How can you improve your immune system? On the whole, your immune system
does a remarkable job of defending you against disease-causing
microorganisms. But sometimes it fails: A germ invades successfully and makes
you sick. Is it possible to intervene in this process and boost your immune
system? What if you improve your diet? Take certain vitamins or herbal
preparations? Make other lifestyle changes in the hope of producing a near-
perfect immune response?
1 _ Get enough sleep and manage stress.
Sleep deprivation and stress overload increase the hormone cortisol, prolonged
elevation of which suppresses immune function.
2 _ Breathe deeply.
Learn how to breathe deeply and with basic breathing
exercises. Oxygen is your primary source of energy and a lack of it is a
contributing factor to major illnesses, including respiratory conditions, cancer,
heart disease, elimination, digestive problems and aching joints.
3_ Avoid tobacco smoke.
It undermines basic immune defenses and raises the risk of bronchitis and
pneumonia in everyone, and middle ear infections in kids.
4 _ Eat less sugar.
Simple sugars may create a sluggish immune system when it comes to fighting
bacteria. Eat snacks that are low in sugar or substitute healthy sweeteners that
contain vitamins and minerals such as plant-based stevia and organic brown rice
syrup or molasses.
5 _Eat plenty of vegetables.
fruits, nuts, and seeds, which 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.
6_ Have Fun!
Make time for friends and family. Most important of all, make time for your
social life. Studies say that people with a rich and satisfying social life are
healthier and less prone to disease.
7 _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).
8_ Try practicing yoga.
taking a walk, meditation and laughing more often. Laughter is dynamite for the
immune system and, no doubt, makes the world a better place.
9_ Go for the 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.
10_ Be sure to do your research and talk to your doctor or health care provider
before cleansing, detoxing or fasting.
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