control over how your immune system functions, but there are ways to keep from getting sick.

Like other illnesses, COVID coronavirus is believed to be mainly spread from person to person. To prevent illness and avoid being exposed to the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily.

Cedars-Sinai Blog Can You Really Boost Your Immune System? How your immune system works. Read: Is It a Cold or the Flu? Can you strengthen your immune system?

What you can do to protect your immune system. There are some diet and lifestyle factors that influence your immune response. How to keep from getting sick. Read: Vaccine Fast Facts. Reducing your risk of exposure to COVID coronavirus. Read: Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency.

Tags: Expert Advice. Popular Categories. Popular Topics. Women's Health. Expert Advice. Fermented foods and probiotics may bolster your immune system by helping it identify and target harmful pathogens. Emerging research suggests that added sugars and refined carbs may contribute disproportionately to overweight and obesity 16 , According to an observational study in around 1, people, people with obesity who were administered the flu vaccine were twice as likely to still get the flu than individuals without obesity who received the vaccine Curbing your sugar intake can decrease inflammation and aid weight loss, thus reducing your risk of chronic health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease 19 , Given that obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease can all weaken your immune system, limiting added sugars is an important part of an immune-boosting diet 18 , 21 , This equals about 2 tablespoons 25 grams of sugar for someone on a 2,calorie diet.

Added sugars contribute significantly to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, all of which can suppress your immune system. Lowering your sugar intake may decrease inflammation and your risk of these conditions.

Although prolonged intense exercise can suppress your immune system, moderate exercise can give it a boost. Studies indicate that even a single session of moderate exercise can boost the effectiveness of vaccines in people with compromised immune systems Examples of moderate exercise include brisk walking , steady bicycling, jogging, swimming, and light hiking.

Most people should aim for at least minutes of moderate exercise per week Moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and promote the healthy turnover of immune cells. Jogging, biking, walking, swimming, and hiking are great options. Dehydration can cause headaches and hinder your physical performance, focus, mood, digestion, and heart and kidney function.

These complications can increase your susceptibility to illness To prevent dehydration, you should drink enough fluid daily to make your urine pale yellow. You may need more fluids if you exercise intensely, work outside, or live in a hot climate Older adults need to drink regularly even if they do not feel thirsty.

Relieving stress and anxiety is key to immune health. Long-term stress promotes inflammation, as well as imbalances in immune cell function 7 , 9. In particular, prolonged psychological stress can suppress the immune response in children Activities that may help you manage your stress include meditation , exercise, journaling, yoga, and other mindfulness practices.

You may also benefit from seeing a licensed counselor or therapist, whether virtually or in person. Lowering your stress levels through meditation, yoga, exercise, and other practices can help keep your immune system functioning properly.

Thus, you should only purchase supplements that have been independently tested by third-party organizations like United States Pharmacopeia USP , NSF International, and ConsumerLab. Though some supplements may fight viral infections, none have been proven to be effective against COVID If you decide to supplement, make sure to purchase products that have been tested by a third party.

These include reducing your sugar intake, staying hydrated, working out regularly, getting adequate sleep, and managing your stress levels. Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Anxiety is a common symptom of trauma. Here's why. While we don't fully understand why, developing anxiety as a long COVID symptom is common. However, we do know how to treat it. AVPD and SAD overlap in symptoms, both impairing social functioning. If the anxiety of an upcoming surgery is disrupting your sleep and day-to-day life, it may be time to talk with your doctor about medications.

Anxiety can lead to tooth pain through increased jaw clenching and other mechanisms. Addressing the cause of your anxiety, as well as maintaining good…. Shadow work is a concept developed by Swiss psychoanalysis Carl Jung in the 20th century.

Here's how to get started. Do you have thanatophobia? Acclaimed journalist and TV personality Lisa Ling is sounding the alarm about the affect social media use can have on kids and shares the steps she's….

Many people turn to yoga when feelings of anxiety start to creep in or during times of stress. You may find that focusing on your breath and your…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Well-Being. Medically reviewed by Kathy W.

Warwick, R. Share on Pinterest. Get enough sleep.

Oranges and kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is the vitamin that many people turn to when they feel a cold developing. While scientists are still not sure exactly how it helps, vitamin C may reduce the duration of common cold symptoms and improve the function of the human immune system.

For people trying to avoid the sugar in fruit, red bell peppers are an excellent alternative source of vitamin C. Stir-frying and roasting both preserve the nutrient content of red bell peppers better than steaming or boiling, according to a study on cooking methods.

That said, it is important to remember that the immune system is complex. Eating a healthful, balanced diet is just one way to support immune health. It is also essential to be mindful of the other lifestyle factors that may affect immune system health, such as exercising and not smoking.

Anyone who gets frequent colds or other illnesses and is concerned about their immune system should speak to a doctor. In this article, we describe types of foods that may weaken the immune system and others that may help support it.

Learn more here. What are the best ways to boost the immune system and can they give you enhanced protection against infections and diseases? We take a look. While no drinks can quickly give the immune system a boost, staying hydrated and getting plenty of nutrients is essential for immune function.

Elderberry supplements may help support immune system health. The immune system defends the body from invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies. Find out how it works, what can go wrong, and how to…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. The best foods for boosting your immune system. Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Which foods boost the immune system Other ways to boost the immune system Summary. Which foods boost the immune system?

Share on Pinterest Blueberries have antioxidant properties that may boost the immune system. Share on Pinterest Garlic may help to prevent colds. Other ways to boost the immune system. Share on Pinterest Washing hands properly may help make the immune system stronger.

How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause. RSV vaccine errors in babies, pregnant people: Should you be worried?

How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. How exactly does a healthy lifestyle help prevent dementia? Related Coverage. What to eat and avoid to maintain a strong immune system.

Medically reviewed by Kim Rose-Francis RDN, CDCES, LD. Tips for a healthy immune system What are the best ways to boost the immune system and can they give you enhanced protection against infections and diseases? READ MORE. Drinks for naturally boosting the immune system: Do they work?

Learn more here READ MORE. How the immune system works. Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP. Emerging research suggests that added sugars and refined carbs may contribute disproportionately to overweight and obesity 16 , According to an observational study in around 1, people, people with obesity who were administered the flu vaccine were twice as likely to still get the flu than individuals without obesity who received the vaccine Curbing your sugar intake can decrease inflammation and aid weight loss, thus reducing your risk of chronic health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease 19 , Given that obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease can all weaken your immune system, limiting added sugars is an important part of an immune-boosting diet 18 , 21 , This equals about 2 tablespoons 25 grams of sugar for someone on a 2,calorie diet.

Added sugars contribute significantly to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, all of which can suppress your immune system. Lowering your sugar intake may decrease inflammation and your risk of these conditions. Although prolonged intense exercise can suppress your immune system, moderate exercise can give it a boost.

Studies indicate that even a single session of moderate exercise can boost the effectiveness of vaccines in people with compromised immune systems Examples of moderate exercise include brisk walking , steady bicycling, jogging, swimming, and light hiking. Most people should aim for at least minutes of moderate exercise per week Moderate exercise can reduce inflammation and promote the healthy turnover of immune cells.

Jogging, biking, walking, swimming, and hiking are great options. Dehydration can cause headaches and hinder your physical performance, focus, mood, digestion, and heart and kidney function.

These complications can increase your susceptibility to illness To prevent dehydration, you should drink enough fluid daily to make your urine pale yellow. You may need more fluids if you exercise intensely, work outside, or live in a hot climate Older adults need to drink regularly even if they do not feel thirsty.

Relieving stress and anxiety is key to immune health. Long-term stress promotes inflammation, as well as imbalances in immune cell function 7 , 9.

In particular, prolonged psychological stress can suppress the immune response in children Activities that may help you manage your stress include meditation , exercise, journaling, yoga, and other mindfulness practices.

You may also benefit from seeing a licensed counselor or therapist, whether virtually or in person. Lowering your stress levels through meditation, yoga, exercise, and other practices can help keep your immune system functioning properly.

Thus, you should only purchase supplements that have been independently tested by third-party organizations like United States Pharmacopeia USP , NSF International, and ConsumerLab. Though some supplements may fight viral infections, none have been proven to be effective against COVID If you decide to supplement, make sure to purchase products that have been tested by a third party.

These include reducing your sugar intake, staying hydrated, working out regularly, getting adequate sleep, and managing your stress levels.

Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Anxiety is a common symptom of trauma. Here's why. While we don't fully understand why, developing anxiety as a long COVID symptom is common.

However, we do know how to treat it. AVPD and SAD overlap in symptoms, both impairing social functioning. If the anxiety of an upcoming surgery is disrupting your sleep and day-to-day life, it may be time to talk with your doctor about medications.

Anxiety can lead to tooth pain through increased jaw clenching and other mechanisms. Addressing the cause of your anxiety, as well as maintaining good…. Shadow work is a concept developed by Swiss psychoanalysis Carl Jung in the 20th century.

Here's how to get started. Do you have thanatophobia? Acclaimed journalist and TV personality Lisa Ling is sounding the alarm about the affect social media use can have on kids and shares the steps she's…. Many people turn to yoga when feelings of anxiety start to creep in or during times of stress.

You may find that focusing on your breath and your…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Mental Well-Being. Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R. Share on Pinterest. Get enough sleep. Eat more whole plant foods.