Ways We Can Help Our Body's Defenses Naturally

Who doesn't want to boost there immune health to help there body fight of harmful pathogens or disease-causing organisms? You may believe it's difficult, but its actually an easy process. It just takes some dietary and lifestyle changes. Amid this pandemic we really need to take care of our body to give it the strength to do what it is really supposed to do, and that's take care of us. Here are a few tips that will start you off on that journey to a stronger immune system.

1. Manage your stress levels

Alleviating stress and anxieties are key components good immune health.. Extended stress can suppress immune responses in adults as well as children. Take some time for you, even 5 minutes of meditation a day can lower your heart rate and blood pressure and reduce anxiety. Remember a positive mindset is vital to good health.

2. Get enough sleep

Sleep and immunity work hand in hand. Inadequate or poor quality sleeping habits are linked to a higher susceptibility to illness. Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily to help you body strengthen it's natural immunity.

3. Exercise

Exercise is also vital for good health. As Dick Gregory states "walking is the best exercise". Ideally 30 minutes of brisk walking and mild strength training program on a daily basis will do wonders for your body and it's resiliency to fight off diseases. Regular and moderate level of exercise may reduce inflammation and help your immune cells regenerate on a more rapid basis.

4. Focus on food and natural supplements

Vitamin C is known to boost immunity, but most doctors would recommend that you get it from eating oranges instead of drinking the juice due to the high sugar content. An article in PedMed.gov website indicates in a 4 week study patients who ate 4 gold kiwi or 2 bananas daily had an increase in vitamin C and E and a high reduction in upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, this shows that the natural foods we eat can be our medicines. Vitamin C from citrus fruits are thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections.. Other foods rich in vitamin C are red bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, and spinach. Surprisingly shellfish isn’t what you'd think would be a food that would boost their immune system, but some types of shellfish are packed with zinc, which is a much needed dietary supplement. There is evidence that green and

chamomile tea as well as the organic teas can also help strengthen the immune system. Even if the effect is minimal you can't go wrong, since both are loaded with powerful antioxidants.

5. Eat more vegetables

Vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts are loaded with nutrients that are essential for our immune system. Consuming them on a daily basis boosts the immunity. For a healthy liver, cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli and cabbage should be included in daily diet. Healthy liver ensures the body’s natural detoxification process.

It's my belief that the smartest thing we can do is to start now to change your habits regarding health to improve it overall. Realistically we have a 5 month countdown to the upcoming flu season and by any means necessary we should do whatever we can to help our body prepare for the fight to stay healthy. Good luck on your journey to a strong and healthy immunity.