When it's working properly, your immune system is an internal defense against harmful germs and infections.However, building a strong immune system doesn't happen overnight.

In fact, strengthening your immune system can take weeks, according to Tulip Jhaveri, MD, a medical microbiology fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital who specializes in infectious diseases.

Therefore, a shot of lemon-ginger juice isn't going to protect you from an infectious disease if you already have a weakened immune system. To boost your immune system quickly, you'll need to plan ahead and consistently follow some general guidelines for at least several weeks.

If you have a weakened immune system, you will not be able to make a reasonable change in 24 hours.

The immune system is a complex system that requires many different working parts. Because of that, "there is no quick way to improve it," says Jhaveri.

That said, if you're looking for the fastest way to give your immune system the best chance of preventing infection, Jhaveri says that drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep are critical.

But it's important to note that, "it typically takes weeks of regular intervention to have any impact," Jhaveri says.

If you anticipate being in a situation where you may be exposed to a lot of germs like if you're taking a flight soon and want to take measures to protect yourself, here are five ways to boost your immunity:

"Drinking plenty of water before a flight is important because the higher the altitude, the more the humidity drops, causing considerable loss of fluid," says Jhaveri.

To function properly, your immune system relies heavily on the nutrients in your bloodstream, which mostly consists of water. Without water, the cells and tissues of your immune system don't receive the nutrients they need. Your immune system also relies on water to flush out germs and waste materials.

The amount of water you need can vary; however you should aim to drink fluids regularly over the course of the day.

"Sleep is also very important as it enables the body to repair itself and get ready for the next day," says Jhaveri.

According to a 2017 study, sleep deprivation makes your body vulnerable to a lot of infectious agents. You should aim to get seven to eight hours of sound sleep a night to help boost immunity.

If you're about to take a trip, Jhaveri recommends avoiding caffeine right before and during your flight because it can dehydrate and disrupt your sleep schedule.

Exercising may help flush germs out of your lungs and airways, reducing your chances of getting sick. It also stimulates your immune system and fights stress hormones that can make you ill.

If you can, try and do some moderate or vigorous exercise for 60 minutes several days a week for several weeks. You can opt for a brisk walk or a bicycle ride around your neighborhood.

Both vitamin C and zinc improve your defenses against pathogens and are critical for your immunity.

Deficiencies of these two nutrients are associated with more frequent and more severe cases of several illnesses, including malaria, diarrhea, the common cold, pneumonia, and other respiratory tract infections.

You can consult your doctor on whether you require these supplements and what dose is appropriate for you.

Chicken soup made with a bone broth may help clear your respiratory passageways and reduce inflammation, plus it's a pretty good source of protein, according to Harvard Medical School.

Though bone broth is a bit of a trend and evidence hasn't conclusively pointed to its benefits, protein is a critical nutrient for immunity since it is essential for the functioning of your T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell that play a major role in your immune response.

To maintain a strong immune system long-term, it's important to lead a healthy lifestyle. Jhaveri recommends the following:

Like the other systems in your body, your immune system is a complex network of processes that works best when you provide it sufficient energy and nutrition to function.

While several products claim to boost your immunity quickly, the most effective strategy is to consistently maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

In fact, according to Jhaveri, "even multivitamins and multiminerals have minimal to no benefit in boosting immunity as was once believed they're supplements, not substitutes to a well-balanced diet."The best way to boost your immunity before a plane ride, or any other high-risk situation, is to get started on those healthy habits hydration, nutrition, sleep, and exercise are your best bet.

And above all, maintain good hygiene: You can follow these guidelines by the CDC to protect yourself and others from infection:

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How to boost your immune system in weeks and maintain it long-term - Insider - INSIDER