Health and Well Being, Natural Health, Seasonal

How To Boost Your Immunity Year Round - About Health | Blog

It's that time of year again!

Keep colds at bay and sail through winter in perfect health with these immunity boosting tips. They will also keep you in good health year round.

This time of year usually signals the beginning of the cold and flu season, each year new strains of viruses seem to be getting more severe and hanging around for longer. Some people opt for flu injections in an attempt to keep the nasties at bay, others try to strengthen their immune system and hope for the best. We live in a world where antibiotic-resistant super-bugs pose a threat to our health, so it’s vital to know how to optimise your body’s immunity.

The immune system is a remarkably sophisticated whole-body system that protects against invasion by external pathogens. However, the nature of modern living sees our immune defences being challenged in unexpected and continually evolving ways. At times, our ever-vigilant immune system can become overwhelmed or weakened and we need additional support. This may be due to a chronic health condition or a stressful lifestyle caused by work, family or personal issues, or an inadequate dietary intake of essential nutrients. Supplements can help keep your health in check in addition to regular exercise, a varied whole food diet, a positive mind-set and regular detoxification program. Strong immune function is about much more than simply preventing winter colds and flu. To enjoy optimal health, you need to make sure it’s in peak condition throughout the year. A compromised immune system provides an opportunity for other systems within the body to malfunction.

11 simple ways to improve your body’s immune defences...

PROTECT YOURSELF

People pass on viruses easily, especially in confined work environments. One of the best preventative measures is regularly washing your face and hands in hot, soapy water. Wipe any shared surfaces with anti-bacterial wipes or spray. Use anti-bacterial wipes or solution when you’re away from home. A natural anti-bacterial solution is Eucalyptus oil which has powerful antimicrobial properties, so it provides powerful protection.

BLOW YOUR NOSE OFTEN - EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO

This may sound a bit silly, but airborne viruses can lodge in the nasal passages (the most common area for them to enter the body), and blowing your nose gets them out of there. Eucalyptus oil can also help. Breathe in the aromatics of the oil by putting some on a tissue or using a eucalyptus inhaler, such as the Vicks brand. This tip is especially important when you’re flying on a plane or taking public transport and sitting next to a fellow passenger who is coughing and sneezing; the eucalyptus helps halt the virus in its tracks.

WARM UP

You may notice that whenever you get a virus your body temperature drops. You need to quickly elevate it again to activate the immune response. Run on the spot, put on a coat, or, have a hot drink. If you can it’s a good idea to have a hot bath or shower straightaway. (If you have cardiovascular disease or use blood-thinning medication, be sure to take proper care or consult your doctor.)

HYDRATE

Dehydration opens the way for viruses to attack, because your cells can’t absorb the nutrients and medications that enter the body. Try sipping water throughout the day to aid this absorption.

EAT GOOD FOOD

As the immune system starts in the gut, so eating well is critical. When you eat a poor-quality diet, microorganisms in the intestine that perform a number of useful functions, change and can compromise the immune system. Try regularly eating yoghurt with live cultures; as it boosts beneficial gut bacteria. Include plenty of herbs and spices – most have immunity-enhancing properties. Garlic, ginger, parsley, mint, coriander, black pepper, chillies, and turmeric are all excellent sources.

SIMPLIFY

In addition to eating well, you also want to eat simply. The Mediterranean diet is one of the best diets for building and maintaining a healthy immune system. Think brightly coloured fruits and vegetables as your basis. Then bring in some protein, such as deep-sea fish, including salmon, sardines, and mackerel. If you can eat the bones in canned sardines and salmon, even better: Their high calcium content is a powerful immunity booster.

AVOID SUGAR

There are numerous studies that suggest that sugar lowers the immune response. You should avoid sugar when you are fighting off a virus, including carbohydrates; except for fresh fruits and vegetables. Sugar consumption should be kept to a minimum in your daily diet in general to maintain optimum health.

GET VITAMIN C

There’s no question that vitamin C enhances immunity. For continuous protection, take a time-release product or take several supplements during the day. Include vitamin-C-rich foods in each of your three meals and two snacks every day. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Try a juice of carrot, apple, celery, half a lemon, half an orange, and some peel.

SLEEP

Our bodies and cells rejuvenate when we sleep, so if you don’t get adequate rest, you weaken your immune system. If you feel a cold coming on, if you can take the afternoon off work to sleep you can often nip it in the bud, and one afternoon off is better than a whole week feeling ill and taking more time off work!

SUPPLEMENT

About Health formulated Oli-Resist™ a unique Olive Leaf extract, immune support tonic. Stressors in our modern lives and nutrient depleted food sources are not able to provide us with the boost we need when our immunity is compromised. Our bodies have an in-built army of cells, specially designed to protect us from illness and supplements can keep our army fighting for us when a virus invades. The herbs in OLI-RESIST™ are:

OLIVE LEAF — Known to be one of the oldest cultivated trees in the world, the Olive tree has a rich history of traditional usage by herbalists and healers. We are all familiar with the healthy and tasty oil made from the fruit of the olive tree; however it is the leaves that supply the immune-supporting compound, oleuropein.

ECHINACEA —Echinacea has become a household name, due to the popularity of complementary medicines in offering support for many common health problems, without unwanted side effects. Echinacea has been the subject of countless clinical studies, which support its efficacy and safety for use in strengthening the immune system and supporting the body’s response to respiratory tract problems.

SCHISANDRA — This traditional Chinese Herb is acknowledged as an effective adaptogen, ormediator, to help support the body’s defences against disease. Schisandra helps the body to cope with the added stressors during times when we may be susceptible to illness, while providing a sense of calm and rejuvenation.

THINK YEAR ROUND

Many people build up their immunity in the month leading up to winter and stop when spring arrives. Instead, use these tips every day, because your immune system links to all cells in the body.

May 29, 2012 Categories: Health and Well Being, Natural Health, Seasonal By: Admin