How to boost your immune system, naturally!
Heading into the winter season, boosting our immune systems always seems to become more of a priority. There is nothing worse than being struck down by lurgies, but an immune system that is in top shape means you can fight them off with ease. Here are some things you can try:
♥ Probiotics
Good gut health is crucial to a good immune system. Taking a daily probiotic or including fermented foods and bone broth in your diet a great start.
♥ Fruit and Veges
I know it’s obvious, but it really does work! As well as the good old leafy greens and citrus, mushrooms are also particularly beneficial as they increase the level of white blood cells in your body, helping you fight off infections.
♥ Superfoods
I like to think of our superfood powders as our ‘insurance policy’ – that extra protection for my family! I don’t think you can go past Aussie company, Nutra Organics/Superfoods for Kidz for the best superfood powders. They are certified organic and contain quality fruit and vegetables in a concentrated form. It’s a much better way to ‘take your vitamins’ instead of the nasty synthetic options that are full of sugar and fillers.
♥ Garlic and Ginger
Add these two powerhouses to everything you cook! Garlic contains allacin which fights infection and bacteria while ginger has amazing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
♥ Get Good Sleep
Make sure you get a restful sleep every night at the amount of hours right for you. This pub-med study says ‘sleep enhances immune defence’.
♥ Chill Out
Getting stressed really impacts on your immune system! Try to eliminate the stress in your life and relax. Take up yoga or tai chi, go for a walk in the fresh air or watch some funny movies.
♥ Meditate
Get your ommmm on! Studies show that meditation improves your immunity in a positive way. Follow a guided meditation if you are new to meditation – there are plenty of free apps or you tube videos.
♥ Essential Oils
There are a number of essential oils that are great for your immunity. This beautiful Immune Boost blend from Twenty 8 is a powerful decongestant with anti-bacterial properties. Diffuse through your home or pop a drop on your feet at night time. Flora Remedia also make this divine infusion of oils combined with flower essences called Immunity Infusion.
♥ Zinc
Zinc is a well-known immune booster and can be found in red meat, eggs, pumpkin seeds, chicken, fish and sunflower seeds. Be careful about taking supplements though, because too much zinc can compromise your immune system.
♥ Herbs
There are so many great herbs that help your immune system and several ways you can take them.
Herbal teas are delicious and easy to make part of your daily routine. This Love Tea Immunity blend is designed by a naturopath and especially to strengthen your immune system. Get a tea flask and sip on it all day! I like to add a wedge of lemon and a sliver of ginger as well. Staying hydrated also helps keep your immune cells working well.
Herbal liquid blends can take a bit of getting used to taking but hold your nose and down the hatch! We find that taking a dose as soon as you get a niggle can prevent anything from taking hold. Try Kiwi Herb’s Immune Guard, or Olive Leaf Extract.
♥ Bone Broth
Make up some of this nourishing traditional broth and improve your immune system! Extra garlic, ginger and turmeric will really have a potent brew. Find how to make it here.
♥ Healthy Lifestyle
Keep smoking and drinking to a minimum or eliminating it all together is one of the best things you can do for your immune system. Exercising regularly will improve your circulation and help keep your immune system humming along nicely. Regular hand washing can also keep away colds and flus.
I hope these tips on how to boost your immune system, naturally have given you some ideas.
You might also like to read:
How to beat colds and flu, naturally
Make your own natural chest rub
What do you do to increase your immune system?
*Please note that this information is general in nature and you should always consult your health practitioner for specific medical advice.*
Sources: Mim Beim, Natural Remedies
