With all this hoopla about H1N1, I figure it’s a fitting time to write about boosting the immune system, naturally! I am personally very much against the vaccination, and I’ve read and heard enough to make me seriously question why so many people are flocking in droves to get vaccinated. The immune system becomes compromised after receiving an injection of any vaccine, which is so counter-productive. This is a time when we really need to boost our immune system – a strong immune system is needed to fight against any virus. We all need to strengthen our defenses – by boosting the immune system.
There are several ways to do this. First off, we need to reduce the foods that weaken our immune system. The number one baddy is sugar, then alcohol, processed and junk foods, and chemicals (such as MSG, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors and artificial colors)
Here are the nutrients needed to boost the immune system:
- Probiotics – 80% of our immunity is on our gut. By restoring important bacteria to the intestinal tract, we can thereby boost the immune system.
- Sea Vegetables (aka Seaweed) – supplies a balance of minerals needed for immune system integrity.
- Vitamin A – is the anti-infection vitamin, it is very important in the body’s defense system. Foods high in Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy green vegetables, peaches
- Vitamin C – is the single most important vitamin for the immune system, and also has a direct effect on bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C supplementation must contain bioflavonoids. Food sources include: citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, red peppers, peas
- Vitamin E & Selenium – stimulate antibody production and strengthen cellular immunity. Sources: Nuts, seeds, whole grains and flours
- Zinc – boosts the immune system, and helps to protect the liver. (caution if supplementing – do not exceed 100 mg as this can actually depress immune function) Food sources: whole grains, nuts, seeds (especially pumpkin), peas, parsley
- Garlic – stimulates the immune system
- Ginger – classic immune boosting food, it encourages the body to produce a substance which fights off infections.
- Astragalus – boosts the immune system and is also a powerful antioxidant and protects the liver from toxins.
- Goldenseal – strengthens the immune system, cleanses the body, and has antibacterial properties. (Caution: Do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time)
Drinking lots of water and getting enough fibre is also crucial to maintaining a strong immune system. Water helps to flush out impurities and, with fibre, helps to clear colon toxins. The lymphatic system – which is our line of defense, has no pump and relies on muscle contraction and exercise for the lymph to circulate. According to Dr. Elson M. Haas, author of Staying Healthy With Nutrition, “that is the key reason why I believe that physical stagnation increases the chance of infections, and, conversely, that exercise improves resistance”.
So not only is good nutrition necessary for a strong immune system, so is staying active, getting enough rest, and avoiding as much stress as possible. Overwork, multiple stresses, and lack of rest, exercise, and sleep tend to deplete our energies, our strength, and our ability to defend ourselves.
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