Top Ways to Boost Your Immunity

Prevention, so it is said, is better than cure. Rather than wait until you fall ill before you start looking for ways to fight the virus, here are some tips on how you might boost your immune system this winter, to help prevent colds and other illnesses.

One of the most popular herbs in Chinese medicine for the immune system is Astrragalus Root. Recognised for its ability to increase the body's resistance to disease, this herb has been used for centuries to boost the immune system. Astragalus Root also helps lower blood pressure and may reduce the severity of asthma and exzcema.

Echinacea, a wild flower that grows in meadows and moist lowlands can be helpful in supporting a healthy immune system. This popular herbal remedy is also used to help reduce the symptoms of the common cold and for respiratory illnesses. Echinacea can be purchased in lozenge and capsule form. It is believed this herb acts as a stimulant to the body's immune system making it difficult for foreign bodies to get a hold. Be sure to follow guidelines when taking Echinacea.

Another herb that might help boost your immunity is Astragalus. Adding astragalus roots into your winter-time diet can help prevent colds, reduce the duration of colds and keep your immune system healthy. Astragalus roots can be sliced and added to chicken broth with other vegetables to create a nourishing and energising soup.

Other herbs recommended to help keep your immune system healthy include: Goldenseal, St. John's Wort and Ginseng Root.

Good nutrition is important to keep your immune system functioning at optimal levels. A low level of even one nutrient can cause the immune system to suffer. In a study, for instance, in the University School of Nutrition in Massachusetts, eight people were put on diets that were low in vitamin B6. Within three weeks, their disease-fighting white blood cell levels plummeted.

Some of the best foods for boosting immunity are those containing beta-carotene. Spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are good sources of beta-carotene. Believe it or not, one large carrot a day contains the correct amount of beta carotene needed (around 30 milligrams) to protect immunity. For thousands of years garlic has been used to help prevent invention while mushroom soup is also a great tonic.

Vitamin E has a role to play in boosting the immune system. Good sources of vitamin E are corn and olive oil, wheatgerm, cereal products, seeds and nuts.

Vitamin C is used by the body to make interferon, a protein that helps destroy viruses in the body. Good sources of Vitamin C are: fruit and vegetables.

There are other steps you can take to help take care of your immune system. For instance, avoid exposure to chemicals used in everyday housework. Wear gloves when cleaning to avoid skin contact with chemicals and do your best not to inhale fumes given off by bleach and oven cleaners. Think about buying non-toxic cleaning agents. Stress, tension, smoking and too much alcohol can all lower your natural immunity while fun and laughter and staying positive are all good for your health.

So, from the food you eat to simple preventative measures in your lifestyle there are ways to help boost your immune system and strengthen your resistance to disease. While just as eating the right foods can help boost your immunity, eating the wrong ones could have the opposite affect. Cut fat from your diet by eating fewer processed foods like those that come in packets, cans and boxes to help keep your immune system healthy.

Sources

http://www.immune-boosters.com/herbal-remedies/immune-boosters/herbs-for-immune-system

http://www.herbcompanion.com/health/how-to-boost-your-immune-system-with-herbs.aspx

http://www.jump.co.za/articles/2009/03/herbs-to-help-boost-your-immune-system-against-colds-and-flu.html

http://www.natureshealthypeople.com/natures_sunshine_herbs_product_categories/immuneboosters.html