Most people know that your immune system protects you from countless bacterial or viral infections on a daily or even hourly basis. However for many people, there are a lot of unknowns about our immune system.
For example, why do some people seem to get sick so much more often than others? Are their immune systems inherently stronger than others? Or is it because they have ginger tea every morning? Are there some secrets to boosting the immune system that you aren’t aware of?
While there has been a ton of research on the immune system there are few conclusive tips you can follow to naturally boost your bodies intricate defense system. Why has science not come up with specific steps we can take to bolster our natural defenses? Well it is very difficult to isolate certain variable within such a complex and interrelated system that is the immune system. However there are general steps you can take toward total health which will help your entire body. Since every system of your body interacts with every other system you will reap the rewards of a strengthened immune system.
Lifestyle Changes
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Diet
- Sleep – Get enough every night. Every body requires a different amount and this varies from day to day with the same person even. Just depends on how much physical stress the body went through the day prior. Learn what your body needs to recover and wake up feeling refreshed. Learn tips and tricks for getting a full night sleep.
- Stress Management – Learn some different stress management strategies. Everyone experiences stress, some much more than others. The key is learning what works for you to deal with it. Try out some different healthy forms of managing stress. Meditation, Religion, Prayer, Yoga, Exercise, Breathing Exercises are just a few you can try out.
- Quit smoking if you already do and don’t start if you don’t.
- Nourish your body with nutrient dense foods. Eat a lot of greens, beans, veggies, fruits, grains, and nuts. Cut back on sugar, saturated fats, animal products and processed foods.
- Exercise every day. It doesn’t have to be a long or strenuous workout (although you should do these at the very least occasionally) but at least get out an move daily. If you can do this outside even better.
- Get Some Sunshine – Getting about 15 minutes of sunlight exposure every other day helps your body get adequate amounts of vitamin D. In places or time where this is not practical (cold climates and seasons) you may want to consider supplementation. Before doing so it is a good idea to get a blood test to see how deficient you are and enact an appropriate supplementation dosage.
- Cut out or reduce alcohol. Alcohol puts extra stress on your liver as your body attempts to detoxify. Putting extra stress on the liver leaves it less able to handle other toxins in your body.
- Get checked by the doctor as appropriate to your age and risk.
Micro Nutrient Deficiencies Effects on the Immune System
- Selenium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
- Iron
- Copper
- Folic Acid
The Effects of Age on The Immune System
Supplementation for a Stronger Immune System
Aloe Vera
Astragalus Membranes
Echinacea
Garlic
Ginseng
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)
Larch
Oregano Oil – Helps cleanse your gut of bad bacteria. Use around a 200 mg dose 3 times a day.
Japanese Mushrooms – Enoki, Shitake, and Oyster Variety all have the powerful antioxidant ergothioneine which is not destroyed by cooking.
Cruciferous Veggies – Help the liver help your immune system. Cruciferous veggies like kale, brocolie, lettuce and cabbage all support the liver which helps you detoxify your body by eliminating toxins.
Avacados – The healthy fats, essential amino acids, and anti-oxidants in avacados help support your adrenal system.
Ginger – According to the Ayurvedic tradition ginger helps to keep your immune system strong by helping the body break down and remove toxins in your organs by helping your lymphatic system run properly.
Berries with Dark Skin – Blue berries, black currants, raspberries, molberries, and other dark skinned berries are packed with strong antioxidants which helps the immune system perform it’s job.
Oatmeal – Oatmeal has soluable fiber which helps reduce your bad cholesterol or “LDL” which in turn increases your circulation amongst other things which help boost your immune system.
Pomegranate – Pomegranate seeds have very powerful antioxidants known as ellagic acid and punic alagin that potect you from free radicals that can harm your skin. They also contain other healthy skin promoting phytonutrients.
Pumpkin Seeds – Pumpkins seeds high magnesuium content can lower blood pressure which reduces your risk for stroke and heart attack.
Probiotics
What Stress Does to Your Immune System
Can Cold Weather Reduce Your Immune System?
Does Exercise Increase or Reduce Your Immunity?
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