Stay healthy, boost your immune system

Whether it is the flu, a cold or simply allergies that bring you down, the end result is that the body hasn’t properly fought off the offending attacks. To help strengthen your body’s resistance to allergens or germs, start by addressing your immune system.

What is the immune system? The immune system is made up of cells that are designed to kill off virus or bacteria encounters. These cells, called killer cells or macrophages digest and destroy anything offensive to the body.

So what can we do to help our own body help itself?

1. Cut back on processed sugar. It is said that as little as one teaspoon of sugar shuts off our killer cells activity for up to six hours. Cutting out sugar will not only help your immune system but will also renew your energy levels and weight distribution. Alternatives to sugar are stevia or artificial sweeteners; but stevia is certainly healthier.
2. Take supplements such as Vitamins A, C, E and B complex. Finding a company that offers such vitamins in addition to supplements aimed specifically for immune support, like Jarrow Formulas, help zero in on what you are trying to accomplish. Vitamins A, C, E and B are certainly necessary for immune support but so are antioxidants, and IP6, which enhances the body’s natural killer cells.
3. Reduce stress and get a good night’s sleep. Stress, whether emotional or physical send out to the body a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol drops our DHEA levels and makes our interleukin levels rise. Sleep itself, from six to ten hours, helps balance our hormone levels, including our cortisol.
4. Drink plenty of water. Most people don’t drink enough water to purify the body of its toxins. Try adding lemon to your water. Lemon restores the acid-alkali balance which helps return your body’s pH level to a place where it supports healthy bacterial instead of the bacteria caused by viruses.
5. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes. Do this especially if you are not taking a supplement to assist your body.
6. Spend time out in the cold. It seems that this is contradictory to getting a cold, but exercise and getting out of the indoors where you inhale other people’s germs, helps the body. Exercise also releases endorphins, which increases immune support.
7. Nurture your well-being. Research has shown that our nervous system directly communicates with our immune system. Feelings of joy and self worth improve and boost our immunity. It has also been proven that prayer; a positive attitude and a spiritual sense of well-being enhance our killer cell activity.

Sound easy enough? It is, so practice at least two of the above mentioned and you will notice your health improving drastically.

R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas, Lipodrene and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.