Opinion

Top five ways to boost your immune system

Jan 02, 2013

A weakened immune system leaves the body vulnerable to virtually every type of illness and disease, especially when the seasonal shift from the late summer to autumn is marked by the arrival of a new generation of viruses causing coughs and colds.

Although the immune system can recognise viral strains it has encountered and beaten off before, it will not recognise a virus that has mutated. Even the smallest genetic change will trick it into thinking a brand new species, for which it has no antibodies, has landed – and while a strong immune system will cope with this attack, one that has been weakened by poor nutrition and too much stress will struggle to get you back to good health.

Fatigue, lethargy, repeated infections, slow wound healing, allergies, thrush, colds and flu are all signs that the body’s immune system is functioning below par. A healthy adult, for example, should suffer no more than two colds a year – so if you do succumb more to every passing infection, you definitely need to start supporting your immune system.

Our Immune system may be weakened and damaged by as a result of:

Disease
Stress
Inadequate nutrition
Poor living habits
Chemotherapy
Environmental pollutants
Or a Combination of the above

The Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System are:

1. Omega 3 & 6 Oils

Eat Healthy fats ! Research has shown that omega-3 fats have the ability to reduce inflammation and regulate the T and B lymphocyte functions.

2. Strengthen Your Digestive / elimination system

The friendly bacteria residing in your gut are there to help with digestion and protect you against invaders. If the bacteria population becomes thinned from the use of antibiotics, chlorinated water or pesticides in food, there will not be enough friendly bacteria on the job to keep you healthy. Beneficial bacteria manufacture potent immune boosters such as transfer factor and lactoferrin right in the intestinal tract, so the proper balance of bacteria in the gut can substantially boost the immune system. Replace friendly bacteria daily with the use of a probiotic supplement, drinking kefir, eating other fermented foods such as sauerkraut. Problems with elimination tend to disappear with regular use of Chlorella and probiotics.

3. Whole-food Supplements / Super-foods

a) Bee Pollen and Propolis.

Bee Pollen is one of the most well known super-foods on the planet. Bee Pollen is a rich source of highly concentrated vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, hormones, enzymes and fats. Most of the known vitamins in bee pollen exist in perfect proportion, so they optimally work together. This further enhances their value. This powerful superfood also contains a vast array of phytonutrients, many of which have yet to be identified.

Scientists have labeled it the most nutritious supplement on the planet. In fact, many nutritional experts say bee pollen contains everything we need to live!

Studies have shown that Bee Pollen can Offer the Following Benefits:

For vibrant mental clarity and concentration.

Bee pollen is helpful for losing weight because it naturally balances hormones and chemicals in the body, improves the metabolism and helps reduce cravings for food.

Many studies have shown that bee pollen is very effective in lowering cholesterol levels.

The sexual health benefits of bee pollen are well documented. It boosts fertility and can relieve PMS.Researchers have found that bee pollen is very effective in helping prevent prostate problems. In one study, over 50% of men who were given bee pollen experienced a dramatic improvement in sperm count and were able to perform better sexually after just one month.

Bee Pollen is a potent immune system booster, so the body can fight illnesses, and even allergies.

It is a powerful detoxifier.

Bee propolis has even been described as having anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties with immune boosting effects. Propolis has with its high levels of B-vitamin complex and notable quantities of vitamin C, E, and beta-carotene.

b) Micro – Algae.

Some micro-algae have very favorable nutritional profiles for cancer and immune therapies. Spirulina, chlorella and wild blue-green algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) provide cellular protection with exceptional amounts of beta-carotene.

c) Chlorella:

The alga to emphasize in those with the greatest deficiency, stimulates immunity in the treatment of all degenerative diseases by means of the “Chlorella Growth Factor” (CGF).

d) Spirulina.

Is also the highest plant source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid which strengthens immunity and inhibits excessive cell division. Spirulina is also rich in phycocyanin a pigment with anti-cancer properties.

e) Chlorella and Spirulina.

Are also amazing body detoxifiers. Heavy metals and toxins in the body are a burden on the immune system. Slow deep breaths also help to release toxins.

f) Adaptogens.

Work to normalize physiological responses and keep them at optimal levels. They are agents that allow the body to counter adverse physical, chemical or biological stressors while maintaining equilibrium. There are many adaptogens that have been used for thousands of years. They are: medicinal mushrooms, garlic, eleuthero, maca, liquorice root astragalus and shizandra.

4. Fresh air and Sunlight

Open your windows to let fresh air come into your workplace and home. Go out for a walk or sit in the sun.

Sunshine About an hour of unfiltered sunshine each day improves your immunity, prevents disease, increases intelligence, stimulates your metabolism, and boosts your energy level.

5. Avoid and Eliminate

a) Toxic food and drink from your diet:

Get into the habit of reading the labels of every packaged product you buy. There are many food products which contain hundreds of chemicals that are not recognizable to the body as food. This means that they are perceived by the immune system as foreign invaders that must be dealt with. Shop for organic foods when possible, and eat whole foods that are raw or cooked at home.

b) Get rid of personal care products containing toxic chemicals:

Most personal care products (such as shampoos, shower gels and body creams) sold at traditional supermarkets contain toxic ingredients that threaten your health. When these products are rubbed into the skin they enter the bloodstream as if they had been eaten. Replace these with products that contain only naturally occurring ingredients that your immune system will recognize as naturally belonging in your body and not a foreign invader.

c) Get The Toxins Out Of Your Home and Workplace:

The cleaning products in a typical house are filled with toxic chemicals. Throw out the anti-bacterial wipes and hand soap. The bacteria killing agents they contain create havoc with your immune system and actually make you more susceptible to infectious diseases. Get rid of stored paint cans and other chemicals in your house. They allow toxic gas to escape into your home.

Immune Boosting Power Smoothie !!