Your immune system is made up of a number of different cells, organs and proteins. All of these work together, to help protect your body from bacteria, fungi and toxins and this helps to stop you from getting ill, from viruses or infections.

If you feel like you are always getting ill, catching bugs and colds and never quite feeling yourself, then you may be wondering exactly how you can boost your immune system.

Unfortunately, “boosting your immune system” is actually a myth.

However, although it cannot be boosted, there are several things you can do to support it and ensure that it is functioning normally. Here is your guide to supporting your immune system.

Is it actually possible to ‘boost’ my immune system?

Good question! Let’s start with what’s actually in there. Your immune system is essentially filled with various organs, cells and proteins.

In order to prevent you from illness caused by viruses or infections, these all team-up to help your body fight bacteria, toxins and fungi.

Do you feel like you’re always “catching what’s going around”? Are you constantly battling one ‘dose’ after another? Then you probably wish to know the secret to ‘boosting your immune system’.

The bad news is that there’s no such thing as “boosting your immune system”.

The GOOD news is that there are definite steps you can take to help give it the best chance to do its important job.

Here is a step-by-step guide to supporting your immune system.

Is it possible to boost my immune system naturally?

Now whilst “boosting” your immune system isn’t an option, there ARE ways to support it naturally.

To begin? Sleep! Poor sleeping habits have been proven to lead to illness.

Recent studies have shown that healthy adults who slept for less than 6 hours a night are more susceptible to colds. Taking steps to ensure a decent night’s sleep such as going to bed that bit earlier, using a good mattress and staying off the phone/laptop are all key to a healthy night’s sleep.

Ok you’ve had a good sleep. Next up? Your diet. It may sound obvious but by introducing lots of fruit and vegetables to your diet, you are ensuring your immune system has the vital antioxidants and vitamins (vitamin C) it so vitally needs to function at its best.

How do I know if I have a weak immune system?

We know it’s rude to answer a question with a question but do you get a lot of colds?

We all get a few colds each year but if you seem to catch them more often, it may be a sign that your immune system is weak.

Digestive problems such as diarrhoea, constipation and flatulence can also be strong indicators of an immune system that needs some extra help.

Your digestive tract contains nearly 70% of your immune system so a lack of good bacteria in your gut can mean you’re more open to viruses and infections.

What causes a low immune system?

Stress! Yes, it has been proven that everyday stress can be a major factor. and can directly target and undermine the efficiency of your immune system.

Put simply. If you’re more stressed, you’re more likely to get ‘the sniffles.

Your lifestyle can also have a real impact. The old reliables such as poor diet, smoking and drinking alcohol can also have a negative impact on your immune system.

At what age does my immune system begin to weaken?

Whilst we may get wiser as we get older unfortunately our immune naturally weakens with age.
This deterioration roughly begins around the age of 60 and continues to decline with age.

Vitamins help the immune system, so which ones are the best?

Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin D are all excellent for the immune system.
To give your immune system the best possible chance try and make sure your diet is rich in these vitamins.
We know it can be rare in this country but sunshine is an excellent source of Vitamin D so when there is some do what you can to soak up those rays.

Making sure your immune system is getting the full benefit of all these vitamins through dirt alone is not always easy so incorporating a food supplement to your daily routine can be a convenient and positive step.