How to Boost your Immune System
Don’t let Christmas change good habits 🙂
A healthy diet is the first thing you need to change. Fresh and natural foods are essential for a strong immune system and good health. Certain foods are super foods for the immune system such as garlic, broccoli, mushrooms, probiotics such as kefir, and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut.
Garlic contains the compound allicin that is a super booster. Mushrooms contain the active compound Beta glucan that supports the immune system cells. Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and many other antioxidants, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate. Mushrooms also contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals the help boost the immune system. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in certain foods like kefir, yogurt and fermented vegetables. These help to suppress harmful bacteria that reside in the gut. Read more here to see the top 15 immune system super foods.
Herbs, such as echinacea, ginseng and aloe vera have been scientifically proven to help stimulate the immune system.
Stress Management
As I have mentioned before stress increases the secretion or cortisol which in turn depresses immune function. It is vital to stay aware of our internal state to evaluate our stress levels. If you feel you just can’t cope then help is on hand with our therapist and psychiatrist Carl Regan.
Engaging in activities that help to reduce stress such as Yoga and meditation will help to relax the body and mind. Regular exercise reduces levels of stress hormones. Any relaxing activity will help to boost immunity including massage, relaxing music, reading and literally just having quiet time. 10 tips to manage stress.
Eliminate Toxins
We are exposed to many sources of toxins, like environmental pollutants,cleaning solvents, harmful electromagnetic energies, processed foodsand drinks, tobacco and alcohol. The goal is to eliminate these from our environment or to reduce contact with them. Toxic household chemicals and cleaning agents can be replaced nowadays with natural chemicals. Drinking at least 2 litres of water a day will help the kidneys flush away toxins. It’s difficult in the colder months so try herbal teas or hot water with lemon and honey. As always try to incorporate as many fresh foods in your diet as possible to help the detoxification system. Spinach is my super food and so easy to add to food.