Boost Your Immune System Naturally

​It is becoming clear that the presence of germs does not constitute the presence of a disease.  It seems that we are surrounded by bacteria and viruses all the time, yet a healthy person is not sick very often. Even in the worst epidemics, there are always people who either don’t get sick or whose symptoms are mild and quickly resolved.

Not to mention about one third of people who are infected remain asymptomatic. You see, if you want to be healthy, it all starts with taking preventive measures. A healthy body will have innate resistance to many bacteria and viruses; if infection occurs, symptoms will be mild, and can be fought off successfully in a short period of time. Therefore, normal functioning of the immune system is critical to our health and resistance to infection, and a strong immune system is the best defense against the cold and flu. Besides, the coming cold and flu season is only one of the many reasons that immune function should always be at the top of your list of health priorities. The immune system doesn’t just keep colds and flus away — it is also the body’s best defense against any disease.

​An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Your daily habits – including the foods you eat, exercise, sleep routines, environmental toxins, and emotional stress, have a significant effect on your immune function and can conspire to weaken immunity. To support your immune system, try to follow these lifestyle suggestions:

• Don't smoke.
• Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat. Preferably follow an anti-inflammatory diet.
• Reduce or eliminate refined sugar intake. Eating or drinking too much sugar suppresses immune system cells that attack bacteria. Instead, moderately use sugar substitutes such as honey, agave and maple syrup.
• Take herbal supplements known to boost the immune system such as, echinacea, astragalus, elderberry, shiitake mushrooms, etc.
• Exercise regularly but not in excess. Studies show that at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week increases immune function. However, excessive exercise regimes can temporarily hinder immune function.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Control your blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
• Get regular medical screening tests for people in your age group and risk category.
• Reduce or eliminate your coffee intake (1 or 2 cups per day). Caffeine may raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which suppresses the immune system. If you're a coffee drinker, try substituting green tea for coffee. Green tea has less than half as much caffeine as coffee and is rich in antioxidants. There are also quite a few coffee substitute products that may be used as safe alternatives to coffee. Teeccino or Dandy Blend are great herbal substitutes.
• Stay Warm. Maintaining your body temperature helps your body defend against invasion by viruses. Viruses thrive and replicate faster when your body temperature drops;  even a drop of one degree leaves it more vulnerable to developing a full-blown illness.  If your temperature drops further (to the point of shivering), it is almost a sure thing that you will get sick, especially when combined with exposure to other elements such as wind, rain or snow.

Read the Complete Guide
​to Avoid the Cold/Flu this Season