Prevention is still better than cure. Always. I'm always looking for natural ways to improve my immune system because I'm afraid of the prospect of spending a long time in the hospital.
Many diseases and viruses are on the rise such as chikungunya and zika, and now #datrona has no specific healing and prevention is our best choice. These viruses attack our immune system and we have a better chance of survival or let it pass quickly and with lighter symptoms if our immune system is strong and healthy.
Here are seven ways to improve your immune system and keep it at optimal levels to fight disease.
Natural Ways to Improve Your Immune System
Leafy Green
The liver is filled with the main role of detoxifying our body, eliminating harmful substances that we consume from our food, such as pesticides, free radicals and chemicals used in processed foods.
Cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli, lettuce and cabbage support your liver and immune function by increasing the liver's ability to get rid of toxins, creating a healthy environment for the immune cells that live there.
This is one of the main reasons why I love my green smoothies so much. Ever since I started to drink green smoothies regularly, I have been able to ward off any serious bout of the cough or cold for long periods of time. IF you prefer, try one of these superfood green powders mixed in some water or orange juice for an instant boost and detoxification.
Zinc
Zinc supports your immune system directly but is also great for your skin, hair and nails! This is a win-win essential mineral that should form part of your vitamin supplementation to stay fit and healthy and looking amazing.
Soursop
As a natural immune booster, graviola or soursop as it is known in Jamaica has been traditionally used to kill parasites, improve liver problems, reduce fever, and help treat colds and flu.
Scientists have been studying graviola since the 1940s and most research has centered around annonaceous acetogenins, a group of natural compounds that appear to have some anti-tumor properties - meaning they can help fight various types of cancer cells and thus help improve immune function body.
Avocado
Adding half of a small avocado to your daily diet will help support your immune system and adrenal glands. Avocados contain essential amino acids, antioxidants and some healthy fats to help balance hormone production.
Ginger
According to Ayurvedic traditions, ginger warms the body and helps to break down the accumulation of toxins in the organs, particularly in the lungs and sinuses. Ayurveda also believes that ginger helps to cleanse the lymphatic system, which is our body’s sewage system. By helping keep your airways and lymphatics open, ginger may help prevent the accumulation of the toxins that may increase your risk of infection. My family sips on ginger tea almost every night to keep our system clean
Oatmeal
A little oatmeal goes a long way for your health. This superfood contains soluble fibre which reduces LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.smoothie with blueberries! Perfect for immune boosting.
Garlic
Garlic is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and immune booster.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, which are rich in magnesium, may help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk for heart attacks or stroke. Blend them in your smoothies or toast them lightly and snack on them for a healthy snack.
Sage
Sage extract acts as an expectorant, which helps your body remove mucus from the respiratory tract and helps soothe cough. As a good alternative to free-selling exports, try a drop of smart extracts in tea or hot water.
Sleep and Exercise
Forget #TeamNoSleep! Getting the proper amount of sleep as well as moving your body every day also helps to boost your immune system keeping it healthy and strong.
Adults need an average of 7-9 hours of sleep each night and an average of 1-hour brisk daily activity. A healthy body is one that is able to resist or fight viruses effectively. As they say, let your food be your medicine.
Shout out to Vitamin D, our bonus immune booster that also plays a very important part in keeping you healthy. Get outside for your physical activity if you can or at the very least, take a Vitamin D supplement daily.