Boosting immune system tips

Boosting immune system tips 

The immune system is subject to constant stress due to several factors. Our immune systems become compromised through exposure to pollutants in the atmosphere, through unhealthy food additives, through excessive use of antibiotics. Toxins and free radicals damage healthy cells causing immune system imbalances.




While exercise and de-stressing are helpful, diet may be the single most important factor in strengthening the immune system. The following groups of supplements and nutrients are said to be of great benefit for the immune system:

• Antioxidants: Some of the best known antioxidants are Vitamins E and C. Ideally the diet should be modified to include foods that are rich in these substances.
  
  
  Tomatoes, Capsicum and citrus fruit are good sourcesof Vitamin C. Almonds, whole grain foods and certain kinds of vegetableoil are rich inVitamin C. Carotenoids are also good antioxidants and are available from colourful vegetables such as carrots, peppers, pumpkin, tomatoes and spinach. Green tea is also being researched for its antioxidant properties and 3-4 cups a day may help boost immunity and offer protection against several other diseases
• Herbal supplements: Echinacea Purpurea, Elderberry and Golden Seal root are said to play a significant role in preventing and reducing the severity of viral infections.
• Minerals: Zinc, Iron and Selenium have a role in boosting immune system performance and any deficiencies of these minerals should be corrected
• Plant Sterols and sterolins: Found in sprouts, these are said to be useful in correcting immune system imbalances. Sprouts can be made at home from lentils, chick peas and sunflower seeds. Cooking reduces the benefits of sprouts greatly. They should ideally be consumed in raw form with some light flavouring to make them more palatable.
• Take probiotics either in supplement form or through yoghurt. Especially after an antibiotics course taking probiotics is necessary to correct the imbalance of flora in the intestinal tract.
  

In addition to these measures, you can try and build your resistance by waiting for 3-4 days to see if your body can fight off an infection on its own instead of immediately taking antibiotics.