A strong immune system is needed to fight infections and keeps you healthy.  An overactive immune system will however, attack healthy cells in your joints, lungs, arteries and even your brain, explains Mark Liponis, MD and author of Ultra Longevity: The Seven-Step Program for a Younger, Healthier You.

Dr. Liponis claims that an overactive immune system can lead to diseases we often associate with aging, such as arthritis, dementia, heart disease and diabetes.  One of the main factors is stress, either mental or physical, which can send your immune system into overdrive.  Now, let’s face it some stress is unavoidable but you can prevent some of the stress from taking a toll on your body with some simple steps.

You can help reduce the stress that will lead to an overactive immune system by eating well, exercising and incorporating relaxation techniques into your weekly schedule.  Massages are a wonderful way to reduce stress but so are long, warm baths.  If you can only do one thing, make a conscious effort of calming your body.

This can be done by practicing slow and steady rhythmic breathing.  Pay attention to how you inhale and exhale, then work on relaxing your stomach  muscles, so you can take fuller breaths.  Breathe in for 4 counts, and exhale for 10 counts and then pause before your next inhalation.  Another recommendation is to twice a week make it a practice to eat oily fish such as salmon, sole, mackerel, sardines or wild trout.  These type of fish are very rich in good fats which also help fight inflammation.

Try these simple tricks and take control of your immune system and give your body the chance to fight infection and keep you healthy.

Until next time,