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Your Immune System Is it Weak? Or Robust?
Your immune system is extremely complex and highly evolved and is able to cope with an enormous range of challenges. It is like having your own private army against invasion by bacteria, viruses, allergens and parasites. Our immune system is also being challenged every day by the introduction of new chemicals and toxins in our environment causing our immune system to change rapidly.
When the immune system (our army) is working well we carry on day by day and hardly even notice that our immune army are there. We feel healthy, have low levels of inflammation, and we are resistant to infections. However, when the immune army becomes disorganised, confused or overworked, then you may start to notice signs that all is not right. The fact that allergies, food intolerances and many immune disorders are increasing is hardly surprising.
Instigators of a weakened immune system:
There are many factors that may contribute to the weakening of your immune army system:
- Physiological, psychological and emotional stress
- Lack of regular exercise
- Lack of sleep, rest and relaxation
- Poor diet
- Nutritional deficiencies
Our immune system is highly dependent on some specific Nutrients:
Diet and Lifestyle Suggestions:
There are dietary and lifestyle changes that you can make to strengthen your immune system to prevent colds and ‘flus, including:
- Eat a well-balanced diet including fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, legumes, organic chicken and lean red meat. Eat fresh, wholesome, unprocessed foods.
- Reduce your intake of mucus forming foods such as dairy.
- Avoid foods low in nutrients that suppress the immune system, such as sugar, white flour products and alcohol.
- Drink at least 2 Liters of filtered water every day. Water is essential for all aspects of good health.
- Supplement your diet with recommended nutrients such as:
- Vitamin C, anyone with a highly processed diet is guaranteed to be vitamin C deficient. Your immune cells have the highest concentration of vitamin C of any cells in your body. Most animals make their own vitamin C in large amounts, but humans lack a specific enzyme, and so we are unable to make vitamin C. This is thought to be due to an evolutionary response to a diet that was very high in fresh fruits and vegetables. To keep your immune system in top shape, I recommend a vitamin C supplement containing a blend of mineral ascorbates proven to get into your immune cell fast.
- Zinc, unfortunately, I find, and research shows, that many people have zinc levels extremely low. This results in a very poor immune system with increased risk to infections and allergies. Low zinc is also associated with poor growth, skin disorders, low fertility, and also low mood. One of the first indications of low zinc function is a loss of taste and smell.
- Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating the immune system. Surprisingly high number of adults have inadequate vitamin D levels, so make sure you have your levels checked regularly.
- Herbs such as Andrographis panniculitis an Ayurvedic herb which has a long history of use for bacterial and viral infections. Clinical studies have shown it can reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. Its anti-inflammatory properties contribute to its symptom-relieving properties.and to boost your immune function.
- Exercise regularly. Regular exercise reduces inflammation and can support healthy immunity.
- De-stress! Enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation. Stress can actually reduce your resistance to infection.
- Ensure you are getting enough sleep. 8 to 9 hours sleep a night is required to restore your health.
- The Gut – Immune Connection- In order to have a healthy, thriving immune system, you need to ensure your digestive system is also healthy. With 70% of your immune system in the gut, the microflora or friendly bacteria play an important role. Probiotics are beneficial strains of friendly bacteria that can boost your immune system function.
Say Goodbye to Colds and ‘Flus
By making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle and by taking the appropriate supplements, you can reduce your risk of catching colds and ‘flus. Speak to us about the best way to manage or prevent your colds and ‘flus naturally.
The Journey to Wellness
A chronic condition was once acute. If your body is unable to successfully recover from an acute infection, it may develop into a chronic health concern that your immune system can’t get the better of, such as allergies, asthma, food intolerances, skin disorders – eczema, psoriasis and autoimmune conditions. Allowing your body to heal from a chronic infection can take time; the longer you have been sick, the longer you may need to get well again. Whilst you may feel relief in the short term, persisting with herbs and nutrients can provide long term relief from the nagging symptoms you have grown accustomed to. Remember how great it feels to be 100% healthy again!
What about the Kids?
Children often get colds and flus over winter and during the changes in seasons. To help them avoid colds and flus, we have a pleasant-tasting Ent herbal mix or powder specially formulated for children to improve their immune response. This natural formula contains zinc and vitamin C with phytosterols, which are a mixture of plant sterols that have immune balancing effects and stimulate the immune cells to fight the virus causing the common cold and flu. It also contains andrographis and cat’s claw, herbs that have anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity. Andrographis and cat’s claw can help stimulate immune cell activity and reduce the severity and duration of symptoms from viral infection.
Make your Immune System (Your Army Within) robust again!
This winter help your immune system by taking natural supplements and living a healthy lifestyle. Having a robust immune system and having the right nutrients and herbs on hand to catch viruses early is the main defense against all those infections that we can get at any time. Remember prevention is always better than cure, so come in today and talk to us about ways to help get you through the winter months fit and healthy.
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