Eight Ways to Boost Your Immune System: Manage Stress

Manage-StressFrom the Fall 2013 StayHealthy publication

Is your body in the right shape to fight off viruses and fend off germs that can make you sick? It not, there are certain things you can do that will help you stay healthy year-round. Family Medicine physician Shane Bush, M.D. of Portage Medical Group offers simple habits you can use to give your immune system a boost.

Manage Stress

The hormone cortisol becomes elevated in times of stress. The stress can be physical, environmental, chemical or imaginary. “The problem is, when your body produces too much cortisol you may develop conditions such as weight gain, especially around the abdomen, a depressed immune function with all of the consequences, accelerated aging, and even stomach ulcers,” explained Dr. Bush. The key to managing stress is to try and take time during the day to relax and enjoy.