Natural Methods to Boost Immunity

Colds and flu are just the tip of the iceberg for many of the illnesses that go around. You become exposed to different bacteria and viruses when you leave the house or if you have children that attend school. Basically, many forms of interaction can lead you to possible illness. If you want to keep living an active lifestyle, however, you likely don't want to avoid any of these situations just to stay healthy. So, building your immune system becomes a key focus. Here are some natural ways you can do just that.

Increased Superfoods

If you already have a healthy diet plan in place, consider adding superfoods to those diet plans. Make sure that you have at least a few meals a week, or even one a day, that have immune-boosting superfoods added to them. The easiest way to do this is to change up your morning or lunch routine to include or be limited to a juice or smoothie. This can be loaded with things like chia, goji berries, cacao and honey that can boost your immune system and your hydration or diet plan. Other superfoods include grass fed meat, organ meat such as liver, sardines packed with omega 3's, broccoli sprouts, and avocados, to name some more.

Oral Tolerance

Another important topic is that of increasing oral tolerance. Oral tolerance is the ability to tolerate the environment, including chemicals and microbes. The process of tolerance actually starts with commensal bacteria (good gut flora) and appropriate levels and activity of secretory IgA, the immunoglobulin that lines your gut and helps in surveillance of foreign invaders. The two big vitamins to support SigA, but also antigen presenting cells (APC's) are vitamin D and A, which work together to defend against microbial enemies. Bottom line, you want a good innate immune response from SigA and dendritic cells, the cells that detect microbes and alarm other aspects of your immune system for destruction of the microbial invader.

Immune Boosting Essential Oils

You may not think of essential oils when you think about your immune system. The truth is, our bodies to react to quality essential oils. The smell of these oils stimulates your mind and senses which stimulate reactions in your body that directly affect your immune system. Some of the essential oils that can help boost your immune system are lemon, lavender, peppermint, or a mix known as Thieves Oil to help fight off any colds or winter bugs. Surprisingly, these oils are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and some are anti-parasitic. You may either diffuse them, or take them internally at low doses, depending on the brand. They also tend be great for inducing a sense of relaxation where you can place a few drops on a pillow, wrists, or a cotton ball and smell the refreshing scent throughout the day.

Colon Cleansing

If your digestive system is not running at optimal levels, then you could end up with problems in your immune system. The more sluggish your digestive system, colon, and liver are then the more likely it is that your body is holding on to toxins. These toxins can lead to minor issues such as fatigue or major issues such as leaky gut and other gut-related problems. To avoid this, and to boost your immune system, consider natural colon cleansing routines at least once a month. These can be simple superfood-based juices that can help flush your system and deliver vitamins and nutrients in the process. Another method is just using coffee (room temperature) or normal saline. You can find kits online and follow directions, but you may want to seek a colon hydrotherapist for this practice.

Physical Care

Total body alignment is vital for your immune system. If you are in pain, experiencing body aches, and experiencing joint cramps then you could be overworking your immune system. It may be trying to counteract the issue and that can lead to further issues in your body. Going for treatment can help align your body, reduce inflammation, and reduce joint issues. There are many types of physical treatment that can help you such as reflexology, acupuncture, chiropractic and one of the many forms of massage. These types of bodywork can also release Oxytocin; the feel good "love" hormone and other endorphins, too.

By keeping these methods in mind and putting them into action you can build your immune system for many of the issues you may encounter. You can also combine these natural methods as well. Keep in mind, you should be eating a healthy whole foods, anti-inflammatory diet and maintaining a consistent hygiene routine to help these natural ways work.

Supplements

Lastly, supplements to consider for healthy immune function may be Vitamin D, A, and trace minerals such as Selenium and Zinc. Some herbs may help fight off microbes such as Astragalus, Echinacea, Licorice extract, and Lemon Balm as well. Bottom line, a well rounded, integrative approach may work well here during the winter months and flu season.