The Immune System in the body protects us from invaders. It is managed by the part of the nervous system, the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) which acts automatically. Both body functions are often affected to varying degrees by neurological diseases or trauma.
There is testing that can measure the effectiveness of the ANS but it is extremely invasive, complicated, and difficult for your health. There are too many more risks than benefits to the testing. Therefore, it is not performed for your safety. The effects of a slower ANS controlling the immune system are noted by other conditions such as frequent urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, or other infections.
Keeping your body healthy is the best way to improve your immune system. Often individuals think they need a variety of medications and other treatments, but a healthy lifestyle is the simplest and best step to improving your immune system.
Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
Deep Breathe and Cough, suction when necessary, or use the sigh button on your mechanical ventilator to clear your airway.
Drink water as allowed. Some individuals have restrictions due to intermittent catheterization or other health issues such as heart disease. Avoid alcohol, sodas (both sugared and artificially sugared), sports drinks, etc. Slowly reduce your intake of caffeine to avoid severe headaches.
Maintain a healthy diet as you need all the nutrients for your body’s immune system to be effective. Watch out for high sugar content, caffeine, and other substances in foods that can affect your body’s functions. Sugar is a food that bacteria thrive on so be careful about hidden glucose in foods. Safe food choices can be found here.
Move your body, either under your own power or by someone moving your body. If you have adaptive devices that allow walking, do so for exercise. Leg muscles, especially the thighs provide the most metabolization avoiding diabetes, improving bowel function, and discouraging urinary tract infections.