Our immune system is responsible for keeping us healthy and strong, fighting germs, toxins, fungi and viruses using a complex collection of special blood cells along with a variety of organs in our body.
If our body is unable to produce these special antibodies or the organs charged with supporting our immunity are weak, we may find ourselves susceptible to a variety of infections or diseases.
Here’s 5 simple ways to strengthen your immunity:
- Consume Probiotic-rich fermented foods and beverages
- Eat healthy whole foods and less sugar
- Get plenty of sleep and reduce stress
- Support your body's natural detoxification systems (lungs, skin, liver)
- Ensure you have adequate vitamin D in your diet (check with bloodwork)
Probiotic foods
The best way to boost your immunity is to introduce fermented foods into your diet. The probiotics (healthy or beneficial bacteria) found in these foods are far more effective than any supplement. Stock up on naturally-fermented or cultured fruits and vegetables (sauerkraut, chutneys, kimchi, kale, carrots), drinks (kombucha, lassi), dairy (kefir, yogurt, sour cream) and more (unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, miso). Just 2 oz. per day is all you need to boost immunity.
Whole Foods/Less sugar
Super natural immunity begins with the bounty of nature (whole or unprocessed). First choice should always be what’s fresh, local and seasonal. Get cooking with quality Unrefined fats (i.e. virgin coconut oil, organic butter or cold-pressed olive oil) and try to limit refined white sugar, which has been shown to suppress our immune system.
More Sleep/Less stress
A good night’s sleep allows our body to regenerate and rejuvenate. Stress can tax our adrenals, which can lead to weight gain, anxiety, insomnia or fatigue. When the nervous system is calm and relaxed it can create valuable energy, manage stress and help to support the body when fighting an infection.
Natural Detox
There are many benefits to cleansing toxins or pathogens naturally. Include filtered water with lemon, chlorophyll-rich foods (dark leafy greens, seaweeds & green herbs), berries (especially blueberries, elderberry), fresh ginger and turmeric. Deep breaths throughout your day can also help the lungs naturally detoxify and relax tense, stressed muscles.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been seen to influence immunity and may be best taken in a supplement form in conjunction with food sources such as organic butter, eggs & wild fish.
Here are more articles that offer great information to support our immunity…
How to boost your immune system
This article from Harvard talks about some more specific medical information about our immunity. Click on the picture to read the article.
Strengthen your immunity
The Cleveland Clinic talks about some similar ways to strengthen your immune system. Click on the picture to read the article.
Strengthen your immunity with food
This article from CNN offers more dietary recommendations that have been shown to improve our immune system. Click on the picture to read the article.
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