5 Surprising Things that Boost Your Immune System

5 Surprising Things that Boost Your Immune System

While vaccines and vitamins can do wonders, there are others things that can boost your immunity.

We’re heading out of flu season, but no matter what time of year it is, having a solid immune system is something everybody wants. With the stress of balancing work, school, family life and friends though, staying healthy can sometimes be difficult.

What can you do besides take your vitamins every day, wash your hands and keep your fingers crossed?

Here are 5 things that can help give your immune system that extra edge.

1) Salty Sea Air

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The beach is more than just an excellent place to relax (which, conveniently, is also something that can benefit your immune system). A study done at the University of California found that being around sea air can benefit your body. Ocean breeze is packed with free electrons that act to neutralize the free radicals floating around in your body. The negative ions kill off bacteria, helping out your immune system.

2) Kefir

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If you’ve never tried the sour Northern European drink known as kefir, go grab some now. You’re missing out. Kefir comes in all sorts of flavors and while it might take a moment to get used to it’s distinct taste, it’s worth it. The stuff is rife with probiotics.

Related: Being Outgoing Boosts Immune System

Undeniable scientific proof of the advantages of consuming probiotics may remain undiscovered, but many believe that the tiny microorganisms could play a key role in safeguarding the health of our gut.

According to the minds at Harvard, “gut-dwelling bacteria “keep pathogens (harmful microorganisms) in check, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and contribute to immune function.” A healthy gut leads to a healthier you, overall.

3) Sex

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Each time you have sex, you’re exposing your system to that of your partner. Because of this, researchers say that engaging in intercourse boosts your immune system.

Related: Is Staying Inside All Day Bad for Your Health?

A study published in Fertility and Sterility states that sexually active women have higher Type 2 T-cell counts than their non sexually active counterparts, something that helps protect women from illnesses and infections, and thus makes it easier for them to conceive successfully.

For men, the relaxation and social support that results from having good sex can help ward off that cold.

 4) Sleep

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Sleep is the cure-all and its relation to our immune system is strong. Depriving yourself of a good night’s sleep for many days in a row will suppress your immune system, as you demand that your body overwork itself. Give yourself all the hours of snoozing that you need, and your running on a full battery, from head to toe.

5) Planting Tomatoes

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Gardening is great for your immune system. According to Psychologytoday.com, in 2007 neuroscientist Christopher Lowry found that certain strains of soil-borne mycobacteria play a strong role in stimulating the human immune system.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be tomatoes in your soil, but watching them grow is so rewarding, they’re a good bet.

For more on your immune system, check out Science Daily.com.

Photo credit: Tijana Moraca/Shutterstock

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