Boost Immunity
Boosting Immunity for Winter :: Naturally
Foods, herbal medicines and nutritional medicines boost our Immune System. They do this by protecting and supporting our innate immune response to disease. The best thing you can do for your heath is to strengthen your bodies own ability to fight invaders naturally.
This is achieved by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and additional supplements. Make sure you are getting enough rest, keep stress levels manageable and exercise 3 – 4 times per week. Deep Sleep is essential as the body heals tissue at night. The inclusion of super foods in your diet ensures you are getting the correct amount of minerals, antioxidants, proteins and vitamins. The inclusion of immune enhancers is just as important for the body as diet and rest. Below is a list of the most important and simple supplements for you to consider.
Plant foods: Chlorella and Spirulina.
Chlorella contains gamma linolenic acid which demonstrates immune properties. It is also rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins C, E and A, beta-carotene, magnesium and the nucleic acids RNA and DNA which regulate cell growth, cell repair and cell production.
Spirulina is very similar to chlorella however it additionally contains chlorophyll and helps oxygen transport in the blood. It is high in protein and antioxidants which are essential for the optimization of the immune system.
Herbs: Astragalus, Echinacea and Andrographis.
The most useful preventative herb to use for immune protection is Astragalus. Astragalus is a wonderful tonifying herb to take after a bad cold or flu. This herb helps the body post-virally, also aiding in the protection against reoccurring illness. It is a must for anyone who is plagued by the dreaded common cold and flu.
The best herbs to use during a cold are Echinacea and Andrographis. Echinacea is widely known for its ability to enhance the production of immune surveillance cells. It is a lymphatic herb which means it supports the lymphatic system. This is a part of our Immune Defense system. Echinacea is also anti-viral, anti-bacterial, fever reducing, a decongestant and an anti-inflammatory. It even boosts the bodies own production of interferon; a natural virus fighting substance.
Although not as widely known as Echinacea, the herb Andrographis is an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and fever reducing herb. It is also an extremely successful immune stimulant.
As well as herbs, minerals are highly beneficial for the immune system. The most useful of the minerals to boost immunity are zinc and iron.
Zinc is well known for its ability to fight colds. It is required for correct DNA replication, cellular and wound healing as well as recovery. Zinc also aids the production of antibodies and T-cells. T-cells are a particular type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. Research proves that zinc can reduce the duration and severity of colds by the production of the aforementioned antibodies and T-cells.
Iron, particularly in women, children and the elderly, provides natural anti-inflammatory effects. People with low levels of iron have a lessened resistance to infections. Iron is also essential for strength and vitality. A lack of Iron in the blood can often result in poor immune defenses.
Christopher L Bowlus from the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California wrote in his publication ‘The Role of Iron in T cell Development and Autoimmunity’ that “Iron is a vital metal for the proliferation of all cells including those of the immune system. Iron deficiency causes several defects in both the humoral and cellular arms of immunity. One of the most profound chances is a reduction in peripheral T cells and atrophy of the thymus” (Received 1 October 2002; accepted 8 November 2002; available online 27th January 2003).
Vitamins: Vitamin C and Vitamin D.
The most useful vitamin is Vitamin C. When buying your Vitamin C it is recommended you choose a brand which combines both the Vitamin and Bioflavonoids. This will help speed up the absorption of the vitamin into your body. Vitamin C can also be consumed through dietary intake. Fruits, vegetables and super foods such as Spirulina all contain Vitamin C and should be consumed daily.
Vitamin D also benefits our immune systems. It is advisable to obtain a blood test from your GP to ascertain your vitamin D levels. Do not be surprised if you are low in Vitamin D, as many Australians are. Take a good supply of this vitamin to get you back on track. Further blood tests should be done to ensure the levels of this vitamin are rising to an optimum level.
Remember the importance of rest! One of the biggest mistakes we make is battling through a cold without the adequate rest and recovery time. The aches and pains of a cold or flu are usually the result of an over-driven lymphatic system. These pains are a signal of a need for rest. Lie still during the day as well as the night to give your immune defense mechanisms the best chance of effectively mounting a defense. Don’t be scared to put your feet up!
Healing Foods: Chicken Soup and Fresh Juices.
Chicken soup provides all the amino acids necessary for immune enhancement. Adding garlic and vegetables to this broth boosts the production of antibodies and natural ‘killer cells’ in the blood, helping you to a speedy recovery. The addition of turmeric to this soup greatly increases the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the broth.
Fresh juices made with ginger, lemon, parsley, pineapple, carrot and apple offer excellent fluid restoration whilst providing natural anti-inflammatory properties – all with Vitamin C!
For a successful immune system simply remember the importance of rest, keeping a good diet and knowing the power and healing capacities of your natural herbs, vitamins, minerals and plant foods!
All of the supplements and herbs mentioned in this article as well as additional information about boosting your immune system can be found at: www.AustralianVitamins.com :: The Home of Australian Natural Health
About the Author
By Naomi Harrison B.A. (Soc Sci) Ad. Dip. (HSc) Dip Nut. Dip HM.
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