Ways To Strengthen Your Immune System
There are so many ways to help the immune system besides relying on pharmaceutical drugs such as antibiotics and antivirals. The key with the immune system is to keep it strong before you get sick. Preventive measures are the best way to keep the body healthy. More importantly your immunity is linked to your long term quality of life, less degenerative ageing and less “inflammageing” (Ageing with inflammation).
Being deficient in any of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals below can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fend off and recover from illnesses. Coronavirus has been a wake up call for prevention. Now’s the time to re-evaluate your lifestyle. Your health is in your hands.
Let Food Be Your Medicine. Keep The Immune System Strong. Eat Whole Foods.
Our immune system relies on nutrient-dense whole foods to function well. So try and eat fresh organic food, perhaps grow your own vegetables and fruit.
Limiting refined starch and sugar will help your immune system function better and your overall health improves. Sugar & starches causes hormonal & metabolic dysfunction and disease, inflammation and ultimately ageing
Ensure adequate protein Intake. Protein is critical for immune function and protein malnutrition is a big risk factor for infections and deterioration. As we get older you need more protein.
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet fresh vegetables and fruit, steamed or boiled meat or chicken, avoid all sweets, unsprouted grains, and milk products that calm down your immune system.
Eat multiple servings of colourful fruits and vegetables high in vitamins; such as B, C and D that support the immune system. Add garlic, onions, ginger and spices to your meals. Ginger & Turmeric tea.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water – 2L/day. Staying hydrated keeps the immune system functioning at an optimal level. Incorporate electrolytes if you are becoming dehydrated. Coconut water contains electrolytes that help your cells absorb the water.
Get sufficient sleep. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that 8 hours sleep is necessary for both healing and developing neural networks in your brain.
Get exercise: mild to moderate exercise helps boost the immune system. Not intense as this will compromise your immune system if you are ill at the time. Interval training is a type of training that involves a series of high intensity workouts interspersed with rest or relief periods. The high-intensity periods are typically at or close to an aerobic exercise, while the recovery periods involve activity of lower intensity.
A High Dose Multivitamin/Mineral. It’s a good way to cover the basic vitamins and minerals your body needs for day to day functions. Look for a high quality multivitamin and/or minerals; usually liquid forms (liposomal) are better for absorption than tablets or capsules.
Vitamin D3 – It’s wise to take a Vitamin D supplement if you feel you are not getting enough of this important vitamin, which can be measured by a blood test.
Vitamin C – Good for lung function. Liposomal best. Or IV.
Zinc – Helps cells in your immune system grow and differentiate.
Magnesium – Not only supports the body’s immune system, but strengthen it. It can help stimulate and increase efficiency in combating illness.
Fish Oil – For added immune protection
Probiotics – A healthy gut flora supports a healthy gut and helps mount a strong defense against germs.
I hope this information has given you ideas and tips in keeping your immune system healthy. Continue to follow social distancing guidelines; wear a mask; wash hands. Take Care and Stay Safe.
