The immune system is one of the most vital parts of the human body. After all, it protects us against infectious organisms and other bad elements that cause diseases. Health authorities and doctors often encourage a healthy, active lifestyle paired with a balanced diet to ensure that our organs and our immune system have a better chance of fighting off those diseases and foreign matters that cause illnesses. But did you know that there are some peculiar ways to promote a strong immune system?

1. Visit sick people

We're not kidding. Women's Health Magazine reported earlier this year that a study revealed how looking at people with diseases "rallied" the immune system of subjects to become stronger.

According to the scientists who conducted the study, the immune system may be automatically adapting whenever we see a sick person coughing or sneezing, or just being sick in general. Now, there's no excuse to avoid that sickly colleague of yours. In fact, not avoiding them may actually help you.

2. Indulge in your favorite music

This may not come as a surprise to many. After all, music is mostly an integral part of most people's lives. A lot of people are often stuck to their earphones during a commute or over lunch. But did you know that both listening and singing along to music helps the immune system? This is because these activities lower cortisol levels. This is the same cortisol that stresses us out.

According to Women's Health Mag, listening to or playing music increases the body's antibody immunoglobulin A, which is the body's primary defense against common bacteria and viruses.

3. Choose orange, all the time

While the immune system is a series of processes and structures inside the body, our skin also serves as a defense mechanism from germs, bacteria, and the like.

So it only makes sense to keep the skin healthy and strong against these bad elements. According to Prevention, one way to maintain healthy skin is to choose orange fruits and vegetables for their vitamin A content.

Prevention advisor and Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center director Dr. David Katz explained, "Vitamin A plays a major role in the production of connective tissue, a key component of skin." To get that much-needed vitamin A, go for greens, but also go for gold—or orange foods such as carrots, squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and more. Remember that more than anything, nutrition plays a big role in maintaining an overall healthy body and mind.
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