Overall, our immune system does a remarkable job of defending us against disease-causing microorganisms. But occasionally, a germ invades successfully and makes us sick. Is it possible to boost our immune system so that we get sick less often, especially during the cold months? Can we boost our immune system by simply improving our diet? Or taking certain supplements? Or making other lifestyle changes?
The answer is YES. There are a few actions we can take to improve our overall health, thereby, boost our immune system.
Let’s start with the basic, the first thing you can do is have a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
- Don’t smoke
- Have a balanced diet, which means eat plenty fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Exercise regularly
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Get enough sleep
Secondly, enhance your inner health, in other words, stress less. Stress is the primary cause of immune dysfunction. Research has shown that loneliness is also linked to poor immunity: lonely people produce more immune inflammatory markers than people who are socially connected. Negative feelings such as being rejected or betrayed by someone close would quite often put your body under stress, making your immune system more vulnerable. Therefore, the most efficient way to strengthen your immune system is to connect with the ones you love, have a health social life, reach out for help when you are emotionally stressed, and forgive those who hurt you.
Let’s move on to your diet, a healthy, balanced diet is always beneficial. Like any fighting force, the immune system army marches on its stomach. Healthy immune system warriors need good source of energy. There are some evidence indicating that various micro-nutrients such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E can help boost our immune system. Therefore, make sure your diet consists of mostly wholefoods.
However, if you really are not a fan of vegetables, there are supplements you can take to strengthen your immune system.
Iron deficiency is quite common in women due to our monthly blood loss, it is also common in children and the elderly. It can cause thymus (involved in immune cell production up to the age of puberty) and lymph node deterioration (nodes contain immune cells that fight infection), and decreased white blood cell production/function. Therefore, pay a visit to your GP for a test of your iron levels. There are plenty iron supplement options on the market if you are iron deficient, your GP will have good recommendations for you.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are a combination of herbs that can boost our immune system and increase longevity. No.1 on the list is Echinacea, it contains polysaccharides that increase the body’s production of white blood cells, which fight infection. You can get it in tablet form from pharmacies and health food stores. Another popular herb is Astragalus, it is proven to combat stress and improve blood counts. Some common pantry items such as Ginger, Garlic, Peppermint and Licorice can also strengthen our immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
Vitamin C also enhances immune cell response and function. Adding a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to your breakfast menu certainly isn’t a bad idea.
Instead of taking this large sum of supplements, there is a much simpler option – Emu Oil. Emu Oil is a natural source of Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9 and Vitamins A, D, E, F & K2, simply take 2-3 capsules of Emu Oil Capsules everyday can assist in the maintenance of general well-being, strengthen our immune system. Emu Tracks Emu Oil Capsules are 100% therapeutic grade pure Emu Oil in a gelatin capsule with NO additives or preservatives.