5 Personal Hacks to Boost Immunity

When you’re under a lot of stress, it can easily take a toll on your immune system. And, really, who isn’t these days? 
Even positive events like buying a new home among Vancouver real estate or getting married causes stress levels to rise. 
The strength of your immune system is key to your survival, and a higher quality of life. in order to keep the body and 
mind functioning at their best, free from illness and disease, it needs to be running strong. These personal hacks can 
help boost your immunity to support your good health and well-being.

Take Probiotics

Taking probiotics has become increasingly popular over the last decade or so, thanks to extensive research 
on the powerful benefits that are linked to good bacteria. Probiotics, or “good” bacteria, live in the stomach 
and intestines. They exist naturally in the body, but they also come from the foods you eat, including some 
dairy products like yogurt, and they’re available in supplement form too. They’re not only essential for the 
proper functioning of the digestive system and bone health, but these beneficial microorganisms are believed 
to support the immune system too. While bad bacteria can make you ill, these good bacteria keep you well 
by offering multiple immune-boosting benefits.

The Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport that showed New Zealand athletes came down with about 
40% fewer gastrointestinal infections and colds when taking a probiotic as compared to those who were 
given a placebo.

Spend Time in the Sun

If your body lacks vitamin D, your immune system is unlikely to function as it should. The sunshine vitamin, 
as it’s often referred to, is an important immune enhancer. As it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from 
foods, be sure to spend some time in the sun. Many experts say the ideal range for vitamin D is between 
1,000 and 2,000 IU daily, which equals to about 20 to 30 minutes in the sun without sunscreen three times a 
week. For those living in northern climates without a lot of sun, taking a vitamin D supplement is a good way 
to go to ensure you meet your body’s needs.

Indulge in Vitamin C-Filled Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits, are loaded with vitamin C which helps to increase the production of white
 blood cells to fight off infection. As the body is unable to produce or store vitamin C, it’s important to consume plenty of citrus to 
ensure your immune system functions at its best.

Eat More Mushrooms

Mushrooms are considered one of Earth’s greatest immune enhancers, thanks to their high levels of vitamin C, B vitamins, fiber, 
protein, calcium and other minerals. Reishi, Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms are particularly notable as they also contain a high 
level of an impressive compound known as beta-glucans, remarkable for their ability to boost the immune system.

Get Your Zzzs

Getting enough sleep every night is a must as the body requires rest to recharge the immune system. When you don’t get enough, 
not only will your immunity suffer, but it can result in all kinds of other health issues weight gain and depression to heart disease. 
Aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you’re struggling to do so, try turning off all your electronics an hour before bedtime, 
performing gentle stretches or sipping chamomile tea instead of staring at a screen.