Keep Your Immune System Strong
I have learned a lot about the immune system in the last several years. It is our "army" of cells found mostly in the gut that protect and defend us against all types of invaders like pathogens and viruses. My immune system hasn't always been very strong ~ thanks to my lifestyle and ignorant health choices. But what amazing bodies God has given us...we are capable of turning immunity weakness around and building a strong system that will be ready for the attacks that come. Along with eating whole foods and getting proper sleep, here are just a few simple things you can use to strengthen your immune system:
Green Tea – A great beverage choice during flu season!
Green tea contains antiviral compounds that may also be helpful against flu infection. There have been studies done that show consuming 1-5 cups per day of green tea may help prevent flu.
Supplements that send pathogens packin’ - Supplements can be beneficial for colds and flu. Some of the more helpful options – beyond vitamin D – are:
Olive leaf extract: This stuff is INCREDIBLE! Taken at the first sign of any symptoms, it usually stops it in its tracks and I swear I can FEEL it working immediately! Ancient Egyptians and Mediterranean cultures used it for a variety of health-promoting uses and it is widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.
vitamin C: A very potent antioxidant. You should use a natural form from a whole food source. You can take several grams (less if you start to develop loose stools) every hour until you are better. I recently read the best way to take vitamin C is by cutting up the rind of a grapefruit or a lemon and letting it dehydrate. The little pieces can then be swallowed like a supplement. I love the idea - I'm gonna try it soon! ..I'll let you know what I think!
Oregano oil: The higher the carvacrol concentration, the more effective it is. Carvacrol is the most active antimicrobial agent in oregano oil. This stuff rocks! We put it on the bottoms of our feet and/or take it internally. What I love is the intelligence of oregano oil - it will kill hostile microbes, but nourish healthy ones!
Propolis: A bee resin and one of the most broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds in the world; Propolis is also the richest source of caffeic acid and apigenin, two very important compounds that aid in immune response.
A tea made from a combination of elderflower, yarrow, boneset, linden, peppermint and ginger; drink it hot and often for combating a cold or flu. It causes you to sweat, which is helpful for eradicating a virus from your system.
Mushrooms – a phenomenal immune booster
Over 300 different species of mushrooms are now believed to have health-promoting potential.
Evidence continues to emerge confirming how mushrooms support overall health by:
promoting normal cellular growth
protecting against environmental stressors
supporting your body’s normal detoxification process
supporting healthy gut flora
promoting optimal digestion
There's even more power found in the root structure (mycelium) than in the fleshy body of the mushroom... If you can find a supplement including that, even better! There are a lot of mushroom supplements on the market. I recommend trying one from a reputable company like Nature's Sunshine or Standard Process (available thru practitioners - usually chiropractors).
Adaptogenic herbs - also known as adaptogens, are substances that enhance your ability to resist stress, anxiety, trauma and fatigue. There are many herbs that fall into this category, as they are herbs that have a good action to aid the whole body to feel more normal, rather than just working on healing one specific area. The best adaptogens also strengthen the immune system and aid the body to fight disease. Along with their role to aid fatigue, an important role of adaptogens is to aid longevity and the effects of aging on the cells. Some of the most well-known adapgens are ginseng, reishi mushrooms, licorice root, and ashwaganda but our favorites tend to be andrographis, astragalus, and elderberry. (You can actually find elderberry tea or syrup in the health food store or make your own. We like Elderberry Defense capsules by Nature's Sunshine - especially good for upper respiratory support.)
Exercising regularly and avoiding sugar (darn that white stuff!) are also helpful in giving your immune system a fighting chance to stay strong too!
Far infrared sauna therapy - increased production of white blood cells and toxin removal through sweating combines to improve immunity against chronic infections, flu, sinus, allergy symptoms, germs and bacteria. You can realize health benefits as the body produces special heat shock proteins, which are powerful immune system stimulators.
