Drinking more water, exercising regularly and taking Vitamin D are the top steps Brits take to try to boost their immune system, research has found.
Nearly two in five adults (37%) have started taking their immune system “more seriously” over the past two years – and have tried drinking lemon water, gargling salt water, and even having more sex, in a bid to build their natural defences.
But the poll of 2,000 people found that more than one in four (27%) are willing to try more “extreme” steps to boost immunity – with 4% even trying colonic irrigation, the practice of injecting water via the anus to flush out toxins from the colon.
However, 52% are not convinced that “alternative” methods like this work – and seven in ten would rather adopt little, daily habits that could prove a more sustainable and effective way to support their immune system.
The research, commissioned by Actimel, also found two in five are eager to find tactics to support their immune system that they are likely to stick to.
Immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi, who has teamed-up with the yoghurt drink, said: “Movement and adding more Vitamin D to your diet are two key ways to support the immune system.
“They are also arguably two of the easiest and most accessible methods for promoting this aspect of our health.
“While it’s encouraging to see such a large proportion of those polled actively wanting to adopt steps to support their immune system, they might be going to greater lengths than they need to.
“I am a firm believer of adopting little, daily habits when it comes to sustainable solutions for supporting your immune system.”
The study also found a third of adults (32%) have been so keen to support their immune system, they’ve made a New Year’s resolution to do just that – although 43% only managed to stick to it for three to four weeks.
The top reasons for ending their pledge early are lack of motivation (50%), it not fitting with existing routines (44%), and it being unsustainable (32%).
However, this year, 86% intend to pursue at least one activity or tactic with the aim of promoting a healthy immune system.
And 54% believe they will be more successful if they find a method which doesn’t involve overhauling their entire lifestyle, and fits within their existing routines.
The study, carried out through OnePoll, found over half of adults (52%) consider their immune system to be strong.
However, 28% “lack knowledge” when it comes to supporting it, with 50% wanting to learn more about this subject.
Dr Jenna Macciochi, from Actimel, added: “Interest in the immune system among the general public has increased in recent years.
“But it’s important to know that we don’t need to go to extreme lengths to support this aspect of our health.
“Movement, eating well, ensuring you get the right vitamins, and consuming nutritious foods/drinks can be all that’s needed.
“The little things that we do daily can make the biggest difference.”
TOP 20 MOST COMMON WAYS PEOPLE HAVE TRIED TO SUPPORT THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM:
- Drank more water
- Taken Vitamin D
- Exercised regularly
- Eaten a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables
- Taken oral vitamin supplements
- Tried to get more sleep at night
- Upped their step count
- Drunk lemon water
- Eaten fortified foods
- Intermittent fasting
- Gargled salt water
- Had more sex
- Taken cold showers
- Veganuary
- Gone on wellbeing retreats
- Purposefully mixed with sick people to built antibodies
- Taken ice baths
- Tried acupuncture
- Gone wild swimming
- Tried osteopathy
