If you're looking to find out how to boost your immune system and whether there are any foods, drugs, or supplements that will help the immune system function better, here are some suggestions for what might help.
1. Don’t smoke. According to Harvard Medical School, not smoking is a top way to keep your immune system functioning as well as possible.
Do You Get Sick a Lot? Doctor Says 'Try This!'
2. Eat healthy. A variety of healthy foods from fruits and vegetables to whole grain and lean protein will give your immune system the intricate balance of nutrients it needs to maintain healthy bacteria levels and stay healthy,
according to WebMD.
3. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, WebMD recommends. Inadequate sleep leads to increases in both inflammation and stress hormones, both of which make it harder to fight off bacteria and viruses.
4. Exercise moderately. Regular exercise increases chemicals and hormones that promote immune system function and help you sleep better, too.
5. Avoid sugar and fat. Both excess/refined sugar and fat suppress the immune system and prevent infection-fighting white blood cells from doing their jobs,
according to Prevention.
6. Learn to deal with stress. The stress hormone cortisol wreaks havoc on your immune system, and chronic stress will have devastating effects on immune function, according to WebMD. Meditation, counseling, and just slowing down enough to relax are some suggestions for handling stress better to keep cortisol at bay.
Your Immune System Is #1 Defense Against Cancer, Heart, 77 Diseases – Read More
7. Be social. Feeling connected to others seems to boost immune system function in a way that scientists and doctors don’t yet understand fully, and too much social isolation has the opposite effect.
8. Laugh. The act of laughing slashes stress hormone levels and bolsters the white blood cells that fight infection. WebMD reports that even looking forward to a funny event can make stress hormone levels drop.
9. Seek out bacteria-destroying foods. Garlic, onion, oregano, ginger, and turmeric are some examples of foods that kill illness-causing bacteria,
according to celebrity physician Dr. Mehmet Oz. These natural antibiotics can keep bacteria from reaching high enough levels to get you sick.
10. Take probiotics. A review of research in the
Critical Review of Food Science Nutrition journal showed probiotics enhanced immune system function for children and adults from infancy onward.
Doctor: Ignore the Flu Shot, Use This Instead
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.