Sometimes our immune system is not able to activate itself quickly enough to outpace the reproductive rate of a certain bacteria, or the bacteria is producing a toxin so quickly that it will cause permanent damage before the immune system can eliminate the bacteria. In these cases it would be nice to help the immune system by killing the offending bacteria directly. Below are mentioned natural ways to boost your immune system:
1. Nutrition –Eat a wide range of different fruit and vegetables as the different colors indicate different compounds. A typical immune-boosting diet will include the following per day: five servings of fruit and vegetables, seeds, cold pressed oils, garlic, rich protein foods and whole grains. Eating small meals every few hours minimizes excessive intake and will boost your energy levels. Many herbs and spices such as turmeric, origanum, coriander, basil, mint, rosemary and cayenne pepper have antioxidant properties.
2. Exercise and light – exercise supports the immune system by decreasing stress hormone production. Exercising outdoors increases your exposure to natural light. Natural light is not just important because it makes vitamin D.
3. Sleep
4. Drink water
5. Avoid – certain environmental hazards can trigger autoimmune diseases. Toxins can either suppress the immune system, or cause it to overreact. Asthma and allergies are signs of an overactive immune system. As far as possible choose organically grown foods, and read the labels on the rest!
6. Mind-body connection – the mind influences the body, so laugh, meditate, play music, and stay happy.
7. Brush your teeth and floss – dental health is essential for a strong immune system.
8. Take antibiotics wisely – and supplement with probiotics and/or eat lots of yoghurt with live bacteria.
9. Watch your weight – every extra kilogram translates to one kilogram of tissue that the immune cells must constantly patrol and defend.
10. Find the right remedies – multivitamins are no substitute for a healthy varied diet. But one must ensure that if the food intake is not right, you take the basic supplements including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid, magnesium and selenium. Make sure your multivitamin contains the following minerals: selenium, zinc, chromium, copper and iron. Some other immune-boosting supplements include: olive leaf, astragalus, high doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, rhodiola rosea, cats claw, aloe vera, garlic, zinc, echinacea, elderberry, medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, maitake, cordyceps and shiitake, grapeseed extract, phytosterols, and some Chinese herbal remedies. |
