Best Natural Methods to Boost Your Immune System

With winter in full swing, or bodily systems are under attack from various cold can flu viruses. We are all keen to avoid illness that might cause us to take time off work, or that we might pass on to friends and family, so here are some simple, natural methods to boost your immune system.

1. Lemons
Eating or drinking fresh lemon is an excellent way of regulating the balance between acid and alkali within your body. The correct balance plays an important role in setting your internal level of acidity, or ph level, such that it supports healthy bacteria, rather than harmful bacteria or viruses which prefer a more acidic environment. Simply put some lemon in some hot water, or drink it as part of a hot drink such as tea or a herbal infusion. Lemons are also an excellent source of vitamin C which is crucial for immune function and a powerful antioxidant. You can also use it in salad dressings, although apple cider vinegar in your salad dressing is also a very effective way of promoting a healthy ph balance.

2. Sleep
Most of us know that if your body does not get enough rest, it is more difficult to recover and develop. In a similar vein, a lack of sleep can lead to a vulnerable immune system. A good night’s sleep is very important for hormonal balance and sufficient rest also helps to keep our cognitive functions sharp and alert. There is no hard and fast rule about how much sleep is sufficient. Some people can function perfectly well on 6 hours sleep, most need more. The important thing to know is how much sleep will leave you feeling properly rested, rather than the minimum amount you can operate on. You will feel better, and you will be helping your immune system to function fully.

3. Drink water
As with many bodily systems, proper hydration is important to a properly functioning immune system. Dehydration leads to the body retaining water which can adversely affect kidney and liver function. Drinking water and remaining properly hydrated helps to flush out toxins and waste products, and stimulates the metabolism. Try to drink between 1.5 – 2 liters of water per day. Keep a bottle of water with you or a glass of water at your desk, and you will easily drink the 8-12 glasses that you require every day.

4. Good Nutrition
Make sure that your body receives sufficient levels of vitamins and minerals. Nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin C, among many others, are very important factors for the immune system. Fresh fruit and vegetables are an excellent source of nutrients, although a multi vitamin and mineral supplement can be an excellent way of ensuring that you get the correct daily intake. The antioxidants in fresh fruit and vegetables, and present in vitamins and minerals, also play a valuable role in preventing damage caused by free radicals at the cellular level. Free radicals result from natural processes within the body, as well as environmental factors.

Your immune function is so important to our health and overall well being. Follow these simple methods, and you will feel the health benefits, and you will also leave your immune system better prepared to deal with any viruses or infections that it has to fight.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.