Boosting Your Immune System
Destination Health: Dr. Manny gives tips for maximizing your immune system so you can ward off disease and stay healthy
Your immune system is a balanced network of cells and organs working together to protect you from disease.
These defensive cells are found in various parts of the body, such as your tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow and thymus gland.
Your immune system is working to create antibodies that find and destroy “foreign invaders,” which cause illness. If your immune system is not working properly, you may be left defenseless.
Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing editor of FoxNewsHealth.com, has some advice on how to boost your immune system.
• Exercise – Studies show that moderate daily exercise can increase the number of cells your body produces to fight infection.
• Lose weight – Carrying extra weight can put you at risk for developing certain diseases because excess fat cells cause tissue-damaging inflammation.
• Eat right – Consuming too much sugar or saturated fat suppresses the immune system cells responsible for attacking bacteria.
• Rest up – Not getting enough sleep lowers your body’s ability to fight illness. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
The bottom line? Making smart lifestyle choices will help you fight disease and make you feel better.
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