Originally published November 27 2010
Strengthen your immune system the natural way
by Shona Botes
(NaturalNews) Using natural remedies, foods and exercise to strengthen one's immune system is far better than reaching for a chemical based product from the local pharmacy. These products merely suppress the symptoms of colds and flu, instead of allowing the body to heal naturally.
Diet plays a huge role in building up one's immune system because we derive essential nutrients from what we eat, as well as from supplements that we may use. If we give our bodies less than the best by pumping them full of chemical medications and processed foods, they will respond by malfunctioning and eventually shutting down. They were not designed to deal with non-natural items.
Keeping your immune system in good condition also helps prevent fatigue. Daily exercise is also a proven immune system booster. Even taking a walk with Fido around a few blocks will benefit you as well as your furry friend, as it promotes oxygen flow and blood circulation throughout the body.
Sugar is one of our biggest enemies, as it suppresses the immune system drastically. All processed foods and drinks should be avoided, as nearly all of them contain sugar, as well as a host of other artificial ingredients which do no good whatsoever. Incorporate fresh, whole foods such as organic fruit and vegetables, free range meats, organic fish and raw unsalted nuts into your diet and avoid processed dairy products and factory farmed meats at all costs.
A daily dose of Echinacea has been shown to strengthen the immune system drastically. A few other herbs and supplements which may help in this regard are chamomile, Siberian ginseng, wild indigo, goldenseal, stinging nettle, rosehip, rosemary, peppermint and thuja. A lot of these herbs and supplements are used to help the body to cope with stress, which is also known to greatly suppress the immune system. Vitamin D3, vitamin C and zinc are also extremely powerful immune system boosters. Onions, horseradish and garlic are also excellent in this regard.
If you are a smoker, you will by now know that this suppresses your immune system severely, so the best remedy for this is to stop this habit, as it offers no health benefits whatsoever.
A yummy way to boost your immune system is to take 3 carrots, an apple, an orange and half a beet (beetroot) and put them through a juicer, and enjoy this drink with your breakfast each day. Adding some mint to your hot bath will also help stimulate antibodies and kill any bacteria that may have accumulated in the mucous membranes.
Sources:
http://www.healthyyounaturally.com/edu/build...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/271...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/659...
About the author
Shona Botes blogs about green living, budgeting, saving money, natural remedies and humour (which is often combined with the abovementioned topics). Her spare time is spent tending to her organic herb garden, cycling and engaging in photography.
Her blog may be viewed here
Some of her photography work may be viewed here
Other articles written by her may be viewed here
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