How To Boost Immunity Naturally

Our body has a brilliant defence system. If we want to be healthy, full of energy, and free from disease and illness, our best line of attack would be to support this incredible system of defence: our immune system. Our immune system works to resist infection and disease by neutralizing and removing pathogens from our bodies. It also fights the body’s own cells which have changed due to illness. A strong, optimally functioning immune system is vital to our well-being and even our survival. The truth is, when our immune system is working well, we don’t even really notice it, but when it’s compromised it is hard to ignore the  symptoms that become a part of our daily life.

Let’s briefly look at how our immune system works and how to boost it naturally, so that it is so efficient that we hardly even think about it.

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that band together to defend our body against invaders.  Our body’s first line of defence from these invaders are the physical barriers and fluids which aim to prevent pathogens from entering in the first place. Our skin, mucous membranes, and tears from our eyes are examples of our first line of defence.

If invaders manage to slip by these barriers, our body produces white blood cells, chemicals, and antibodies to attack and destroy these foreign substances. All of these cells travel around the body through the lymphatic system. When everything is going well, our immune system handles invaders with relative ease, but it can become out of balance. An imbalanced immune system is either too weak and overburdened to properly fight foreign substances or turns on the body’s own healthy cells and begins attacking itself; a condition referred to as an auto-immune disease.  Either of these extremes leave the body sick and vulnerable.

Wondering how to boost immunity naturally? Check out these 6 things you can do to support a healthy, optimally functioning immune system:

Exercise — In case there weren’t enough reasons to exercise, it turns out our immune system depends on movement to function optimally.  The lymphatic system, which carries the cells of the immune system around the body, is like a secondary circulatory system.  However, it does not have a pump so it relies on muscle activity and exercise in order to circulate the lymph fluid.  A lack of exercise can leave this system stagnant and hamper the efforts of the immune system cells.

Foster a healthy digestive system —  Foods which are not fully digested can enter the bloodstream where the immune system recognizes them as invaders.  A daily barrage of undigested food particles in the blood can leave the immune system exhausted and vulnerable. Probiotics which support a healthy gut flora balance and digestive enzymes which supplement our body’s natural enzymes can both help create a healthier digestive system and prevent further immune troubles.

Take immune-boosting vitamins and minerals — Vitamins A, C, E, as well as zinc and selenium are the most vital nutrients to support the immune system. They increase the production and improve the function of white blood cells and antibodies. Phytosterols are also known to balance the immune system. Phytosterols keep cortisol levels in check, which is beneficial because excess cortisol suppresses the immune system.

Take immune-supporting herbs —  Echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, ginseng, and astragalus all have immune supporting properties.  Herbs can be steeped as tea, prepared in food, or taken in supplement form.

Eat plenty of good protein —  Our body breaks protein down into amino acids which are the building blocks of all our cells.  Without a sufficient amount of daily protein, our body will be missing important components needed to build a strong immune system.

Find ways to manage stress —  Stressful conditions cause our bodies to release chemicals which slow down the function of the digestive and immune systems.  Much of the stress we face in modern culture is chronic; daily feelings of overwhelm and worry which drastically reduce immune system activity.

So if you are looking for ways to actively create optimal health, remember that one of the best strategies is to start with a good defense. Antioxidants can also help to protect the body from dangerous free radicals and help to boost the body's immune system. Lets take a look at what else they do for your body and what are the 9 most powerful antioxidants. https://www.herbesthealth.com/blogs/news/what-antioxidants-do-for-your-body