A healthy lifestyle—not vitamin and herbal supplemnts—is the most important factor in boosting your immune system, according to a recent report by Harvard Medical School.
While manufacturers of supplements make the claim that suplements "support immunity," there is currently little scientific evidence to support that claim, since scientists have not yet determined what level of immune system cells best helps the body resists disease.
According to the report, The Truth About Your Immune System: What You Need to Know, lifestyle factors that promote overall health are:
- avoiding smoking
- eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and a diet low in saturated fat
- exercising on a regular basis
- maintaining a healthy body weight
- controlling your blood pressure
- drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all
- getting enough sleep
- Avoid infection, for example by frequent hand-washing and safe food preparation habits.
The 43-page report was edited by Dr. Michael N. Starnbach, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at Harvard Medical School.
Source: Harvard Health Publications
William says
Most people overlook the value of drinking plenty of water everyday to support immune system