Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

With the panic going on across the globe, I thought it might be a good time to share the list of things that our family does to help boost our immune system when sickness is spreading. This is in no way a professional medical opinion, but what has worked for our family, and many others that I know.

There’s some pretty basic things you can do, which most of you probably already know, but I am going to post anyway just in case. There are also some other things we’ve tried that has helped as well. If you have anything to add, let me know and I’ll update the post!

Boosting your immune system isn’t quite as easy as you’d think; it’s not a one step process. It’s several things , a full system really, that needs to function well, which requires balance and harmony.

Some of the basics are lifestyle changes, such as:
Don’t smoke
Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and veggies
Exercise (even walking briskly works!)
Maintain a healthy weight
Drink plenty of water
Drink alcohol in moderation
Get enough sleep
Wash your hands – and your food !
Try to stay calm, and not stressed
Take your vitamins – take extra vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E
Try Probiotics
Try herbs & supplements

Step Outside
Natural light is one of the major contributors to the production of Vitamin D in our bodies. It’s essential for healthy functioning of the immune system, as it helps the body produce antibodies.  Low levels of Vitamin D is one of the major reasons for respiratory problems. So go outside walk around your block, and take in some sun.

Try Mushrooms
Mushrooms are natures way of breaking down organic matters to convert it into fertile soil. one of the healthiest foods on the planet is mushrooms, which are rich in essential nutrients and minerals. Some great types of mushrooms that are good for your immune system is turkey tail mushroom, maitake, shiitake, and tremella. If you don’t like the taste, saute them in a little olive oil with salt, pepper, and garlic. Put in spaghetti sauce (you can hardly taste them!)

Eat Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, such as omega-3 (available in oily fish, flaxeed, and krill oil) it helps increase your bodies production of compounds involved in regulating immunity.

Try Colostrum
Colostrum is referred to the ‘first milk’ from nursing mammals. The advantage of being breast fed is the intake of the protective antibodies that help you fight through the first few years of your life: these antibodies are the reason that some breastfed children are healthier, or catch less colds,or allergies (this is proven in our family, but may not be yours. Breastfeeding is a personal choice, and I am not shaming anyone who doesn’t – or who does. I did both, based on what was best for our family/my children at the time). Anyway, we can harness the antibodies even when we are adults, by trying colostrum. In powder form obtained from cows, goats and other mammals, these antibodies can be mixed with water, juice and shakes to help give you a boost.

Add Garlic and Ginger to Your Meals
Garlic is shown to possess virus-fighting and bacteria killing properties , and ginger is an anti-inflammatory.

Drink Grape Juice
Now this might not hold off other types of infections, but it has worked like magic for my family against the flu. Some say if a family member is sick and you aren’t experiencing any symptoms yet, that you can drink a glass or 2 of grape juice each evening to ward off the illness. It’s said that the grape juice can change the pH in the stomach, making the virus unable to inhabit your body. I”m not sure if this has been proven by science yet or not, but this has worked with our family several times throughout the years.

Try Essential Oils
I know oils isn’t for everyone, but they do pack a powerful punch for some.
Eucalyptus (In one study that appeared in the journal Clinical Microbiology & Infection, eucalyptus essential oil had wide-ranging antibacterial effects on a variety of infectious bacteria in the upper respiratory tract, including strains that cause strep).
Frankincense  (is best known for its highly effective inflammation-fighting capabilities. Four boswellic acids in the resin are responsible for the essential oil’s anti-inflammatory properties and work along multiple inflammatory pathways. Scientific experiments have found a direct link between the oil’s ability to lower inflammation and an enhanced immune system. Used topically, research notes that frankincense essential oil reduces inflammation, kickstarts the immune response, and fosters tissue remodeling for faster healing).
Oregano (is a powerful antibacterial, thanks to high levels of the active compounds: carvacrol and thymol. Studies suggest that these two compounds kill bacterial cells by making the cell membranes more permeable).
Thyme (is essential oil is rich in thymol—a terpene that is an especially active anti-spasmodic that can help reduce coughs.  One study showed that when used in conjunction with primrose, thyme was effective in lessening the cough associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Another study found that a combination of thyme and ivy reduced coughing fits by 68.7 percent in people with acute bronchitis, compared to just 47.6 percent among those taking a placebo. Beyond symptomatic relief, thyme essential oil produces a high level of antimicrobial and non-specific immune activity.  In one experimental study evaluating 120 strains of bacteria common in humans, thyme essential oil was effective against a range of infectious bacteria, including staphylococcus strains and treatment-resistant strains like MRSA).

Try Green Tea
Green Teas are rich in anti-oxidants called Polyphenols. Polyphenols are efficient infection fighters. They protect the body against potential viruses, infections and sickness. Chamomile green tea is known to boost the immune system of the body by de-stressing the body and mind.