11 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System
In these times is a good idea to carry out your own research on how you can boost your immune system naturally.
So congratulations on taking your time to do your own research.
When cold and flu season is upon us, the first line of defence is to wash your hands often and keep your work area clean by wiping it down with an alcohol solution.
In this current climate of the Coronavirus this seems to be all the rage to keep hands clean and keep your environment clean.
The truth of the matter this should be basic standard practice all the time, all year round, not just when you have an epidemic that creates a lock down or in the cold and flu seasons.
Great Time To Boost Your Immune System
So in addition to keep yourself and your environment clean it is also a great time to start boosting your immune system.
I would also like to say at this point that boosting your immune system should not just a thing that is done in the cold and flu season or in times of an epidemic, this should become a lifestyle.
Especially during the times such as holiday seasons when you are in close contact with others.
A weakened immune system with leave your body vulnerable to every cold and flu virus, and again especially in the holiday seasons when you are in close contact with others, moving between time zones and changing climates.
How Exactly Do You Boost Your Immune System?
Right, so, how exactly do you actually go about boosting your immune system?
There are many great methods and below I am going to share ten of them that I highly recommend will boost your body’s immune system naturally.
1. Vitamin C
You are already aware of this reliable and easily found supplement.
It is interesting to know that your body cannot store vitamin C so it is up to you to ensure that it is in your daily dietary intake. To make sure you are getting enough it is recommended to take 1,000mg a day to fight of an infection.
2. Turmeric
This herb is a member of the Ginger family and also known as Curcuma.
Turmeric is very beneficial for the immune system and research has shown that it is an immune stimulant. You can support your immune health by take 200mg per day (recommended).
I personally consume turmeric in food. I use it in many recipes and it can also be added to smoothies and shakes.
The taste is unique and not for everyone. So you may have to get creative, like myself.
3. Aloe Vera
Now Aloe Vera as many uses and has been shown to be extremely effective in supporting and balancing the immune system.
Recommended use is a third of a glass of juice each morning. But is you feel that your body run down you can take it twice a day.
Personally I take once a day in the winter months and the rest of the year I take it frequently like once or twice a week. I also use it for other uses, such in my hair, on my face and on my skin.
4. L-Arginine
L-Arginine is a non-essential amino acid that promotes would healing and improves the immune response against bacteria, viruses and tumour cells.
Levels of L-Arginine drop during periods of increased stress. Recommended use is 3.6g per day.
5. Astragalus
Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for nearly 4,000 years and is referred to as “the super tonic”.
Astragalus is a favourite immune system builder among the natural health community.
It is good for colds, immune deficiency related disorders and these include, tumours, AIDS and Cancer.
6. Black Tea
Black tea in a recent study, people who gargled with black extract solution twice a day should a higher immunity to the flu virus when compared to the people who did not gargle with black tea.
Black tea represents probably the single biggest source of flavonoids. A natural class of anti-oxidants that are found in many natural plant derived foods.
7. Olive Leaf
Olive leaf extract is a powerful tool in the fight to kill viruses such as the cold, herpes and Epstein-Barr.
Its power also extends to helping wipe out sinusitis and bronchitis, along with reducing hypertension and cholesterol levels.
The most important element in olive leaf extract is a compound called oleuropein.
When you are buying this supplement, look for capsules that are standardised to 6% oleurpein.
The recommended use is 500mg daily to fight existing bacterial or viral infection.
8. Liquorice
Scientific studies have shown that liquorice stimulates immunity.
Because of this ability to fight flu viruses and bacteria this is not just a treatment for these conditions, but also for flu prevention during epidemics.
Liquorice root should not be used in cases of water retention, high blood pressure, pregnancy or if you are on medication.
You could consult a medical professional.
9. Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake Mushrooms enhance immunity and are especially effective in helping the body to prevent cancer growth.
Maitake appears to activate the immune system response by stimulating the T-cells that are the body’s own defence against viruses and cancer cells. Recommended uses is 3-7g per day.
10. Goldseal
You will find Goldseal very effective in not only preventing infection but also reducing inflammation after you have a cold or flu symptoms.
11. Oregano
Oregano oil or herb is very effective in fighting infection and great at not only preventing but treating infection.
This is one of my staples because of its many uses and benefits.
It is best to start thinking about your immune health before you become ill with a cold or flu virus.
Now is a great time to also start improving your diet, learning different ways in dealing with stress and ensuring that you have a supply of supplements in your cabinet.
It is a great time to make a list of which supplements will most benefit you and your family.
Here’s to your health.
If you have any questions with regards to this article please leave them in the comments section below.
If you have any supplements that you think would be useful to add to this list, please share below in the comments section below.
Thank you for reading and stay safe
Jennifer