When seniors keep a strong immune system, it can successfully help them fight off disease-causing germs and keep their bodies healthy. Nearly anyone can boost the balance, harmony, and functioning of their immune system with sound lifestyle habits.
5 Simple Steps to How Seniors Can Boost Their Immune Systems
Seniors can boost their immune systems, too. Getting old doesn’t always mean that the body needs to become weak and frail. This article reveals a few proven methods of how seniors can boost their immunity for optimum health and happiness.
Consume a Nutritious Diet – There has been a lot of research around the world that shows how a proper diet can better the health in seniors and all adults. A study at the University of Vienna in Austria shows that daily consumption of yogurt can improve immunity. In a Swedish study, factory employees who drank a probiotic supplement daily took fewer days off for sickness. So, try to include a healthy dose of yogurt in your daily diet.
A study in Norway reveals that barley and oats contain a fiber, beta-glucan that has high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It improves immunity and hastens wound healing in humans.
British researchers have found that garlic is good for the immune system as it contains allicin. Allicin is known to combat bacteria and infection. Other research studies show that chewing garlic cloves can lower the risk of contracting colorectal and stomach cancers.
Green and black teas contain L-theanine, an amino acid that enhances immunity, reveals a study at Harvard University.
Get Plenty of Sleep – Research shows that lack of sleep can affect the immune system. A study at the University of Chicago found that an immunization vaccine worked less effectively on sleep-deprived students. Lack of sleep can generate higher amounts of stress hormones, and also cause inflammation in the body. So, sleep is beneficial for every age.
Studies also reveal that sleep deprivation can make a person more vulnerable to viruses, and also affect their ability to recover quickly after getting sick. During sleep, the immune system generates protective cytokines that fight inflammation and infection. Lack of sleep can reduce the generation of these defensive proteins as well as antibodies that combat diseases.
Chronic sleep deprivation can raise the risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart ailments. Too much sleep is counterproductive as it impacts sleep quality. It is ideal for an adult to sleep for about eight hours each night to remain fresh and healthy.
Keep Stress at Bay – A study at UCLA has found that chronic stress can increase the production of a stress hormone named cortisol. High levels of this hormone in the blood can have an impact on immunity and increases the risk of aging and heart disease. Thus, long-term emotional stress is dangerous as it makes sufferers more vulnerable to ailments.
Slow down your pace of life and take it easy. You will be able to sleep more soundly which would fortify your immune system. Seniors can safely practice relaxation methods like meditation and yoga to stay calm and composed. Research reveals that meditation boosts the body’s ability to generate disease-fighting antibodies. Just 20 minutes of meditation every day can yield positive results.
Work Out Regularly – Studies suggest that seniors who perform regular, moderate exercise can improve their immunity to colds and other ailments. Exercise boosts heart strength, which means more blood is pumped throughout the body. It also makes your muscles stronger.
Regular workouts boost body cells that fight bacteria. People who exercise regularly are thus healthier than those who lead a sedentary life. It also helps employees in cutting the number of sick leaves they take per year.
Workouts release feel-good hormones in the body that can brighten your mood. Besides, you will be able to sleep more soundly because your body would be tired after the strenuous physical activity.
Simple exercises like walking and swimming are easy for the elderly to practice and are extremely useful to maintain excellent health. Fitness experts recommend working out for about 30 minutes every day. This can help you stay in top physical and mental shape, and bolster your immunity too.
Seniors should talk with their doctors before starting any workout programs. They need to make sure that they are healthy enough for specific exercises.
Don’t Be Lonely – A research project at Ohio State University reveals that loneliness can impact overall health. Lonely and isolated people are able to handle acute stress less effectively, which can raise their risk of developing many health conditions. Seniors who are lonely can suffer increased functional decline and frailty as they age. They are also more vulnerable to fatigue, depression, and pain, the study indicates.
An excellent way to help seniors boost their immunity is to go out and socialize more to stay healthy and happy. An active social life can contribute to ward off boredom and enhance seniors zest for life.
5 Simple Steps to How Seniors Can Boost Their Immune Systems – Conclusion
Healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way in helping seniors’ immune systems to successfully fight off disease-causing germs. Therefore, it is wise for the elderly to practice the suggestions provided in this article to ward off infections, and stay healthy for many years to come.
