There are lots of reasons to be excited for fall. It’s a special season in which you can go apple and pumpkin picking, celebrate holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving (that require no gifting!), and you can wear boots, plaids, and scarves again.
So, while it’s always a good idea to support your immune system (regardless of the season), it’s especially important to have a supported immune system in the fall.
How Does Your Immune System Work?
Your immune system is made up of different organs, cells, and proteins. The two main parts of the immune system are the innate immune system, which you’re born with, and the adaptive immune system (also referred to as the acquired immune system), which you develop when your body is exposed to microbes (organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope) or chemicals released by microbes.
Innate Immune System
Your innate immune system is your rapid response system, which patrols your body and is the first to respond when it finds an invader. The cells of this immune system then surround and engulf the invader, killing the invader inside the immune system cells.
Acquired Immune System
Your acquired immune system, with help from your innate immune system, produces cells (antibodies) to protect your body from a specific invader. It can take several days for antibodies to develop, but they will then stay in your body.
After the first exposure, your immune system will recognize the invader from then on and defend against it.
Smart Ways To Support Your Immune System During The Fall
Support Your Healthy Lifestyle With Nutrition
Good nutrition is one of the keys to a healthy life. Since you can improve your health by maintaining a balanced diet.
Stay Active
Just because temperatures are starting to get a little cooler, it doesn’t mean that you should stop exercising. In fact, exercise has a profound effect on the normal functioning of the immune system. So, put some extra layers on before you head outside to exercise (and get some vitamin D), or workout indoors. Whatever you end up doing, the most important thing is to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise in each week. That’s 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep
Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus like the common cold virus. A lack of sleep can also affect how quickly you recover if you do get sick. Since a lack of sleep can affect your immune system, make sure that you’re getting enough quality sleep each night.
How much sleep do you need in order to support a normal functioning immune system? Aim for seven to eight hours of good sleep each night.
Reduce Stress And Anxiety
Stress and anxiety have a tremendous impact on your immune system. That’s because excess levels of stress produce hormonal changes that lower your body’s resistance to colds and other infections. So, while you might not be able to change your current situation, there are several things that you can do to reduce stress and anxiety.
If you’re feeling stressed and anxious, some stress management strategies that you can try are eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting plenty of sleep. You can also practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation, or set aside time for hobbies like reading, watching your favorite TV show, or listening to music.
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