Many people mistakenly believe their immunity is genetic and cannot be changed. If a person has a weak immune system and they are prone to getting sick and feeling weak, there is nothing they can do to change it.

Fortunately, this is not true. It is possible to develop a stronger immune system and protect yourself against disease and illness. Strong immunity also promotes faster healing. Best of all, immunity can be boosted in the short and long term. This means you can not only avoid serious disease and illness throughout your life, you can stave off immediate threats to your health, such as head colds and other minor health annoyances.

Supercharging your immune system is best done naturally. Anytime you are able to support your bodys natural ability to do what it was meant to do, you are improving your health. Many of these natural methods are basic healthy living strategies. However, some of the tips are lesser known strategies that give your system a boost of strength when it comes to battling disease and illness.

Focus on Health

The best way to boost your immunity is to make smart choices. Your body functions better when you avoid exposure to dangers and provide it what it needs. If you are not already taking steps to do the following, these should be the first steps for supercharging immunity:

Quit smoking
Exercise on a daily basis
Eat a healthy diet containing vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Avoid over processed foods and foods that are high in saturated fat
Ensure you are getting enough sleep
Maintain a healthy weight
Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control
Understand your genetic risk
Use common sense tactics for maintaining health, such as washing your hands, avoiding extended exposure to UV rays, and not taking any unnecessary risks

In addition to the practices listed above, it also helps to:

Understand How Your Age Affects Immunity

Scientists believe there is a direct connection between aging and immunity. Though age might not automatically reduce our immunity, there is a connection between the passage of time and our ability to battle disease. This is why seniors are considered high-risk or weaker when it comes to combating health issues. One of the main factors that helped scientists establish the connection between age and immunity is the increase in life expectancy throughout the world. As people live longer, they are faced with a greater number of health issues.

There is also evidence the elderly are at greater risk for contracting influenza, respiratory infections, and pneumonia. As a matter of fact, these are the three leading causes of death for people over the age of 65 around the globe.

Researchers believe this increased risk could be related to a decrease in T cells. As the thymus ages, it is unable to produce these cells as it did in the past. From the age of one onward, the body experiences a decrease in thymus function that continues to reduce over time.

There is also evidence that cells might lose their ability to remember how to fight their enemies. When these threats appear, the body is unable to recognize them as the enemy and therefore, mounts a weaker protective response. An example of this is the way in which the elderly respond to vaccinations. Those over the age of 65, when given a flu vaccination, experienced only 23% effectiveness. A healthy childs response is usually about 38%.

Researchers are quick to point out this is not cause to avoid vaccinations as we age, but merely shows the bodys response when presented with the disease.

Understand How to Feed YOUR Body

Basic diet and nutrition advice is helpful, but it might not be enough to support your specific needs. In addition to maintaining an overall healthy diet, you must also understand what your body needs. These needs also change as we age, so managing your diet is a life-long process.

Researchers have found evidence that various deficiencies in micronutrients can negatively impact a persons immunity. No concrete evidence exists to prove certain deficiencies cause an automatic lack of immunity, but ensuring your body has what it needs is essential to good health. The following are of special interest to researchers concerning immunity:

Selenium
Vitamin A.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C (especially important for fighting common cold viruses)
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Zinc

Manage Stress

Stress is not a major concern for researchers regarding immunity, but they do believe it has an effect on health. This is especially true for certain types of chronic stress. This is the type of stress people experience from their careers, relationships, and other social factors, as opposed to short-lived situational stress, such as a test or emergency.

Researchers have used animals to study the effects of emotional stress. They have exposed mice to threatening situations without physical injury and monkeys to isolation shortly after birth. In both cases, the animals experienced more serious health issues than those in situations that involved physical threats, such as exposure to a toxic substance. Researchers believe this is because psychological and emotional stress disrupts the immune systems ability to communicate with the nervous and endocrine systems.

Consider Herbal Supplements

Scientists are quick to point out there is no official evidence that herbal supplements can supercharge immunity. It is also important to understand the quality of supplements varies, so if you do choose to supplement with herbs, you must make careful decisions about the products.

Even without specific evidence regarding herbs and immunity, many health professionals still advocate their use. Immunity and overall well-being is tied to lifestyle and outlook on life, so if you want to include supplements in your regimen, it will likely help you even if you experience only a placebo effect.

Of course, there might one day be concrete, scientifically proven links between a boost in immunity and herbal supplements. Consider the following if you are interested in supercharging your immune system:

Aloe vera
Astragalus membranes
Echinacea
Garlic
Ginseng
Licorice root
Probiotics

There are many things you can do to boost your immunity. Poor health is not inevitable, no matter your age or situation. If you want to supercharge your immunity, begin by incorporating these strategies into your life.