Your immune system is your body's defense against infections. It basically attacks germs and helps keep you healthy. So here are four straightforward tips to make sure you are keeping your immune system fit and strong!

ONE: Eat Healthy Foods

Be sure to include a lot of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet. The vitamins and minerals in food are the lifelines that all the systems in our bodies rely on to function well, including your immune system. The more you feed your body with nutrients rich foods, the better it runs. Don’t forget to keep a check on your alcohol consumption as well. Too much alcohol can also interfere with your immune system.

TWO: Stay Active 

Regular exercise not only improves your overall fitness, it also helps boost your immune system. Some studies show that moderate intensity exercise may actually cut down the number of colds and infections you get. That type of activity includes things like going to the gym every couple of days or taking a 20 to 30 minute walk each day. 

THREE: Get Enough Sleep

Healthy sleep supports your immune system in a whole range of ways. 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, such as a common cold virus. A lack of sleep or interrupted sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick, so make sure you keep a focus on getting your fair share. 

FOUR: Manage Your Stress

Stress is known to suppress immune function and increase susceptibility to infections. Endorphins are a great natural stress buster. Endorphins are effectively chemicals in the brain which are released when you exercise. These endorphins improve the ability to sleep which in turn reduces stress. Make sure you get your ‘endorphin hit’ each day by keeping up your exercise routine. Also make sure you are allocating time to relax and wind down at the end of busy day. Both of these will help you manage your stress.