Most people know that the immune system is vital for staying healthy and fighting off bacteria, viruses and other harmful intruders. Many people don’t know, however, that there is an assortment of things which can contribute to the downfall of the immune system, including environmental toxins, stress and even dietary considerations.
Upon the weakening of the immune system, the body can experience repeat infections, lack of energy and a variety of illnesses. Unfortunately, until the immune system is boosted, these ailments can continue on indefinitely – even causing more severe issues. Some people don’t realize that their health problems are directly related to the weakness of their immune systems, but even if you’re unsure, you can improve the performance of your body’s ability to keep you safe from germs.
There are ways to boost your immune system without expensive trips to the doctor and unaffordable medications or treatments. Something as simple as Echinacea, for example, can give you effective results when it comes to helping your immune system perform well. Echinacea is thought to help prevent colds and flu, stave off upper respiratory infections, and generally boost the immune system. It can be taken as a tea or as a pill or capsule.
Stress is a factor that can seriously affect the immune system so take steps to eliminate as much stress as possible. Having a relaxing hobby, visiting friends, reading, making time for a hot bubble bath – whatever relieves your stress and relaxes you. Although it’s sometimes easier said than done you can learn to relax and let go of at least a little of your stress.
Vitamins have long been recognized as stimulates for the immune system. If your diet is somewhat lacking in vitamins and minerals, be sure and take daily vitamin supplements including A, C and E. Or, take steps to add more carrots, oranges and other fruits and veggies to your current diet. A single orange and a single carrot can give you your daily recommended vitamin A and C requirements.
Walk, or do moderate exercise, for an hour every day. The exercise will stimulate your breathing and enhance your metabolism. Taking deep breaths of fresh air is also healthy and will help build the immune system. There are many exercise choices that are also relaxing, such as yoga.
The thymus gland, located behind the breast bone, produces cells which help fight infection. The bad part is, as we grow older, the gland shrinks and performs more poorly as the years pass. To stimulate the thymus gland, many experts suggest tapping the breast bone with fingers for a few minutes each morning. The stimulation of the thymus gland will, in turn, stimulate the immune system.
Keep the humidity inside your house between 30 and 50 percent. This will prevent the drying out of mucous membranes in the nose. The fine hairs in the nose, called the cilia, help catch and prevent harmful bacteria from entering the body through the nose. When the cilia are allowed to dry out the body can’t prevent germs from entering this way.
Juice machines make it easy to add extra immune-fighting fruits and vegetables to your diet. Make a morning cocktail containing carrots, orange juice, apples and other healthy foods, then drink the cocktail each morning. The fruit and veggie cocktail will cram extra vitamins and minerals into your diet with just a simple drink.
Take steps to improve the workings of your immune system by following a few of these pointers. Additional immune-boosting herbs include wild indigo, Siberian ginseng, thuja and chamomile. Most of these herbs can be found in a supplement form that’s easy to add to your daily rituals.
Reference:
- Echinacea facts: www.qni.com/~gic/herb/echin.htm
