Why do we need to boost our immune system? Why do some of us suffer worse with a cold or flu, but some of us barely know we have it? Our immune system. Prevention is always best, but if I pick up the latest virus going around, then I want to make sure that my immune system is ready and working well to get through it faster and with less symptoms.
Stuck at home
I don’t know about you guys, but since I have been staying home, I haven’t had a cold or flu! I have had to be extra careful because I take care of my parents who are in their 70’s and I do not want them getting sick. If they do get sick, then I want them to recover quickly as possible to lower the strain on the body. They also haven’t picked up any colds or flus since being home for months. The lack of social interaction can be stressful on many, and stress is linked to the immune system as outlined in Stress and the immune system.
Tips to boost your immune system:
Food: eat fresh vegetables daily, aim for at least 5 cups of vegetables. I find I need to have vegetables for breakfast if I want to get in enough (goodbye cereal and milk for breakfast if you want to get those vegetables in). Adding fresh lemons into water for extra vitamin C can be helpful.
Avoid: processed, fried, packaged foods.
Vitamins: if you want to add supplements in, then look at vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D. Vitamin D is often low in Australia
Probiotics: Specific strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®), Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL 9 and Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2 have been shown to help with the immune system.
Herbs: Immune boosting herbs like Andrographis, Astragalus, Echinacea, and Reiishi.
Cautions:
If you have a health condition which compromises your immune system, are on medication, or both, then you may need a one on one consultation to address underlying factors in order to improve your overall and immune health.
If you know you are feeling more stressed and need to address this to ensure your immune system is good, then I do have a 3 week Stress Less Program available just for this reason.