Your Immunity FAQs Answered: How to Support Your Immune System Naturally

We hear a lot about “boosting immunity,” especially around cold and flu season. But what does it really mean?

Your immune system isn’t a switch you can flip on and off. It’s a complex network of cells, organs, and proteins all working together to keep you healthy. This synergistic system relies on continuous support to operate optimally. Strong immunity doesn’t just help prevent illness, it also helps your body recover faster, stay balanced, and perform at its best.

Below, we answer five of the most common questions about immunity and share practical strategies you can start using today to strengthen your immune system naturally.

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1. Should I take supplements for immune support?

Supplementation can help fill nutrient gaps that affect immunity, but only if your body actually needs it. While essential nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C are critical for immune function, not everyone necessarily needs supplements. Testing your biomarkers gives a full picture of your nutrient status and allows for personalized recommendations.

Tip: Check your biomarkers with regular lab testing to identify any deficiencies and target supplementation only when needed. All Next Health functional lab tests include a results review with a Medical Provider and a customized health optimization plan based on your data–including personalized supplementation.

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2. Why is gut health so important for immunity?

Up to 80% of your immune cells live in your gut, making it the command center of your immune system. A healthy gut microbiome helps your body recognize threats, respond effectively, and recover efficiently. When your microbiome is out of balance, immune function can be compromised, leaving you more susceptible to infections and inflammation.

Tip: Aim for a diet rich in diversity: colorful fruits, vegetables, and fiber help feed beneficial gut bacteria. Incorporate fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, or kefir to support microbiome health. For a deeper understanding of your gut health, consider testing your gut microbiome to gain personalized, data-driven insights that help optimize digestion and nutrient absorption, and support your immune system.

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3. Does sleep really make a difference?

Absolutely. Sleep is when your body performs critical maintenance, including repairing immune cells and producing antibodies. Poor sleep can reduce your body’s ability to fight infections and prolong recovery.

Daily tip: Prioritize quality sleep each night. The exact number of hours and ideal sleep patterns will depend on your body’s unique needs. Consider using wearable sleep trackers or exploring functional lab testing to understand your sleep quality and underlying imbalances. This data allows you to tailor your bedtime routine, optimize your sleep environment, and implement targeted strategies that directly support immune function and recovery.

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4. What role does exercise play in immunity?

Exercise is like a tune-up for your immune system. Moderate, regular physical activity helps your immune system circulate efficiently and reduce inflammation. However it’s important to note that over-exercising can temporarily suppress immunity.

Tip: Find a routine that works for your body, and pair it with adequate rest and recovery. Go one step further by taking Next Health’s 3x4 Genetic Lab Test, a comprehensive analysis of over 150 genetic markers to take the guesswork out of your wellness and fitness regimen. It helps identify your genetic “blueprint” so you know exactly what type of exercise is best for you–along with other key aspects of your health.

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5. How can I build immunity year-round?

True immune resilience comes from consistent, holistic habits that nourish your body, calm your mind, and optimize your environment. Along with diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management, targeted therapies can further strengthen your immune system and support recovery, detoxification, and cellular health.

• Targeted IV Therapy: Delivers vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream for rapid, efficient absorption. Ideal for when you need a fast-acting boost, such as during stress, travel, or illness prevention.
• Glutathione: The “Master Antioxidant:” Helps neutralize harmful free radicals and supports cellular detoxification. Incorporate glutathione as a high-dose add-on to any IV drip or as a standalone vitamin shot.
• EBOO Ozone Therapy: Helps eliminate toxins, reduce oxidative stress, and strengthen immune defenses at a cellular level, helping restore balance and vitality.
• Infrared Sauna Therapy: Uses deep-penetrating heat to help stimulate circulation, promote detoxification, reduce inflammation, and fortify immune defenses.
• Infrared LED Bed: Delivers red and near-infrared light to help enhance cellular energy production, reduce inflammation, accelerate repair, and strengthen immune function at the cellular level.
• Cryotherapy: Cold therapy helps stimulate immune activity, reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and support stress adaptation for year-round resilience.

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Bringing It All Together: Building Resilient Immunity

Your immune system thrives on consistency. By combining foundational habits such as balanced nutrition, quality sleep, moderate exercise, stress management, with targeted therapies and personalized insights from lab testing, you can support strengthening your defenses, recovering faster, and maintaining optimal health year-round.

Next step: Start by understanding your body’s unique needs. With personalized lab testing and one-on-one guidance from an expert Medical Provider, you can design a science-backed plan to support your immune system at every level, rather than reacting to illness after it occurs.

This article was originally published on April 1, 2024. It was updated on November 6, 2025 with new information.