Eight ways to improve your immunity

A strong immune system not only helps ward off colds and flus, but also plays a crucial role in supporting your overall wellbeing. Read on to discover why having a healthy immunity is important and learn ways to strengthen and support your body’s natural defences.

HOW YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS

Your immune system protects you against all kinds of infections, allergies and diseases. When it’s healthy, it helps you go about your daily life and protects you as you come into contact with germs and bugs from other people and your environment.

Your immune system works by recognising the difference between your body’s cells and alien cells, and then goes to work to destroy anything in the body that could be harmful. A virus causing a cold, a cut from a fall or an allergen such as pollen, can all get your immune system to go on the attack.

Whatever the problem, your immune system is what’s powering your ability to heal and recover and contributes to your overall physical and mental wellbeing.

WAYS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

#1 Add immune-supporting B12

Vitamin B12 is vital in supporting the immune system. It helps to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body and fight infection. It also maintains a healthy nervous system, improves energy levels and cardiovascular health.

Our go-to for immunity support is our Turmeric Defence Shot. Flavoured with cold-pressed orange, turmeric and cayenne, it also has 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin B12 in every shot.

#2 Fight a flu with vitamin C

The benefits of vitamin C are endless. It boosts immunity by helping white blood cells function more effectively, it strengthens your skin’s defence system, and helps wounds heal faster.

Although it doesn’t prevent the common cold, vitamin C works to reduce the severity and recovery time of illnesses and protects against more serious complications, such as pneumonia and lung infections.

Get your vitamin C in our Ginger Immunity Daily Shot. The fiery taste of ginger packs a punch, plus you get 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.

#3 Go with your gut

Your gut also plays an important role in helping your immune system. It’s home to thousands of different species of microorganisms known as your gut microbiome. Healthy gut microbiome has a wide range of different beneficial bacteria that help to regulate your immune system so that it responds to injury or infection.

Adding fibre and probiotics to your diet are just two ways you can improve your gut health. Drink more fibre with Rise: Easy Green Juice, made with pineapple, spinach, cucumber and lime and get over a million live bacteria cultures to improve your gut health with our delicious Berry Gut-Health Daily Shot.

#4 Get your greens

Poor nutrition can really compromise your immune system. You need energy and nutrient-rich food for your immune system to function properly and eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can also reduce your risk of disease.

If you’ve gone through a period of eating poorly, our one-to-three-day juice cleanses are a great way to get your wellness goals back on track. Our Immunity Cleanse comes with six organic cold-press juices and three potent juice shots packed with all the vitamins, minerals and live cultures you need.

We’ve also crafted our Immunity+ Juice Plan to help you top up the nutrients in your diet. Our five-day juice plan comes with 100% of your daily immune-supporting vitamin C and vitamin B12, along with vitamin A, fibre and folic acid.

#6 Stay hydrated

Drink water throughout the day for immune support. It’s vital for nutrient absorption in the bloodstream, it flushes out toxins and maintains healthy mucus membranes in your nose, mouth and throat that act as a barrier against infections.

#7 Catch some z’s

Getting enough sleep each night supports immune function and promotes overall wellbeing. Create a regular sleep routine, practise good sleep hygiene, like no screens in the bedroom, and aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night.

#8 Get moving

It’s not always easy to get motivated to work out, but your body will thank you when you do.  Regular physical activity improves circulation, reduces stress and increases the production of cells that boost your immune system. If you can, mix up your routine with cardio, weight training and stretching exercises like yoga or pilates.

Tip #7 Limit the booze

Although we love a post-work drink, excessive alcohol consumption can also impair immune function. Try to drink alcohol in moderation, and if you’re feeling ill, avoid it altogether.