Boosting Your Immune System: 7 Core Elements of a Healthy Diet

Eating healthy and exercising is something every person should do to take care of their overall health. Unfortunately, that is not the case for so many people and various reasons. Whether they do not have the time, the financial means to invest in a gym, or they just do not have the willpower to work out. Regardless of the reasons, people must start taking better care of themselves. Below is a closer look at seven different ways to improve your immune system and your diet.

Use Healthy Supplements

If your lifestyle does not allow you to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, then consider getting your nutrients from Daily Greens. This supplement provides the necessary nutrients and vitamins you would typically get from eating various fruits, berries, greens, and vegetables. Use these supplements daily to get the maximum benefits to having a healthy lifestyle.

Should you decide to incorporate fruit and vegetables to your diet, continue to take the supplements. The fresh fruit and vegetables you eat will be a bonus to the supplements you are currently taking. You can never overeat fruit or vegetables for a healthy lifestyle.

Have a Healthy Lifestyle

When you are looking to boost your immune system, your lifestyle plays a big part in that. To naturally keep your immune system strong, choose to live a healthy and clean life. For example, do not smoke and drink alcohol in moderation (if you want to do so).

As stated above, eat a diet high in vegetables and fruits so that you can maintain a healthy weight. Exercising three to four times a week is highly recommended. Get plenty of sleep and try to minimize stress levels. Finally, to avoid sickness and infection, make sure you are washing your hands often, and cook your protein thoroughly.

Drink Water

Drinking water is essential to a healthy diet and lifestyle. A human being can live up to eight weeks without food. With water, you can survive only a few days. If there is a 12% drop in body weight through water, then it is fatal for the person.

The human body is made up of 65% water. Its job is very vital; it assists in digestion, absorption, excretion, and helps circulate nutrients around the body. On average, men and women should drink between six to eight glasses of water each day. Sometimes that varies because many of the fruits and vegetables you consume are made up of a lot of water.

Consume Lean Protein

Eating lean protein daily has a plethora of health benefits. Studies show that protein helps you lose weight, gain body muscles, boost your energy levels, and is right for your heart health. Proteins are referred to as the body’s “building blocks” and bones, skin, blood, and muscles are made up of protein. After an intense workout, muscles are repaired by the proteins you choose to consume.

Eating protein is a great tool to help you lose weight because lean protein enables you to feel full longer and stops you from snacking frequently. Examples of lean proteins include fish, legumes, and chicken. Eating red beef in moderation is okay, but overeating can lead to high cholesterol and heart issues.

Eat the Right Kind of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have a negative connotation when it comes to health and weight loss. However, this is not the case, and when eaten correctly and in moderation, carbohydrates are beneficial for you. A diet rich in carbohydrates can lead to high blood pressure and weight gain. Because of this, it is essential to understand the different kinds of carbohydrates and to eat an appropriate amount to maintain your health.

Complex carbohydrates are good for you, whereas processed sugar is not. Complex carbohydrates refer to starches found in grains, various beans, potatoes, and corn. Simple carbohydrates are natural sugars found in fruit, milk, vegetables, and honey. In moderation, complex and simple carbohydrates are good for you and fuel your body with the energy it needs.

Added sugars are mainly found in processed foods, such as syrup, drinks, candy, and desserts. Such foods are not healthy for you and must be avoided or eaten only in moderation. Healthy carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits, legumes, starchy vegetables, yogurt, nuts, seeds, tofu, soy milk, and so much more.

Consume an Appropriate Amount of Fats

Just like carbohydrates, fats are essential to your diet, but too much fat can lead to poor heart health, high cholesterol, and weight gain. Fats from certain foods are considered healthier than others, and these fats should be eaten regularly. Fat gives your body the energy it needs to function correctly, as well as keeping your hair and skin healthy.

For example, fat from avocados, coconut oil, olive oil and salmon is much better than fat obtained from cheese, butter, cream, ice cream, and fatty meats. As with everything, moderation is key to a healthy and happy lifestyle. Make sure you are not depriving yourself of the foods you enjoy, but don’t overdo it regularly.

Minimize Stress in Your Life

Stress is normal, and everyone deals with it daily. It is beneficial, but too much pressure can be detrimental for the person and can lead to bad eating habits, laziness, insomnia, and weight gain. Moderate stress is good and helps you accomplish goals and specific tasks you have set. When stress levels are higher than usual, then consider speaking with a therapist to learn about various coping techniques to help you get through it.

To minimize stress at home, consider learning yoga or meditation. When you start to feel overwhelmed, stop what you are doing, and step outside for fresh air. This can give you some time to reflect on the issue at hand, and possibly a solution.

Living a healthy lifestyle is not easy for many people, but consistency and moderation are key. Drink plenty of water, work out, eat healthy foods, and don’t deprive yourself of a treat or a meal rich in calories every once in a while. Taking care of your overall health also means that you are happy as well.

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Melissa Bell

Melissa Bell has a strong background in nutrition education, fitness and yoga, and experience working on specialized stretching, bodybuilding and weight loss programs. She is actively studying Japanese, doing research and travelling for conferences while taking care of two children.