It is the time of the year where your immune system needs to be strong to fight off all those winter coughs and colds! The weather is getting colder and now is the time to make sure that you and your family’s immune system is strong. There are a number of natural ways to boost your immunity to make sure that you are healthy and full of energy, the following are just a few:
Fresh is best! Fruit and vegetables are naturally high in vitamin C and they’re also rich in antioxidants. Both vitamin C and antioxidants help boost immunity.
Keep hydrated! Remember, the human body is made up of approximately 60% water so for health and vitality and a strong immune system, we need to keep hydrated.
Supplements: at this time of year it is a good idea to take nutritional supplements to give you a boost through the winter months.
Multivitamin & Mineral: Make sure that it includes Vitamins B, C and E and the mineral zinc and selenium as these are vital for a healthy immune system.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): today our diet is lacking EFAs unless you eat a lot of oily fish (Omega 3) or lots of nuts and seeds (Omega 6). EFA’s are essential for a healthy immune system. A mixed oil supplement would be beneficial.
Probiotics: A healthy microflora is a prerequisite for the balance of the immune system as a healthy digestive system is essential for a strong immune system. Friendly bacteria support the immune system and increase the body’s resistance against infections
Herbal remedies: Herbs are an excellent way to improve your immune system and the following are some of my favourite immune modulating herbs:
Astragalus - a powerful tonic and immune strengthener, increases resistance to infection and is a great energy tonic. This herb is to be used as a preventative or as a tonic after illness, not to be used during acute illness.
Cat’s Claw - boosts immune function and improves response to viral and respiratory infections.
Echinacea - probably the most common herb for the immune system. It is immune modulating and also a powerful lymphatic cleanser.
Siberian Ginseng - an immune stimulant that also improves response to stress, fatigue and increases resistance to illness.
Relax & Exercise! Overwork, multiple stresses and lack of rest, exercise and sleep tend to deplete our energies and our immune system. Regular activity increases the circulation of nutrients and the cellular immune components. Movement is also necessary for a healthy lymphatic system.
The following are some of my favourite products that will help boost your immune system and are available at Naked Nutrition:
Emergen-C: a super energy booster packed with all the vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system.
Dr Stuart’s Echinacea Plus herbal tea - immune strengthening and hydrating at the same time!
Solgar’s Olive Leaf/Echinacea Complex - a fantastic immune boosting complex packed with excellent herbs including Astragalus, Cat’s Claw and Elderberry.
Solgar’s Echinacea/Goldenseal/Cat’s Claw Complex - the Goldenseal makes this complex a vital remedy for anybody that has got a cold, especially if there is a lot of mucous.
Sambucol - a Black Elderberry tonic that is a great immune booster for children and the whole family
By: Howard Cobb
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