Your body’s defenses against foreign contaminants and diseases are known as the immune system. This crucial function can protect you from all manner of infections, deploying various tools like T-cells to attack the foreign substance and prevent it from causing further harm to your body. The immune system is a complex network of interconnected parts that must be maintained to keep your defenses strong.

A healthier immune system can contribute to a longer and happier life. If your body is well-equipped to deal with diseases, then your quality of life is improved. For this reason, you must learn to care for and support the immune system to invest in your wellness both now and in the future.

There are a few specific practices that you can adopt to support this critical function within your body. Here are some tips for supporting a healthy immune system that you could start doing this week.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Healthy weight is completely dependent on your body type. Like many other systems in your body, the immune system functions better when you are at an ideal weight. Excess fat can diminish the effectiveness of your body’s defenses when foreign substances enter the fray. If you are overweight, then one of the best ways to support your immune system is to try to shed a few pounds. Try eliminating unhealthy fats and unnatural sugars from your diet. Start exercising a little more regularly to help burn away that excess fat. The closer to a healthy weight you are, the easier it will be for your immune system to function properly.

Substitute for Healthy Snacks

Snacking is how you hold yourself over until the next meal. It can help reduce that feeling of hunger that you may experience in the hours before lunch or dinner. Unfortunately, many of the snacks that are popular are unhealthy or provide little nutritional value. To support your healthy immune system with little effort, try to have snacks on hand that provide immune-boosing nutrients. Certain kinds of popcorn contain yeast beta-glucans in the form of wellmune, which is an ingredient that can strengthen your immunity. If you stock your pantry with snacks that support a healthy immune system and taste good, then your body’s defenses will be better equipped to continue handling any opponent.

Consider Supplements

Let’s say you already have a strong immune system and you want to find a way to maintain and support it. Look no further than dietary supplements. If you take a multivitamin each day, the immune-supporting effects of the product can support an already healthy immune system. They can support antioxidant defense and energy production in your cells, including those involved in defending the body against foreign invaders. Supplements that support healthy immunity are an extra step that you can take that is simple and convenient to add to your routine.

Exercise Regularly

Well-functioning systems in your body can always benefit from exercise. Engaging in physical activity can help you feel better both physically and emotionally, but it can also help you sleep better. If you have healthy sleep patterns, your immune system and all its associated elements can recover effectively each night while you rest. Exercise improves circulation and can increase the production of those killer T-cells, both of which are critical components of an active and effective immune system. A good mix of cardiovascular workouts and activities that build muscle will support immunity throughout the body.

Cut Down on Alcohol

While drinking alcohol in moderation does not damage your health beyond repair, it can affect the body’s defenses. The more you drink, the weaker your immune system could be. This opens the door to foreign substances gaining a foothold in your body and growing beyond the control of your natural defenses. The chemical makeup of alcohol allows it to disrupt some of the communication networks within your body that are responsible for triggering a defensive response, which will slow the immune system’s ability to fight off an infection. By reducing the amount of alcohol that you consume regularly, and avoiding binge drinking, you are taking steps to prevent practices that can damage or slow your immune system.

Your Immune System is an Invisible Hero

Every day, there are foreign elements that are trying to get into your body. From the skin to your white blood cells, the body’s defenses are constantly fighting off these invaders to keep you healthy and happy. In many cases, your defense system is working when you don’t even realize it. Supporting this invisible hero should be a priority for your wellness plan. Whether it is the foods you eat, the physical activities you engage in, or the habits that you cut out, supporting an already healthy immune system is an investment in your health both at the moment and going forward. Adopt some of these practices and give your body’s defenses the support they need to function properly.