Your immune system is the first line of defense against illness and cellular degeneration. When your immune system is strong, and operating at peak efficiency, your body is better able to stave off infection, battle illness, protect against cell damage and prevent cancer formation. The immune system can be adversely affected by a number of different factors. Toxins, aging, wounds, trauma both physical and mental/emotional and chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and cancer all diminish the power and efficiency of the immune system. But there are many natural ways to boost your immune system, and improve the body’s inherent power to defend itself against disease. These immune system boosting techniques are easy to implement, and the results can be life changing.
Diet
The first and most basic method of improving one’s immune system is through diet. For all of the luxuries and benefits of modern life, it must be said that our diets have suffered greatly in the last hundred plus years. Fruits and vegetables are sprayed with pesticides or genetically modified, meat and dairy products are filled with hormones and chemicals and most people drink much more soft drinks and alcohol than clear clean water. All of these toxins end up in the body, causing lesser and greater degrees of damage. Beyond the damage caused by these toxins, is the loss of nutrients that should be provided by a balanced diet. In effect, modern men and women are suffering from malnutrition, even as they eat the “best” and most expensive foods available. An immunity boosting diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains seeds, nuts and avocados that are grown organically meaning they are free of pesticides and chemicals. Herbs contain powerful phytochemicals that greatly enhance immune function and can easily be implemented into your daily diet routine. These include fresh organic garlic, onions, curcumin, turmeric, ginger, basil, rosemary, clove, cayenne pepper, fennel, anise, coriander and cilantro. By adhering to a sensible diet, it is possible to boost the immune system while improving your overall health.
Exercise
Equally as important as diet in strengthening the immune system is a regimen of regular exercise. As much as people hate to hear it, the truth is we have become a predominantly sedentary culture. Many people get little or no exercise on a regular basis, leaving them feeling fatigued and leaving their systems vulnerable to viruses and bacteria that should be easily fought off by a strong immune system. Regular exercise helps to reduce stress and releases toxins that would otherwise be stored in the fat cells and tissues of the body, impeding the healthy functioning of all of the body’s system. People taking regular exercise have been proven to suffer much fewer instances of cold and flu, and are generally in a better position to stave of many common illnesses.
Stress
Stress reduction also plays a large role in keeping the immune system strong and healthy. Day to day stress is a fact of life, and while you may not be able to eliminate stress at it’s source, you can learn ways to manage that stress. Meditation and prayer are the best ways to release stress and balance the mind and body. Another powerful way to decrease stress is to live more fully in the moment instead of the future or the past. Studies have shown that people under stress, whether it be day to day aggravations or high stressers like moving house or changing jobs, are more susceptible to illness. Stress acts upon the immune system, retarding it’s function, and allowing the everyday exposure to germs and viruses to cause illnesses that the immune system would otherwise be able to fend off. Stress management, and a regular healthy sleep pattern can do wonders to keep your immune system operating at it’s peak.
Supplements
Finally, taking natural supplements can help to boost your immune systems function. Vitamins, minerals and herbals supplements can have a great effect upon a person’s health. Vitamins A, B6, C and D are particularly useful in boosting both your general health and your immune system. Mineral supplements such as zinc and selenium are also recommended. It is always best to get your vitamins and minerals from your food for example eating just two Brazil nuts a day give you your daily allowance of selenium. Herbal supplements, like echinacea, goldenseal, and garlic can also have a profound effect on the health of the human body. These herbs not only boost the immune system, but have anti-cancer and anti-microbial properties, effectively helping to avert any number of diseases in and of themselves. In addition to the proper vitamins and herbs, regular doses of Omega-3 fatty acids can be taken as supplements to a healthy diet.
The human immune system is an awesome creation of God. Throughout your life it protects your body from viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and cancer cell formation and also helps to fight off illnesses and diseases of all types. Your immune system also aids in the day to day protection and repair of cells throughout the body. With age, or chronic disease, the immune system may begin to weaken. But with a healthy diet, sensible exercise and the right mix of natural supplements you can help your immune system to continue to help you. These natural methods can boost your immune system and keep it operating at optimal levels throughout your life.
