Nearly every system in the body contributes to immunity: Stress, poor diet and lack of sleep or exercise can contribute to a weakening of the immune system. We list things that you can do to boost your immune system naturally.
Eat healthy: Adequate vitamins and minerals are essential nutritional support to immunity. Also, the level of acidity in our bodies can have a dramatic impact on our wellness. Maintaining a slightly alkaline system is best for optimal health, and the best way to do that is with organic whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, green tea, honey, nuts and seeds.
Citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C, which can reduce cold and flu symptoms by up to 23 per cent. Other foods high in Vitamin C include papaya, sweet potato, and capsicum.
Cultured foods, such as yogurt, homemade pickles and fermented preparations contain friendly bacteria that have a powerful beneficial effect on the gut’s immune system. The gut is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens and antibodies.
Honey In addition to soothing sore throats, honey is very high in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria, fungus and viral activity.
Manage stress: Stress, especially when chronic and long-term, wreaks havoc on the immune system. Chronic stress increases the release of cortisol, which increases inflammation, and can lead to an overactive immune system, which can worsen allergies and cause autoimmune diseases.
Meditation, even for 10 minutes a day, reduces stress and can literally rewire your brain for a more optimistic outlook on life. Recent studies suggest that meditation can also increase the amount of infection-fighting antibodies while stimulating the region of the brain associated with immunity.
Ensure adequate sleep: Sleep is when the body recuperates from the physical, emotional and mental stresses of daily life. Without enough sleep, the body activates the same mechanisms as when under stress. This depresses the immune system and causes inflammation.
Research shows that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are three times more likely to become sick than those who sleep eight hours or more. Tulsi and Ashwagandha are both adaptogens that can save you from insomnia, allowing the body to fall asleep naturally and relieving exhaustion
Enjoy regular exercise: Regular exercise boosts immunity by increasing circulation, which allows for faster transport of white blood cells to an infection site. During exercise, the lungs work harder and flush out bacteria or viruses, as well as cancer-causing substances.
Sunlight, fresh air and Vitamin D are all linked to stronger immune systems, so even a brisk walk outside will help.
30 minutes of exercise of moderate intensity for most days of the week is all you need to keep your immune system strong.
Intense exercise such as running a marathon or heavy lifting could actually decrease immunity, so it’s best to save these activities if you’re feeling under the weather.
Avoid unhealthy habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, fatty and sugary foods all take a toll on the immune system. Avoid these in general, but particularly during cold and flu season.
Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics: Antibiotics are a powerful and potentially life-saving drug, one of the great gifts of modern medicine. Unfortunately, antibiotics they don’t work on viruses, only bacterial infections. And even then, they are mostly not required for coping with common colds. Even the Indian Medical Association is calling for doctors to stop prescribing antiobiotics for colds and flu http://bit.ly/DontUseAntiobioticsForColds
Take immunity herbs: Prevention is indeed better than cure – especially at this time of year!
Everyday overall wellness: For a daily dose of health: one spoon of Wheat Grass or Moringa Powder a day provides a host of essential vitamins and minerals: one spoon of Chyawanprash provides over 40 healing herbs, including our potent wild forest Amalaki – take together with the restorative wonders of Tulsi, which also empowers the assimilation of other herbs.
Extra immunity boost: For when your immunity system needs extra support or illness is going around: As a viral suppressant and immune system support, Immunity formula contains herbs for the effective prevention and treatment of coughs and colds that is especially effective for those with immune deficiencies: combines well with the antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties of Neem in Herbal Antibiotic, to purify and cleanse the blood for overall immunity.
From the first signs: These are the herbal allies we reach for as soon as that tired, achy feeling and scratchy throat starts: or if cough or cold symptoms are already progressing. Take Immunity and Herbal Antibiotic twice a day, plenty of liquids, plenty of rest, and plenty of Tulsi tea: also Turmeric with lemon and honey!
Lung congestion and chronic respiratory conditions: When there is a need to Breathe Free, this formula brings relief and helps to open airways and restore vital respiratory function. Combines well with Immunity especially for acute bronchitis and lung infections. In addition to the immunity boosting benefits of Tulsi, Ginger is a warming herb, traditionally used as an expectorant, ideal for cold and flu and also for soothing and improving digestion.
The article has been authored by Organic India.
