Topic Tuesday

Naturally Boosting Your Immune System

Your first line of defense with any fight, is to be prepared. Weather it be preparing for a test or training for the Olympics. The way we care for ourselves and our health should be no different. We should be choosing the right foods and supplements daily to be prepared for whatever might lie ahead. Following general healthy-living guidelines daily can make a huge difference in the strength of our immune system and how we can avoid getting sick or how long we are sick. Your immune system works functions best with it is protected from environmental assaults.

~Be Prepared Not Scared

*Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables

*Drink water

*Exercise regularly - this helps for both physical and the mental health

*Maintain a healthy weight

*Get 7-8 hours of sleep per 24 hours

*Wash your hands frequently

*Minimize Stress

Studies have shown spikes in sugar intake suppress your immune system.

When your immune system is compromised, you are more likely to get sick.

~Foods and drinks that compromise your immune system

*Soda

*Processed foods

*Foods and drinks high in sugar

*Refined carbohydrates

*Alcoholic beverages.

The old saying, “An apple a day can keep the doctor away,” may have truth behind it after all. Eating nourishing foods rich in certain vitamins can help your immune system fight off illness.

*Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system boosters of all. In fact, a lack of vitamin C can even make you more prone to getting sick. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale and broccoli. Daily intake of vitamin C is essential for good health because your body doesn’t produce or store it. The good news is that vitamin C is in so many foods that most people don’t need to take a vitamin C supplement unless a doctor advises it. BUT you must choose your foods wisely.

*Vitamin B6 is vital to supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system. Vitamin B6-rich foods include chicken and cold water fish such as salmon and tuna. Vitamin B6 also is found in green vegetables and in chickpeas, which is the main ingredient in hummus.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds and spinach.

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