10 ways to help build up your immunity

Scientists once believed that the mind and the body were separate, that one didn’t influence the other. Today we know that isn’t the case. Your stress levels and general mental state can have profound effects on the efficacy of your immune system. Your immune system doesn’t just deal with illnesses like the flu or the common cold.

Your immune system also deals with cancerous cells on a daily basis. Many otherwise healthy older people die of pneumonia due to a less effective immune system. Your immune system can affect your longevity.

Enhance your outlook and boost your immune system:

• Cortisol is an enemy of the immune system. During times of stress, the level of cortisol rises in the body. The body recognizes this increase as an indicator of the fight or flight response and responds by limiting other body functions, including the immune system.
• Prolonged stress keeps the immune system in a compromised state, which increases the likelihood of getting sick.
• Positive social interaction has the opposite effect. Enjoying time with others has been shown to lower stress hormones and boost immune activity for several hours afterward. Get out and enjoy time with other people.
• Listening to relaxing music or getting a massage is also beneficial. Anything that’s relaxing, without being harmful, seems to have a positive impact on immune function.

Check out to read the remaining ways to improve your immunity in the article originally published by A Beautiful Soul Holistic Counseling here.