The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism against foreign invaders. With environmental toxicity, lack of adequate nutrients in our foods, and so many unhealthy habits and jobs that weigh down on the body, the immune system could use a lot of help.
Consider these simple tips to boost your immune system:
The easiest and cheapest thing you can do for your health is drink water. It takes half an ounce of water per pound of body weight to properly hydrate the organs and tissues. Make sure to drink purified water, the chlorine content in tap water has been indicated to contribute to heart disease and cancer.
Stress is known to suppress the immune system. High stress jobs weigh down on the immune system, and reduce employees’ resistance to diseases and infection. See some stress management tips here.
A lot of nutrients are needed to fuel the immune system. Maintaining a diet rich in raw organic fruits and vegetables is essential for immune health. These foods provide the body with enzymes and trace minerals that facilitate immune building.
Processed and canned foods actually hurt the immune system. Most adults are prone to high consumption of processed foods containing dyes, preservatives, taste enhancers, colors, and MSG (monosodium glutamate), especially at work. Avoid yeast products such as breads and other moldy foods. They contribute to yeast overgrowth. Yeasts produce toxins that weaken the immune system.
Probiotics restore the intestinal flora of the colon and thus provides support for the immune system. Antibiotics are a no-no, they multiply yeast and therefore compromise the immune system, leading to less and less resistance to diseases and infections.
One quick and sure way to boost the immune system is by exercising. Exercise has been shown to boost immunity by 13%. See our exercise page on more ways exercise can contribute to stronger immunity.
Getting help from nature’s bounty may be necessary for some cases. Immune stimulating herbs such as Echinacea, Astragalus, and Suma boost the body’s ability to fight infection, while antiseptic, antibiotic, and disinfecting herbs such as Golden Seal, Garlic, Lavender, and Olive leaf directly destroy pathogens that invade the body. Or a combination of the herbs maybe necessary.
More immune herbs- Bayberry, Catnip, Chamomile, Elderberry, Eleuthero, Red Clover, and Pawpaw.
Limit exposure to toxins. There are too many toxic substances in our environment not to make any effort to reduce exposure. There are pesticides, herbicides, household cleaning products, and fungicides. Live plants such as Boston fern and spider can help absorb these toxins in the air. Prolonged exposure to high power lines, power substations, computers, TV sets, microwave ovens can be linked to cancer, fibromyalgia, etc.