Easy Ways To Improve Your Immune System
Eat Mushrooms
Mushrooms have been used for their immune-boosting effects for centuries. Research recently revealed mushrooms are a superfood – they’re packed with antioxidants, notably selenium, which helps to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues.
Zinc Supplement
Zinc, which is actually a type of metal, is an essential trace element. It’s important to your body in many ways, including immunity, cell growth and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste and smell, eye and skin health, insulin regulation, and male sexual function. Many are deficient in zinc, deficiency is associated with increased colds and flu, chronic fatigue, depression and acne. Pop a zinc supplement every day to keep your immune system in check.
Drink Green Tea, Chamomile Tea & Other Teas
There is evidence that green tea and chamomile tea can help strengthen the immune system. Even if the effect is minimal, you can’t go wrong, since both are loaded with powerful antioxidants unique to each tea. If you want to strengthen your immune system to ward off infections, chamomile tea is the answer. There is a certain amount of phenolic compound in chamomile tea that is specifically linked to fighting bacterial infections in the body. Studies have shown that 5-6 glasses of this tea over a course of two weeks can significantly improve the body’s ability to fight infections.
Avoid Sugar
If you are feeling run down, the most important thing you can do is avoid sugar, as this is damaging to the immune system and suppresses our ability to fight infection. Sugar also makes the body acidic, and an overly acid body provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and disease.
Ginger
It’s believed that ginger helps to break down the accumulation of toxins in our organs due to its warming effects. It’s also known to cleanse the lymphatic system, our network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. Ginger root and ginger essential oil can treat a wide range of diseases with its immunonutrition and anti-inflammatory responses.
Coconut Oil
With an increasing amount of studies suggesting coconut oil may have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits, it could be worth swapping your usual oil for coconut oil this winter. Packed with lauric and caprylic acid, coconut oil can help to fight off bacterial infections.
Probiotics
Countless studies have suggested probiotics can have a significant impact on our immunity. Bolster your defenses come winter by taking a good-quality probiotic supplement daily. Up to 70% of your immune system lies in your gut, so nourish it for optimal health.
Garlic
Make an effort to add more garlic to your diet, especially in its raw state. Garlic has incredible anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects, which can kill bacteria and viruses. Something as simple as adding raw garlic to soups. Pesto and dressings can really reduce the intensity and duration of a cold or the flu. If you can’t bear it raw. Wait at least ten minutes after peeling before you cook it. This will allow the clove to retain more of its health benefits.
