Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Seven Ways to Boost Your Immune System
1. Eat Whole Foods Diet is the most important factor in the function of your immune system. Eliminate packaged, refined foods and eat vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains, and pastured, free range, organic meats
2. Take a multi-vitamin Eating a perfect diet with all the necessary vitamins and minerals is not always possible. Taking a multi-vitamin will help your body get all the nutrients it needs to stay strong and fight off infection
3. Get plenty of Vitamin D. Many people get sick in the winter time. The common belief is that it is because its cold outside but experts says it may be the lack of sunshine. The best source of vitamin D is from the sun and people are mostly indoors during the winter months so we get less sun rays. Make sure to counteract this by taking a vitamin D supplement
4. Take Elderberry Syrup daily. Elderberry syrup has been proven to reduce the symptoms of the flu by 3 -4 days and it also helps the body fight off incoming infection. The high level of antioxidants is very beneficial to the immune function of your body
5. Eat fermented foods and take probiotics. Fermented foods are a great source of probiotics which are the friendly bacteria in the intestinal track. A healthy digestive track is integral in a strong immune system. Incorporate yogurt (preferable dairy free coconut yogurt), sour pickles, sauerkraut, kombucha tea, or other fermented foods into your diet because food is the best source. You can also take a probiotic supplement if you do not have access to these foods
6. Eat soups and broths (preferably homemade) In the colder weather it is helpful to eat warm broths to keep the body balanced. If made properly, chicken broth contains a lot of minerals that are full of health benefits. To get all of the benefits, be sure to boil the chicken bones for a minimum of 6 hours on low heat. Also add a tablespoon of vinegar into the water to help draw out the minerals from within the bones. Adding seaweed to the broth will add even more minerals
7. Get plenty of rest The body needs rest in order to work best in fighting illness. When you are tired and run down you will be more likely to get sick
New York, NY
