According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity is expected to continue into the coming months and increase in some areas. Maintaining a strong immune system in the New Year to help prevent the spread of influenza may be easier and more relaxing than most think. Massage Envy Spa Phoenix, a co-op of 32 massage clinics and part of the nation’s largest therapeutic massage provider and spa chain, offers these three tips to supercharge your immune system this season.
Top Three Tips to Boost the Immune System
- Eat Your Greens
Nutrients and antioxidants in vitamins and minerals are important in warding off viruses and infections. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help provide the body with essential nutrients and antioxidants.
- Move Your Body
Just as exercise strengthens muscles, it also strengthens the immune system by boosting antibody and T-cell responses, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Plus, you do not need much of it to benefit. Just 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking five times or more per week is enough to build defenses. Exercise improves sleep and mood, which are also connected to immunity.
- Get a Massage
Regular therapeutic massage sessions provide significant benefits beyond the immediate relaxation we enjoy. Clinical studies have indicated that regular massage can naturally increase the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity (the activity level of the body’s natural “killer cells”) and decrease the number of T-cells, which improves the body’s immune functioning overall. A recent study by Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami found that patients who receive regular massage therapy experience an 80 percent improvement in their immune system function.
Benefits of strengthening the immune system:
- Increases the body’s natural killer cells
- Aids in the fight against bacteria and infection
- Naturally enhances the body’s ability to get nourishment to important areas
Additional benefits of improved relaxation include:
- Improves mental outlook
- Allows for better handling of pressure
- Reinforces positive attitude
- Promotes relaxed states of mental alertness
- Enhances calm and creative thinking
Maintaining a strong immune system can be simple and relaxing. QCBN
By Mark Love
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