Boost Your Immune System to Ward of Colds
Flu season is here and statistics show this will be a tougher season. With the hope of vaccinations for influenza and the H1N1 virus our risk can decrease. Whether you get the flu shot or not it’s important to find ways to boost your immune system to help fight off bad bacteria.
According to health and wellness experts there are several home remedies that can help.
Drink Lemon: Lemons can restore your systems acid-alkali (ph) which helps your immune system fight off bacteria. Sprinkle lemon juice in your salad, have a cup of tea with lemon, bake or cook with it. If you don’t have lemons apple cider vinegar is another good way to improve the body’s alkalinity. Lemon or cider vinegar supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria that thrive in acidic environments.
Get a full night sleep. Everybody is different in the amount of sleep needed. Typically the average person needs 6-10 hours of sleep. Sleep is linked to hormone levels (including stress hormones, growth and cortisol) and when we don’t get enough sleep we begin to feel changes in our body and our mood.
Eat plenty of protein. Protein is a building block for a healthy body, mind and immune system. A high carb diet which converts them readily to glucose, spikes the blood sugar levels stressing the pancreas and lowering the immune system. When you increase your protein intake you help your immune system.
Drink plenty of water. This we know is great for our overall health. Research recommends drinking water daily in ounces by half of your body weight in pounds (body weight divided by 2 = # of ounces). If our body is dehydrated our immune system is compromised.
Stop drinking coffee. Contrary to popular belief coffee robs your body of minerals and vitamins. If you drink coffee make sure to drink 2 cups of water for every cup of coffee. Add a mineral supplement too.
Stay away from refined sugar. You will see noticeable results in your energy, concentration, weight distribution and immunity, if you stop eating refined sugar. Supplement raw sugar in small amounts. Try to avoid toxic artificial sweeteners. They trick the body’s chemistry and have been linked to cancer, dementia, depression and more.
Stock up on raw fruits and veggies for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes. Many fruits containing antioxidants will protect cells of the immune system from toxins in the environment. The darker the color the richer the anti-oxidant such as berries, kale and broccoli. They are higher in flavonoids and polyphenols.
Nurture yourself. Stress has been known to bring on the common cold. If you’re harassed and anxious it can manifest into a sore throat. Take a yoga class. Go for a walk or watch a comedy. When you’re happy you’re far less likely to get sick.
-Bernadette McLoughlin
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