Our immune system is a complex network of cells that work together to help us recover from sickness and disease. Everyday environmental and lifestyle factors can shape how well it performs in supporting the body.
At Nature’s Best, our team of in-house experts recently explored this link by analysing data from public health records, weather stations and Google searches around the world.
The result? A global snapshot of how lifestyle choices, combined with environmental factors, can influence immune system performance. It is a clear reminder that while we cannot control every factor, many of the choices we make help us live and perform at our best.
Mapping Immune Health Across the World
Taking 30 of the world’s most visited countries, we analysed eight key indicators that have been found to be linked to immune health.
Our results show that Morocco was the top country where immunity strength is tied most positively to environmental and lifestyle factors, with a score of 63.4 out of a possible 80.
The country has consistently low rainfall, fewer searches related to mould and damp, and a lower smoking prevalence. All of these contribute to reducing the stress placed on the immune system.
India came next on our list with a score of 54.2 out of 80. Obesity stood out as a key lifestyle factor here, with levels at just 7.2% nationally.
Obesity has been linked in emerging research to reduced immune function. While the exact reason is still being studied, some theories suggest it may increase the risk of infection.
Rounding off the top three was South Africa with a score of 53.7 out of 80.
In contrast, the United States and United Kingdom both appeared in the bottom five, with scores of 30.4 and 28.5 out of 80 respectively. This was largely due to higher obesity and smoking rates.
The Top 10 Areas In England That Support Immune Health
We didn’t stop at a global level of analysis. Using a similar methodology, we examined which local authorities across England were most impacted by environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to immune health.
Wandsworth in London topped the list with a score of 61.5 out of 80, thanks to moderate sunshine hours, a relatively dry climate and low pollution levels.
The latter was particularly surprising, with annual NO2 levels at just 19.4 µg/m3, despite London’s reputation for poor air quality.
While more research is needed, air quality has long been known as one of the single largest health risks in Europe, and studies have linked inhaled particles from environmental pollutants to weakening of cells in our body that help fight infection.
Rochford in the East of England followed with a score of 61 out of 80, performing well for low smoking prevalence and reduced pollution.
Chelmsford placed third with a score of 59.8 out of 80. Indicators relating to weather, alcohol and smoking contributed positively to its overall immune health profile.
North West England
Certain environmental and lifestyle conditions that are linked with stronger immune health such as sunshine and rainfall, tend to cluster in parts of southern and East England.
However, the North West revealed a different picture.
Despite appearing lower down in our overall ranking with a score of 44.1 out of a possible 80 West Lancashire was the top performing local authority in the region.
It scored highly for its lower number of admission episodes linked with alcohol consumption. It was followed closely by Cheshire West and Chester with a score of 42.1 out of 80.
Alcohol consumption has been found by some studies that in high quantities can deplete the body of key vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B, C, D and E which are key for our overall health and function of the immune system.
| Charlotte East, Nutrition Expert at Nature’s Best comments on the findings: |
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“The North West’s differing immunity-boosting factors are particularly interesting and may be linked to a combination of environmental and socioeconomic elements. Sunlight is essential for vitamin D synthesis. In more northerly parts of the UK, where sunshine is less frequent, this could contribute to vitamin D deficiency, which plays a role in immune function. “Socioeconomic inequality is another important factor to consider. There are higher levels of deprivation in the North West, making it possible that access to nutritious food, stable housing and preventive healthcare is lower. All of these can impact the long-term health and stability of the immune system. “In areas where these challenges are more prevalent, targeted supplementation may be beneficial. Supplements don't have to be expensive and choosing a cost-effective vitamin D or C supplement can help support immune function while staying within the budget. “Supplementation, however, should not replace a balanced diet. It should be a useful addition where nutritional gaps exist, helping to support immune function and long-term wellbeing.” |
Wales
To better understand the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on immune health across the UK, we also analysed data for Wales:
| Wales ranking (Top 10) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Local Authority | Total /80 |
| 1 | Isle of Anglesey | 58.3 |
| 2 | Wrexham | 54.2 |
| 3 | Cardiff | 53.5 |
| 4 | Ceredigion | 51.1 |
| 5 | Newport | 50.7 |
| 6 | Vale of Glamorgan | 50.4 |
| 7 | Flintshire | 48.6 |
| 8 | Swansea | 47.7 |
| 9 | Monmouthshire | 46.4 |
| 10 | Bridgend | 46.2 |
Taking top spot on the ranking was The Isle of Anglesey with a score of 58.3 out of a possible 80. Known for its beaches and domestic tourism, the area scored highly for year-round sunshine, low rainfall and reduced smoking prevalence.
Following closely behind was Wrexham with a score of 54.2 out of 80, while Cardiff took third place on the list at 53.5, thanks to its low alcohol consumption levels and younger age bracket.
While younger age may help your immune system respond more effectively it doesn’t make you invincible to disease and illness if you don’t look after other parts of your health that are key for its function.
Scotland
Our campaign also assessed immune health factors across Scotland:
| Scotland ranking (Top 10) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Local Authority | Total /80 |
| 1 | Edinburgh | 65.4 |
| 2 | East Lothian | 64 |
| 3 | Clackmannanshire | 54 |
| 4 | Aberdeen City | 52.8 |
| 5 | Falkirk | 51.1 |
| 6 | Midlothian | 49.7 |
| 7 | Glasgow City | 49 |
| 8 | West Lothian | 45.9 |
| 9 | East Renfrewshire | 42.8 |
| 10 | Fife | 41.5 |
Edinburgh ranked highest with a score of 65.4 out of a possible 80. Despite being the bustling capital city of Scotland, it had low rates of alcohol consumption and smoking, and a high proportion of adults maintaining a healthy weight, all of which are linked to stronger immune health.
East Lothian and Clackmannanshire were also among the areas where immunity health presented a better picture with scores of 65.4 and 64 respectively.
Tips to boost and support your immune health throughout 2026
Commenting on the findings, Lucy Kershaw, (BSc Nutrition and Food Science) Nutrition Expert at Nature’s Best said:
| “Your immune system isn’t just something to think about when you’re sick. Where you live, how you eat and how much you move can all add up. The good news is that with small daily changes you can help your immune system all year round.” |
1. Improve sleep
Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating your body clock. Oversleeping or falling out of routine can worsen seasonal fatigue.
Try to stick to consistent wake-up and bedtime hours. Building in pre-bed rituals, such as reading, stretching or mindfulness, can also support mental health and deeper rest. A lack of sleep has been found to be associated with a poorer immune system
2. Top up on nutrients
We also recommend topping up with immune-supporting nutrients such as:
- Vitamin D: Supports immunity, bones, and muscles
- Vitamin C: Helps support immunity, protects cells, supports iron absorption
- Zinc: Aids cognitive function, immune function and healthy skin, hair, nails.
But while supplements help, prioritise a colourful, balanced diet too. Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to naturally support energy and mood.
3. Manage stress levels
Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which have been linked to changes in immune function.
That’s why it’s important to manage life's challenges, such as doing activities that you enjoy, taking part in yoga, or spending time with people you love, which are all great stress relievers.
4. Exercise
Like maintaining a proper diet, being physically healthy and exercising regularly is a key part of optimal immune health.
Even a 20-minute walk outdoors can help regulate your circadian rhythm and boost natural vitamin D levels and support immune health.
5. Eat a balanced diet
Make sure you stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables to take care of your immune system, even when it can be tempting to stock up on stodgier, higher sugar and salt foods. You could also try to include fibre in your snacks to help manage blood sugar levels.
Methodology
Taking a seed list of the most visited cities around the world and every UK authority we ranked them using normalisation scoring based on the following factors:
Median Age, Obesity Prevalence, Alcohol Admissions, Smoking Prevalence, Annual Temperature, Pollution, Average Rainfall (Annual), Google searches for “mould” and “damp”.
Notes to editors: Search data for words "damp" and "mould" were translated into respective languages to get a more accurate search volume each month.
Where a weather station for the area wasn't available for sunshine, the next closest station was used.
World Population Review ONS Climate Data Met Office Numbeo ScotPHO | StatsWales
