Channel: Natural Ways

Category: Howto & Style

Tags: how immune system workvitamin dbenefits of garlicsicknatural remediesget quality sleepways to boost immune systemuse of probioticshow to boost immune system naturallyhow to prevent fever at homeeat medicinal mushroomsmedicinal herbshome remediesnever fall sick againhow to prevent coldeat fruits and vegetables

Description: Are you constantly fatigued? When cold and flu season comes around, do you find that you almost always get sick? How about allergies? If you experience chronic aches, pains, sniffles, and illnesses, you may be suffering from a weakened immune system. This can be an extremely frustrating state of being and can have a significant impact on virtually every area of your life, including energy, mood, stress management, physical vitality, sleep quality, body composition, and even your longevity and overall risk of developing chronic disease. Here are 8 very easy, all-natural steps you can take to strengthen your immune system 1.Get enough sleep and manage stress. Sleep deprivation and stress overload increase the hormone cortisol, prolonged elevation of which suppresses immune function. Whatever amount of sleep you need to feel refreshed in the morning, whether that’s 6 hours or 8—make sure you get it 2.Consider probiotics Did you know that 80% of your immune system is located in your gut? There are trillions of beneficial bacteria in your intestines that help you fight disease and absorb nutrients. Keeping this population healthy and strong is arguably your strongest defense against colds, flus and many other diseases. Replenish your gut flora daily by incorporating wholesome fermented foods and drinks into your diet like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchee. Not only will it keep your gut flora healthy help protect you from disease, but it can also give you better digestion. 3.Catch some rays. Sunlight triggers the skin’s production of vitamin D. The majority of adults and children in the U.S. are deficient in the sunshine vitamin, putting them at greater risk for all infections. A number of recent medical trials have demonstrated that individuals with the lowest levels of vitamin D had the highest rates of serious illness and infections. You can get Vitamin D naturally by daily exposing your arms and face for 20-minutes in the sun, but most people need more than this. Good dietary sources include good old fashioned cod liver oil, grassfed beef liver, egg yolks from pasture-raised chickens, and fatty fish like salmon. You can also buy liquid Vitamin D supplements which are very effective and easy to take. 4.Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds Fruits & Vegetables will provide your body with the nutrients your immune system needs. A study in older adults showed that boosting fruit and vegetable intake improved antibody response to the Pneumovax vaccine, which protects against Streptococcus pneumonia. 5.Avoid tobacco, smoke & Alcohol. Smoking undermines basic immune defenses and raises the risk of bronchitis and pneumonia in everyone, and middle ear infections in kids. Excessive consumption of alcohol impairs the immune system and increases vulnerability to lung infections. 6.Go for garlic. Garlic is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and immune booster. Because heat deactivates a key active ingredient, add it to foods just before serving. 7.Eat medicinal mushrooms Mushrooms such as shiitake and maitake (sometimes sold as “hen of the woods”). A recent study showed that a concentrated extract of shiitake enhanced immune function in women with breast cancer. 8.Try immune-supportive herbs. If you get recurrent infections, consider taking immune-supportive herbs such as eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticocus), Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), or astragalus (A. membranaceus).