Whether you are concerned about COVID-19 or the common cold or flu, you might be wondering what you can do right now to give your immune system a boost. Following are a few simple recommendations for strengthening your body against infections.

1. Eat a nutritious diet.

If you want to support your immune system, eat a diet which is rich in nutrition. The Cleveland Clinic suggests eating a diet which contains ample vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help you to nourish your immune system with what it needs to function at its best.

2. Exercise.

WebMD writes, “Exercise can be a powerful tool in keeping you safe from illness.” Getting more specific, the site adds, “Extended bouts (over 60 minutes) of high-intensity exercise can increase stress hormones, potentially decreasing immune system activity. This doesn’t happen with moderate exercise. You also don’t need to go on extra-long brisk walks to get the benefit. Research shows this positive effect on our immune systems with moderate exercise under 60 minutes.”

3. Try taking natural supplements to support immunity.

Along with a healthy diet and exercise routine, think about taking natural supplements that support immune health. Some suggestions include turmeric curcumin, olive leaf extract, Indian frankincense extract, ginger root extract, cat’s claw bark extract, Quercetin and COQ10. Take these daily over the long term to maximize your results.

4. Reduce stress.

Stress has a dampening effect on your immune system. So, try and alleviate your stress in any way you can. Just following the healthy lifestyle habits in this list will help. So will learning how to assert yourself and set boundaries in your life. You can also try relaxation techniques or meditation. Another option is just to take time regularly to do things you love.

5. Treat other conditions you might have.

Speaking of stress, if you're physically or psychologically stressed for a long period of time, that will compromise your immunity. So if you have any physical or psychological conditions you are currently not actively treating, consider prioritizing getting them under control. Doing so will remove more stress from your system, and free up the resources your body needs to protect you.

6. Get some fresh air.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health writes, “Being outside more often allows your child to develop a stronger autoimmune system and a resistance to allergies. Studies have shown that children in rural areas or those who are active outside have the best overall health.”

Even though the newsletter was geared towards parents, the point it makes about children applies to adults as well. It is easy to forget that being outside is good for us when we are told to stay indoors.

But so long as you are practicing appropriate social distancing when a quarantine is in effect, it can be good for you to take a walk and get some fresh air. While this may not be possible if you live in the city, if you live in the country, it is.

Support Your Immune System So It Can Protect You

You now have some simple recommendations for lifestyle changes you can make to bolster your immune system. Remember to keep practicing these lifestyle recommendations over the months and years ahead to keep your immune system functioning at its best.