Boosting immune system with natural methods offers many health benefits

Tuesday, March 25, 2014 by: Antonia
Tags: immune system, boost, natural methods

(NaturalNews) A strong immune system is essential when it comes to maintaining optimal health. When it's compromised, the body's ability to heal takes a hit. New complications can arise and existing ones can be magnified. In fact, when it comes to cancers, Prof. Martin Rocken, Director of the Department of Dermatology of the University Medical Center Tubingen, notes that "the immune system is able to drive tumors and tumor cells into a form of permanent dormancy."

Harvard University health experts say, the " . . . first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle" that involves eating "a diet [that is] high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat." Furthermore, they advocate people take measures to avoid stress since stress has been linked to immune system disruption.

Natural ways to boost immune system

1) Eat raw fruits and veggies. Raw produce typically has more nutritional content than cooked foods (many people choose to not heat their foods due to the belief that a high-heat process diminishes the overall nutrient value of certain foods). Raw foods are excellent ways to maintain a strong immune system.

2) Drink water. Since a significant portion of our body is water, proper hydration is important. It's a healthy way to flush out toxins and maintain excellent blood flow.

3) Eat garlic. Garlic has been shown to help fight infection, playing a role in everything from staving off the common cold to fighting cancers. Studies have shown that adding garlic to meals on a regular basis may deter the development of pre-cancerous colon and digestive tract lesions. It's considered nature's natural antibiotic, brimming with anti-viral and anti-bacterial compounds.

4) Get rest. The body repairs itself best when it is at rest, allowing the immune system to function at ideal levels so it can essentially help recharge the body. Think about people who lack sleep. Often, they develop colds more often and are more susceptible to illnesses. So important is sleep that even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is on board noting that " . . . insufficient sleep is an important public health concern."

5) Get some sunlight. Getting vitamin D from the sun is does wonders for the body. In fact, the aforementioned Harvard University health specialists explain that vitamin D has been known to help people with tuberculosis. Apparently, vitamin D triggers an antimicrobial response to the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, helping to combat the condition.

Treating the body well by enjoying healthy kinds of food and drink, while also getting plenty of sunlight and rest are keys to boosting the immune system.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.naturalnews.com

https://www.naturalnews.com/040340_garlic_onions_cancer_prevention.html

http://www.foodalive.org/articles/immune.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsSleep/

http://www.health.harvard.edu

About the author:
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. >>> Click here to see more by Antonia