Boost the Immune System and Prevent Flu, Colds and Coughs

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 by: Fleur Hupston
Tags: immune system, colds, health news

(NewsTarget) Many people think of colds and flu as inevitable and resort to going for a flu shot as a preventative measure or to taking plenty of medication in an attempt to cure colds and flu. Yet, by eating correctly, eliminating harmful foods, reducing stress and getting enough sleep, the immune system can be boosted to fight off colds and flu. Eat super foods and try simple lifestyle changes in order to combat sickness the natural way.

Boost the Immune System with Super Foods

Include fresh, organic vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, chicory, cabbage, garlic, mushrooms and spinach in the diet as often as possible to boost the immune system. Eat vegetables raw wherever possible to maximize health benefits.

Fruits to include would be lemons, grapefruit, oranges, bananas and dark colored fruit such as blueberries, black cherries, blackberries, black currants and black grapes.

Spicing up meals with ginger, cinnamon, cumin, oregano and cayenne will help to build the immune system in order to fight off colds and can even be taken at the onset of a cold to reduce the effects.

Drinks to Boost the Immune System

Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice or tea helps to restore the body's pH balance. An imbalance of alkalinity creates a condition favorable to the growth of bacteria, yeast and unwanted organisms which thrive in a more acidic environment.

Drink plenty of pure water each day to flush the body of toxins. Drinking green tea, or Rooibos tea (African redbush tea) will promote overall good health.

Foods to Eliminate in Order to Boost Immunity

According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, sugar can suppress the immune system and impair the body's defenses against infectious disease. Refined sugar has no nutritional value whatsoever and is associated with a plethora of illness and disease.

The immune system will not be helped by consuming refined, processed, junk food. Eliminate nutritionally deficient foods such as fast foods, cookies, crisps, candy, cake and so on that are made with refined and processed ingredients. This alone will increase energy levels and help the immune system to function as it should.

Make Lifestyle Changes to Boost the Immune System

Get enough sleep each night - research indicates that sleep deprivation can adversely affect the body's ability to fight infections.

Exercise regularly - moderate, consistent exercise can lead to substantial benefits in immune system health in the long-term.

Control stress - Stress can raise cortisol levels and weaken the body's immune system, making it more susceptible to colds and flu.

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About the author

Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.