Would you like to try a more varied diet? Eating a (more) plant-based diet is one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system — if you want to protect your body against viruses, it's important that we train the immune system to do its job properly. We explore 9 natural ways to boost your immune system:
1. Take this powerful formula daily - it is guaranteed not only to boost metabolism, but also to improve immunity.
Zinc: With the rise of plant-based diets, it's no surprise that people are now taking advantage of zinc as well. Plant foods such as legumes and grains provide your body with natural sources of this essential mineral. However, many opt for a supplement if they are not getting enough through the diet or if there are certain situations that require additional intake, such as pregnant women who need more than usual due to their growing baby during this time.
Vitamin D: is the vitamin of the sun! You can get a small amount through food or sunlight, but many adults don't spend enough time outside to reap these benefits. This deficiency can lead to a weak immune system, which can be detrimental to your health in the long run. Get at least 30 minutes in the sun and take a vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin C is a powerful vitamin for daily immunity and an antioxidant that helps protect our cells from free radicals. In addition, it is necessary to produce antibodies that help fight infections. A lack of adequate amounts of vitamin C is associated with a lowered immune system and reduced resistance to disease or other infections by weakening the body's natural defense system.
2. Take a broad spectrum probiotic
One of the best ways to boost your immunity is to start where most of our immune cells are located: in and around the digestive system. The gut has a special role, as it is the place where 80% (!) of all bacteria hidden in us reside and they also determine what comes into play as friend or foe for this part of the body. By boosting the good bacteria, you help yourself with a number of important health benefits.
When looking for the perfect probiotic, look to products with 30 billion or more colony-forming units (total). These are living organisms and it pays to spend a little more on high quality brands so they last longer. Fermented vegetables and dairy products, such as sauerkraut, naturally fermented pickles, kefir, kimchi, tempeh, and natto miso , for example, can also feed beneficial bacteria in the gut by providing prebiotics that stimulate development.
3. It's always a good idea to be careful when taking medications.
Whenever possible, try not to use them unless you need the effect now or have suffered an injury that necessitates their use for your survival or healing. The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem that takes time to heal. If antibiotics are prescribed, you may want to explore other options. It can take three months or more for these drugs to have a beneficial effect on our natural balance, so talk to your doctor about any alternatives.
Limit pain relievers such as ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to prevent resistant gut microbes.
4. Research mushrooms
Mushrooms have been used as a natural treatment for millennia, as they contain some of the most powerful immune-boosting, anti-viral, and anti-cancer chemicals known. Talk to your doctor before using them at home.
Reishi is a powerful anti-viral and anti-cancer mushroom that can be consumed in a variety of ways. It is best used as an extract or capsule, but it can also be made into a delicious tea.
Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious and easy to find ingredient in the supermarket. They contain substances called beta-glucans , which stimulate our immune system and strengthen our white blood cells.
Maitake Mushrooms: These delectable mushrooms are not only delicious, but they also boost our immune cells' ability to destroy germs.
Mushroom supplements are one of the most versatile and beneficial herbs on the planet. They can be used to improve your health, fight disease and prevent hunger. Mushrooms come in both capsule and tincture form, so you can take them at any time.
5. Harness the power of the sun
The importance of sunlight to our health cannot be overemphasized. According to scientists, there is an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and the incidence and intensity of infections and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis - all thanks to the good bacteria that live on your skin, including bacteria and yeast . The sun is a great source of natural vitamin D, and low levels have been linked to reduced immunity. When people don't get enough sunlight on their skin, studies show an increased rate of infections and autoimmune diseases.
6. Use natural antimicrobial ingredients to ward off infections
Garlic: Garlic is a powerful natural weapon against infections. Garlic's active ingredient, allicin, is effective in treating serious gastrointestinal disorders such as SIBO and parasites and keeps yeast at bay. Start by taking a clove of garlic daily or taking garlic supplements to get the best results.
Oregano oil: has been used for a long time and is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal. It can also be applied topically to treat antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin infections (MRSA), but can also be taken internally for yeast problems.
7. Sports
Regular exercise has been shown to improve both physical and mental health. The most obvious benefits are a reduction in heart disease risk factors, depression and weight gain (or obesity), but regular exercise can also improve your immune system by boosting antibodies via increased red blood cell production. you may feel less weak during the flu season.
8. Sleep
There is a significant link between sleep and the immune system. Sleep deprivation activates the immune system's inflammatory response, which can result in less efficient vaccines and reduced T-cell activity in people who don't get enough sleep (and therefore have a lower protective capacity). Try to take it easy late at night.
9. Stress under control
When we are anxious, our body releases cortisol, which prevents white blood cells from growing and sends messages back to organs. Plus, when you're stressed, your body releases less of this critical antibody called secretory IgA, which can be found both in your airways and in the digestion of food. - which means they are no better able to defend themselves against invading pathogens than before. Fortunately, there is a solution: meditation studies have shown that even short courses significantly increase the levels of these antibodies, in addition to improving general immunity.