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Our body is our temple. Bacteria or parasites can easily invade our immune system. Leanne James has some advice on how to build a stronger immunity.
When our immune system is challenged, our whole body goes into fight mode. Whether the invader be a virus, bacteria or a parasite, most people's immune systems will respond efficiently, by producing antibodies capable of attacking and neutralising it. But for others, their immune system may be weakened and not strong enough to respond as it should, making them more susceptible to colds, viruses, flus and other more serious illnesses.
Many people are offered the flu vaccine each year. For some, this may be an option but for others, there are many ways you can build up your immune system so when an invader does enter your body, your own natural defence system will be ready and prepared to fight.
As 70 percent of our immune system is situated in the gut lining, it makes sense to complete a bowel detox, to help rid your intestinal tract of parasites or yeast overgrowths. There are many well-structured programmes available at health shops and this is an important first step to a stronger immunity. Once completed, ensure you take an acidophilus supplement to repopulate your bowel with good bacteria. A lot of people also take colostrum, said to help strengthen the immune system, while also helping maintain a healthy bowel. Complete a Spring Clean, once a year
Eating a varied diet is important for making our immune system stronger, as this keeps it exposed to a greater variety of antigens or invaders. Each time it’s challenged, an antibody is made, which fights this specific invader. You can imagine how many antibodies we end up with in a lifetime, all ready to respond again, should the same antigen enter our system. A balanced diet consisting of highly coloured fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, fatty fish and whole grains (preferably organic) will provide your body with an assortment of highly absorbable antioxidants, nutrients and essential fatty acids – all vital for a healthy immune system.
The main nutrients, which help keep our immune system strong are Zinc, Vitamin C with bioflavanoids and Beta-carotene. An assortment of all of nutrients is vital, however these ones are essential for immunity. Latest research from Harvard Medical School states, “It is essential that all adults take a multivitamin.”
Many herbs have been shown to help strengthen the immune system. Astragalus, Cats Claw and Garlic, as well as the deep immune mushrooms Reishi and Shiitake are all good choices. These help with debilitated immune function, post infection recovery and repetitive colds and flus. They could be taken individually or in a combination. A lot of people start these in autumn, to help prevent winter illness and take these throughout the colder months.
Keeping your house well aired out and free from dampness is essential for helping to support your immune system. A dehumidifier is one of the best pieces of equipment I have ever purchased – the difference to the air temperature is dramatic. Burning essential oils can help to keep the atmosphere fresh and choices such as Pine, Eucalyptus, Lemon and Tea tree are ideal to put in a burner and vaporise. Orange, Cedar wood or Grapefruit all create a soothing effect, while being uplifting and very refreshing. Put a couple of drops of your favourite oils onto a light bulb. When you turn the light on, the oil burns as the bulb heats up.
Regular exercise is essential, as this helps stimulate our lymphatic system. The lymphatic system has many functions in our body, such as making lymphocytes, which help the body fight infection. Walking is one of the best overall exercises for helping your whole body function at its best, however cardiovascular and resistance exercises are also vital. Rebounding or bouncing on a trampoline is excellent for the lymphatic system too. Remember that for each one-hour of exercise you do, you need to sip on at least 750 ml of water. This is on top of your usual two-litre minimum. Start your day with half a lemon squeezed in water - this will help your liver to function better and definitely helps to clear your head.
Adequate sleep is essential for keeping a healthy immune system, with the amount of sleep needed varying from person to person and from age to age. Deficiencies of the minerals magnesium and calcium will interfere with a person’s ability to unwind properly to be able to fall and stay asleep. Drinks containing caffeine are the main robbers of these nutrients and if consumed for up to one hour after having food or taking nutritional supplements, it will interfere with the absorption of nutrients such as iron, calcium and the B vitamins. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant and affects people differently. Keep its consumption to a minimum – no more than one or two a day and not past two o'clock. Try drinks such as Dandelion or Chicory coffee - both delicious alternatives to coffee, yet similar in taste. Rooibos or Red bush tea makes a pleasant change and is naturally tannin and caffeine free.
All cases of ill health must be fully investigated by your health care professional. Leanne James and her team at Ideal Health are always ready with well-researched information and the best products to help treat health complaints naturally.
Visit their web site at
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