Arthritis and your immune system are connected. Inflammation can trigger autoimmune responses from your body. What is meant to help heal your body may actually damage it and worsen the pain symptoms.
Joint inflammation causes pain, redness, weakness, and stiffness – but why? It is your body’s natural response to injury. When a part of your body is injured or damaged, the immune system sends white blood cells that release chemicals to the affected area for healing.
However, sometimes the immune system doesn’t react the way it is intended and arthritis pain continues. Giving your immune system an extra boost can help encourage that healing and response time within your body.
Your Health and Age
Just like arthritis is commonly associated with age and wear-and-tear, a decline in your immune system can also be attributed to age. Older people are more susceptible to getting diseases, like the flu, pneumonia, and recently, COVID-19. Studies have observed the increased risk in disease is due to a decrease in T cells. It’s also possible that bone marrow becomes less efficient in creating stem cells that boost the immune system.
Ways to Boost Your Immune System
General good-health guidelines are the best way to naturally boost your immune system and keep it strong and healthy. When your body is healthy, every function, including the immune system, operates more effectively. Protect your body and with strategies such as:
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- No smoking. The chemicals in tobacco and cigarettes decrease circulation and oxygen levels, damage lungs, and worsen inflammation.
- Increasing vegetables. A diet high in vegetables that satisfies your body’s micronutrients needs helps boost your immune system. Be sure to have plenty of iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Daily multivitamins can help if you have food allergies or aversions.
- Exercise. Regular exercise helps fight off infections and boosts your immune system by increasing blood flow, reducing stress, and strengthening antibodies.
- Keeping a healthy weight. Excess fat can turn your body’s defense system against you, leading to heart disease.
- Regular, adequate sleep. When you sleep, proteins called cytokines are released. Cytokines are increased when you have inflammation or pain. Not getting enough sleep can decrease the production of these proteins.
- Promote good health. Taking steps to maintain a healthy life like washing your hands and making sure food is cooked properly to avoid infection are good ways to keep your body healthy
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