5 Secrets of Healthy People

Tips to supercharge the immune system.

Yoga Moves for Toned Legs

We all know at least one: that person who seems immune to every cold, flu, or other nastiness that leaves everyone else flat on their miserable backs. What’s the secret to their apparent sorcery? Check out these 5 secrets of people who rarely get sick.

No strategy can help every person stay healthy 100% of the time. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of falling prey to every illness-producing bug. You’ll notice that these changes are the same ones that help you lose weight and improve your overall well-being. If you’ve been putting off adopting a healthier lifestyle, you now have one more reason to join the club: fewer sniffles, sneezes, and heaves!

1. Healthier people manage stress.
Long-term stress produces high levels of cortisol and epinephrine, hormones that damage the body over time by weakening the immune system. You have plenty of options for managing stress. For example, research showed that people who meditated over eight weeks had significantly more flu-fighting antibodies than those who didn’t meditate [1]. Become one of those people who rarely gets sick by doing 5 Workouts to Help You De-Stress or 15 Yoga Poses to Zen Out Your Body.

2. Healthier people eat fewer processed foods.
Nutrition plays an important role in how well our bodies are able to fight off bacteria and viruses. Processed foods, like boxed dinners, are often stripped of the nutrients that support the immune system. Minimally-processed and whole foods offer all the nutritional goodness Mother Nature has to offer, from antioxidants to phytonutrients. Fuel your immune system with 29 Clean Eating Options for Meal Planning and 50 Clean Eating Snacks.

3. Healthier people move.
Exercise boosts immunity in several ways. It causes white blood cells, which fight off disease, to circulate more rapidly to kill bacteria and viruses. Working out also lowers levels of the stress-related hormones that trigger illnesses. Sweat your way to better health with Kettlebell Bootcamp Challenge or the Walk, Then Run, Fitness Challenge.

4. Healthier people get shut-eye.
Getting good quality sleep in the proper amounts is essential to staying healthy. During sleep, the body reboots the immune system so it’s better able to fight off invaders. Grab zzz’s with a 6-Minute Workout for Better Sleep and learn how to Get More Effective Sleep Without Any Medication.

5. Healthier people connect with others.
People with social networks are less likely to suffer colds and the flu than those without social connections. Connected people have better survival rates when they do experience illnesses [2]. If you want to help prevent sickness, shut off the glowing screens and spend quality time with friends and/or family. Boost your disease-fighting power by working out with a friend–pair up for a 7-Day Squat Challenge or the 21-Day Learn to Run Challenge.

Resources:

[1] U.S. Library of Medicine

[2] Stanford University

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Amy Wagner

Amy is a writer specializing in health & wellness, business, and entrepreneurship. She's a long-time martial arts teacher who has earned a 4th degree black belt in tae kwon do. When Amy's not writing or kicking, she's wrangling sons, reading fiction, or crushing on BBC actors.

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