-Strengthening
your Immune System Naturally
Your immune system is comprised of T-Cells, B-Cells, Natural
Killer cells and other microscopic immune soldiers. Together, they make up your
army which protects you from microbes and infection.
You are the chief commander, and you have the power to provide
your immune army with the right food, nutrients, rest, positive imagery and
meditation. Supporting your immune system is easier than you may think. Here are
4 simple steps:
Boost your Immune System with
FOUR Natural and Effective Ways to Prevent the Flu
I'm tired of hearing about the Swine Flu. FORGET about all the media hype on the vaccine.
Here's what you need to do protect yourself...
Activate your
immune system and allow it to work for you. These strategies are EFFECTIVE and easier than you may think.
1.) Increase Protein 
Protein
is the main macro-nutrient needed for the immune system to function optimally, so if you don't get enough protein (which most of us do not), your immune
function can suffer. Be sure to get 4-6oz of clean lean protein per meal.
It's always best to choose organic grass-fed beef or wild-game, or free-roaming chicken and eggs. And if you want amazing seafood, try my favorite clean and pure Alaskan fish from Vital Choice.
 But if you're in hurry, some great sources of healthy protein are organic whey protein powder and gluten-free protein bars. Keep them on hand for a convenient meal or snack.
2.) Eat Colorful Foods
Each color of the food rainbow contains a distinct class of nutrients
and antioxidants. Make sure that throughout the day you're getting some
reds, oranges, greens, purples, yellows and whites. This will ensure maximum antioxidant
support for all the organs in your body. If you're having trouble
getting all those colorful foods each day, do what our nutritionist do,
and drink your greens and reds powders.
3. ) Take Immune Boosting Supplements
In addition to taking your multi-vitamin & mineral formula and omega-3s, you can arm yourself and your kids with one tablet weekly of Muco-Coccinum. That's right, just one per week.
This homeopathic remedy is impressive and inexpensive! Research shows it will significantly protect you against many flu strains. Check out the amazing testimonials from our clients who have used this product for years and found it protected them and their family quite well.
Another favorite immune supplement we all use is called AHCC-ImmunoKinoko. It's an incredible medicinal mushroom product from Japan which is regularly used in over 700 of their hospitals and clinics. The scientific research on this product is outstanding! Take 1-2 per day for powerful protection against a host of pathogens. Read the full article and videos on Immunokinoko-AHCC here.
4.) Get Good Sleep
No
matter how wonderful your diet and supplement program are, your body
will always function better with adequate rest. Thus, if you're
having trouble relaxing or falling asleep, consider a natural sleep support called Sleep Aide.
You can also practice
meditation to maximize your restful sleep, and try sleeping with a
lavender pillow or rubbing calming oils into your skin before bed.
Additional Information on Immune Boosters
Vitamin D Supplements (or sunshine)
Vitamin D
is key in supporting normal immune system cell functionality, and most of us are quite deficient since we work indoors and wear sunblock outside. Just a little sunshine or 1 capsule every other day goes a long ways to improve your health and prevent sickness.
"Your
good health depends on vitamin D. That's because your immune system
cells contain receptors for vitamin D; and if vitamin D isn't present
in adequate amounts, those cells cannot function properly and your
immune system could be weakened. New research is proving it" -Dr.
Whitaker.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a Chinese herbal remedy that comes from the root of a plant in the pea family. Containing both polysaccharides and flavonoids, it is used traditionally to ward off colds and flu and has been well studied for its antiviral and immunity-enhancing properties.
“The vitamins and minerals in my antioxidant and multivitamin formula work together to block the chemical reactions that generate free radicals (compounds that harm the immune system and can damage DNA) and also help neutralize them. Put simply, antioxidants help safeguard your immune system, retard the aging process, and protect your health.”
- Andrew Weil, M.D.
Echinacea (Purpurea and Angustifolia) with herb Goldenseal have been used for immune system support for centuries.
B-Complex (found in multivitamins) and non-acidic Vitamin C, since they are depleted by stress & are needed to support optimum immune system function.
Zinc is one of the very most important minerals for immunity. Here is an article.
Drink tons of water to flush out toxins and unburden the immune system.
Raw Food and enzyme supplements to shore up immune response.
Glutathione Precursors: Glutathione is considered to be the most powerful, most versatile, and most important of the body's self-generated antioxidants, but it must be in the reduced form to work properly.
Glutathione is a smal protein composed of three amino acids - cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine - that is involved in detoxification and antioxidant mechanisms. Glutathione is critical for healthy immune system function.
Glutathione levels help protect the body from oxidative stress. Thus, glutathione levels are correlated with aging and physical function.
One way to drastically increase glutathione levels, aside from consuming glutathione precursors, is through the ingestion of ascorbic acid - vitamin C - and ALA (Alpha Lipolic Acid).
Raw green foods and juices
Greens Foods Powder like PaleoGreens help your system stay alkaline. Acidity weakens the immune system.
Avoid Sugar
Studies show the immune system is paralyzed for a specified period of time after sugar consumption. This includes the sugar in orange juice! Instead, use fresh lemon or lime squeezed in water.
For more personalized immune support strategies,
contact our nutrition team!
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