There are a number of ways you can boost your immune system naturally to help protect yourself from colds and flu. Jessica Laye, Holistic Nutritionist at Yes Wellness, always tells clients that ‘everyone gets sick once in a while, but if you find yourself catching multiple colds or flu each year, you may need to focus a bit more on your immune system.’
One of the most important things you can do for your health, is to nourish your gut properly. 70% – 80% of your immune system lives in your gut, and there is actually a lot more to your digestion than you might think. Did you know that it’s now estimated our bodies are equal parts microbes (bacteria) to cells? If you have enough of the good bacteria in your gut, your body is better equipped to fight cold and flu viruses.
This article will cover the benefits of using Bee Propolis and ImmunoSmart, to fight everything from colds to cancer. You’re probably familiar with honey and might even be a fan of bee pollen or royal jelly already, but do you know the other bee-derived ingredient that’s known to have incredible health properties? I’m talking about bee propolis, also called “bee glue.” What is propolis? It’s a natural mixture produced by honey bees from a few things, including substances they collect from plants and trees. Propolis has a special compound called pinocembrin, a flavonoid that acts as an antifungal. These anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make propolis helpful in wound healing. One study found that propolis can help people who have had traumatic burns heal faster by speeding up new healthy cell growth. Bee Propolis has been said to kill bacteria, boost athletic performance, protect teeth, kill off colon cancer cells and boost prostate cancer cell death. It has also been known to inhibit histamine release, so is outstanding for those who suffer with allergies. An easy way to introduce Bee Propolis into your diet, would be to use Organika Bee Propolis Throat Spray or Organika Bee Propolis Capsules.
Another outstanding addition to your immune support arsenal, is that of Lorna Vanderhaeghe ImmunoSmart. Which helps to support immune function and is loaded with these active ingredients:
Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucans
Beta 1,3/1,6 glucans are a natural gluco polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of a highly purified, proprietary strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Beta glucans support a healthy and strong immune system.* Several conditions like allergies are associated with an already overactive immune system and immune boosters can make symptoms much worse. Beta 1,3/1,6 glucans are not immune boosters but balance and normalize the immune response making for a strong immune system.*
Vitamin C
Vitamin C also referred to as ascorbate and ascorbic acid is the most important immune vitamin.* Vitamin C is antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer.* Vitamin C may increase antibodies.* Antibodies are produced to teach your immune system to recognize a virus and kill it quickly if you are exposed in the future. Vitamin C may also enhance glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that aids the immune system.* Vitamin C also may enhance natural killer cells the cells that destroy malignant cells. Buffered vitamin C – magnesium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate which are far more absorbable forms and much easier on the stomach than straight ascorbic acid or ascorbate.*
Zinc
The thymus gland is like the commanding officer of a very large army. Without a healthy thymus, the immune system can’t do its job. Over 300 enzyme systems in the body require zinc. As little as 10mg of elemental zinc per day given to the elderly was found to improve the action of T-cells, immune cells that attack invaders.*
IMMUNOsmart can be taken daily to support optimally immunity.
Other ways to Boost Your Immune System Naturally include:
- Don’t smoke.
- Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
- Try to minimize stress.
12 Immune system boosters, to bring to the table?
- Citrus fruits
Helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells. These are key to fighting infections.
- Red bell peppers
Besides boosting your immune system, Red bell peppers may help maintain healthy skin. Beta carotene helps keep your eyes and skin healthy.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your table. The key to keeping its power intact is to cook it as little as possible — or better yet, not at all.
- Garlic
Early civilizations recognized its value in fighting infections. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, garlic may also help lower blood pressure and slow down hardening of the arteries. Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin.
- Ginger
Ginger may help decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses.
- Spinach
It’s also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems. Similar to broccoli, spinach is healthiest when it’s cooked as little as possible.
- Yogurt
Look for yogurts that have “live and active cultures” printed on the label, like Greek yogurt. These cultures may stimulate your immune system to help fight diseases.
- Almonds
When it comes to preventing and fighting off colds, vitamin E tends to take a backseat to vitamin C. However, vitamin E is key to a healthy immune system. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it requires the presence of fat to be absorbed properly.
- Turmeric
This bright yellow, bitter spice has also been used for years as an anti-inflammatory in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, research shows that high concentrations of curcumin, which gives turmeric its distinctive color, can help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage.
- Green tea
Where green tea really excels is in its levels of epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, another powerful antioxidant. EGCG has been shown to enhance immune function.
- Papaya
Papaya is another fruit loaded with vitamin C. You can find 224 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single papaya. Papayas also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Kiwi
Like papayas, kiwis are naturally full of a ton of essential nutrients, including folate, potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin C.
For both men and women, taking stock of the health of your immune system on a regular basis is not only going to keep you from getting sick, but it will help you age more gracefully, look better, and prevent the development of diseases such and cancer down the line.
Resource:
*https://www.hormonehelp.com/collections/immune-health/products/immunosmart
