Bolstered Immunity
Bolstered immunity refers to having an enhanced immune system that is better prepared to fight off infections and diseases. This can be achieved through several means:
- Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet supports overall immune function. Getting adequate vitamin C, zinc, and other micronutrients boosts immunity.
- Vaccinations prime your immune system by exposing it to weakened or dead pathogens. This allows your body to build antibodies and memory cells specific to those pathogens without getting sick. As a result, you have adaptive immunity ready to fight off infection if exposed to the same pathogens later on.
Common vaccinations that bolster immunity include the flu shot, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, HPV, and COVID-19 vaccines among others.
- Natural infection from certain illnesses can also lead to long-lasting immunity against re-infection. However, the risks of complications make vaccines a safer option for bolstering immunity when available.
- Getting moderate exercise regularly—about 150 minutes per week—supports immune system cells and activity. Exercise likely reduces systemic inflammation as well.
- Some researchers are studying whether probiotics—live microorganisms often found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi—provide immune boosting benefits. The idea is that they positively influence gut microbes and metabolism in ways that strengthen immunity. But more research is still needed in this area.
So in summary, bolstered immunity refers to enhancing your body's ability to fight infection through lifestyle measures like nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep as well as vaccinations. This reduces disease risk and severity of illness if you do get sick. Paying attention to these aspects of health puts your immune system in the best position to protect against pathogens.