Skip to main content

Here’s how to boost your body’s self-healing capacity

bowls of oatmeal and fruit
Brooke Lark/Unsplash

Our bodies have an incredible ability to care for themselves. We’re born with the ability to heal ourselves, repair injuries, and fight off infection. But sometimes your body needs a helping hand, and luckily there are steps you can take to increase your natural self-healing ability. Keep reading to learn more about how your body heals itself and what you can do to support your immunity.

How your body heals itself

Every cell in your body has the ability to heal itself. When cells are unhealthy, your body replicates and replaces the damaged ones. If you break a bone, new cells immediately grow to heal the damage. If you get a cut, platelets in your blood cause it to clot and stop bleeding while new cells form to repair the tissue damage. Our bodies are in a constant state of decay and renewal, with daily wear and tear harming our current cells and new, healthy ones forming.

Related Videos

Our immune system is another line of defense keeping our bodies safe. This system protects us against foreign bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Mucus collects particles and prevents them from damaging your body while acids in your organs destroy unwanted organisms. White blood cells called phagocytes kill off foreign bodies by inducing a fever, which is your body’s way of raising its temperature to kill off viruses and bacteria. The high temperature also prompts cellular processes that fight infection. Even inflammation is your body’s natural reaction to an injury or disease, signaling your immune system to focus on the damaged area.

Your body protects and heals itself in many ways every single day. But there are things you can do to help support your body and improve its self-healing ability. Keep reading to learn more.

Eat a healthy diet

While there isn’t any single magic food that will give you a perfect immune system, maintaining a healthy diet is the key to supporting your body’s healing process. Eating a balanced diet of nutritious fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to keep your immunity strong. Changing your diet can also help improve your balance of gut bacteria, which is vital for strengthening your immune system.

Get plenty of sleep

Getting enough sleep is also key to supporting your body’s healing capacity. Not getting enough rest on a regular basis can cause body-wide inflammation. This increases your risk of getting sick and makes it more difficult for you to recover. Getting plenty of rest can boost your immunity and ensures your body has the strength to fight illness if you’re already sick. Adults should sleep at least seven hours every night, so ensure you get enough restful sleep each night by creating an ideal sleeping environment that is completely dark and cool in temperature. Try reducing screen time before bed, going to bed at the same time every day, and exercising habitually for the most restful sleep.

Exercise regularly

Exercise has many benefits for your body, mood, and overall wellbeing. It causes your immune cells to circulate and boosts their ability to fight off germs. Exercising 150 to 300 minutes a week, about 20 to 40 minutes per day, can increase your body’s disease-fighting power. Regular, moderate exercise can also limit inflammation and aid your immune cells in regenerating. Consider adding physical activity to your daily routine with a brisk walk, jog, bicycle ride, or hike.

woman meditating in the forest with a cat
Omid Armin/Unsplash

Focus on stress relief

Chronic stress can take a dangerous toll on your body. It interrupts your immunity by altering your cortisol levels, which can prompt inflammation, gradually deteriorating your immune system. Looking to reduce your stress levels? Consider meditation, yoga, exercise, and other mindfulness practices. Reach out to a licensed therapist or mental health professional for even more support.

Take supportive supplements

Certain supplements can improve your immunity, too, but be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin taking any vitamins or supplements. Some can interact negatively with your current prescriptions or may be unnecessary for you. Recovery-boosting supplements include Vitamin C, D, and E, zinc, elderberry extract, echinacea, and goldenseal root extract.

When to see a doctor

While the human body does an incredible job sustaining itself, sometimes it needs a helping hand. If you are currently ill or get sick frequently, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They will advise you on how to boost your immune system and recover from constant sickness.

Your body is great at healing and protecting itself, but there are ways to make it even better. By using the methods above and talking to your doctor, you can improve your natural immunity and support your body. In no time, you will feel healthier than ever before.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
You’ll love these products to help you unwind
the best lotions for extremely dry skin

Self-care is a buzzword that you’ve probably seen floating around social media or somewhere on television. Some ways to exercise self-care can vary from person to person. For some, practicing self-care might be going on a weekend road trip. For others, it might mean getting a massage. No matter how you decide to practice it, it’s important to take a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re a student, working professional, mother, or just need some time to yourself, you might consider some helpful products for making the most of your recreational time.

You can maximize your weekends by using these products to help you unwind. Whether it’s for the weekend or a long vacation, taking care of yourself in all areas of your life is necessary to leading a happy and healthy life. With many people now working from home, it’s even easier to work on a relaxing art project during your lunch break or after work. Making sure that you’re mental and physical health is taken care of can even help you become a more productive student, employee or parent. When your mind and body are healthy, you shine from the inside out. Take advantage of some of these useful products and start celebrating yourself today.

Read more
Fun gear for the bicycle enthusiast
Woman on a bike overlooking the ocean

People ride bicycles for all sorts of different reasons. Bikes can be functional as a means of transportation if you don’t have a car or if you are trying to save a little bit of money with gas prices being so outrageous. They can be good for your health, providing a low-impact cardio workout that is excellent for your heart. You can even join a local cycling group to help you grow your social circle! No matter why you choose to ride, these items are perfect for any bicycle aficionado.

Are you ready to make your next ride wheelie terrific?  From storage to saddles, there's sure to be something on this list for every cyclist whether you ride for necessity, exercise, or pleasure. When it's time for a more comfortable saddle, or you just want to treat yourself to a stylish pair of cycle socks, you won't grow tired of these goodies!

Read more
5 great essentials for your home
wine accessories

They say home is where the heart is. If you spend a lot of time at home, you’ll want your house to be a space that provides absolute comfort and serenity. You’ll want it to be clean, safe, equipped with convenient products, and designed to your taste. In short, you’ll want it to feel like home, sweet home.

The products below are perfect for providing your residence with the essentials needed to live happily and comfortably. With these, your floors will be devoid of dirt, dust, and dander, you’ll have convenience at your fingertips, and you’ll have comfort and style in the spaces where you love to spend your valuable time the most.

Read more