Mommy/Daddy knows. How many times have we thought that in our lives? Even with the advent of Generation Alpha, the Artificial Intelligence era, parents know. When it comes for nutrition issues, they know how to guide and nurture a child to good nutritional habits. To keep them healthy and protect them against diseases. To have a strong immune system.

“Eat your veggies” we have heard from a young age. Yes eating fruits and vegetables keeps your immune system strong. Studies show that appropriate amounts of nutrients help us be sick less. They fight against viruses and bacteria. Consuming herbs also can help by providing us with antioxidants – and they also enhance our immune system.

But it is not the only thing that keeps you healthy. Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep has a huge effect on your immune system. Most adults need 7-8 hours/day, whereas newborns need 16-18. So, go to bed early, in order to get at least 7 hours/day. Because sleeping 11 hours on weekend won’t help your immune system!

Psychological factors also play a huge role in the functioning the immune system. Even though high-tech fields of study spotlight the physical factors, we are in a new era in fields of research like psychology, which has developed new methods that prove that looking at the bright of things equips your body with a good immune system.

When it comes to supplements, taking a daily vitamin cannot help you when you combine it with junk food. You do not have to take supplements to build up your immune system. If you eat a variety of foods and keep a balanced diet, you do not need any supplements. If you have a deficiency in something (i.e. health issues or if you are a picky eater), your doctor will tell you what to do. Supplements, over-the-counter, are still drugs. Our body can metabolize a specific amount of each nutrient at a time. The rest will be just ‘expensive urine.’ Slowly building with real food can give you real super powers against illness.

Next: Exercise. Move. Keep going. There is a strong linkage between exercise and the immune system, and it also has a positive impact on blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis and many other conditions. You do not have to be an athlete – just program for yourself a daily long walk along a route that you enjoy.

Don’t forget, our bodies are derived from and are maintained by nature, not a lab. We are complex mammals with a spiritual dimension. What we do – and often what we think – is what we are.

* The above is not medical advice but mere suggestions for improving your diet. Before reach herbal use you should consult your doctor, especially those who have health issues, are pregnant or are under the age of 6.

Evropi-Sofia Dalampira holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and an MSc in Botany-Biology.