With kids back at school getting more exposure to germs and Fall fast approaching with cold and flu season, is your immune system ready to take it all on? If not, then it’s time to get it in shape and help it out with some natural solutions for immune support.
Your Immune System
Your immune system is what fights off foreign invaders and antigens such as viruses, yeast, toxins, cancers, fungi, and bad bacteria that make you sick and cause infections. This system of cells, tissues, and organs includes the lymph nodes, adenoids, appendix, blood vessels, thymus, bone marrow, tonsils, the gastrointestinal tract and spleen. Your immune system produces proteins called antibodies that team up with white blood cells to fight off antigens. The older we get though the less efficiently this system operates because we don’t produce as many white blood cells and lymphoid tissues shrink. Your immune system can also be negatively affected by what you eat. If you consume too much sugar for example or saturated fat, your immune system may not be able to function at its peak. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition cites a study reporting that eating 100 grams of sugar will suppress the ability of the white blood cells to kill bacteria for as much as 5 hours after you eat it. Similar studies show similar results in regards to eating a lot of foods with saturated fats. Stress is another condition that can adversely affect your immune system so if you find yourself getting sick a lot this Fall and Winter, find ways to deal with your stress level. That might include meditation, yoga, taking a relaxing soak in herbal bath salts, finding a hobby or sport to engage in or whatever helps you get some relaxation time. Take a look at the type of water you are drinking too as this can make a difference in immune system function. If you drink water with chlorine then you could be killing off the friendly probiotics in your intestines which are essential to how well your immune system is working. Arsenic is also commonly found in water sources and the EPA reports around 25 million Americans have a level of arsenic in their drinking water from wells that is unsafe. If you find either of these in your drinking water, you may need to start using a filtering system or bottled water. You can also support your friendly bacteria by adding to the colony with supplements of acidophilus, bifidus, and this full-spectrum probiotic.
Natural Solutions for Immune Support
If you find yourself catching every “bug” that comes along, your immune system may really need a boost. First make sure you are getting enough sleep, controlling your stress level, are getting enough exercise and that you are eating a healthy diet. This includes lots of veggies to make sure you are getting the antioxidant protection to help you fight off free radical damage and that will boost your immune system. Foods with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, iron, amino acids and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats will all help keep your immune system functioning at its best. Green tea is also full of antioxidants so consider switching to a cup instead of your morning coffee. You can also get all this nutrition and more in AFA bluegreen algae which according to Jeffrey J. Bruno, Ph.D. has been reported in studies to show a boost in immune response for children eating algae that are deficient in zinc and that they are less likely to miss school from being sick.
Beta Glucan for Immune Support
The complex carbohydrate, beta glucan, has also been found in research studies to boost immune system function and can be found in cereals like oats, barley, and rye. WGP beta glucan in particular has been found to activate macrophages which are a type of white blood cell. You can get this beta glucan along with reishi, cordyceps, maitake, shiitake, Turkey Tail, and Agaricus blazei mushrooms that have also been reported to boost the immune system in this immune support algae supplement. It also gives you the extra nutritional punch from AFA bluegreen algae and an extra immune system boost from astragalus.
Don’t wait for germs and “bugs” to ruin your Fall. If you suspect your immune system is not up to par, go ahead and start using some of these natural solutions now to get it into shape. You’ll stay healthier, miss less work or school and be able to get out and enjoy the beauties the Fall season has to offer.
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Sources:
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/7-surprising-signs-your-immunity-needs-boost
Edible Microalgae, Jeffrey J. Bruno, Ph.D.