GIVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM A BOOST

~By Sheila Garcia

Spring is in the air, and so are allergies and seasonal colds. There are ways you can stave them off, though. A strong immune system is essential when it comes to maintaining your ideal health. When it’s compromised, the body’s ability to heal gets harder. New problems can pop up and existing ones can worsen. The first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle that involves eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat. Also, you should take measures to avoid stress, which has been linked to immune system disruption and multiple diseases.

Here are five ways to build your immune system:

1) Eat raw fruits and veggies. Raw produce typically has more nutritional content than cooked foods (Remember: high-heat process diminishes the overall nutrient value of certain foods). Raw foods are excellent ways to maintain a strong immune system.

2) Drink water. Since a significant portion of our body is water, proper hydration is important. It’s a healthy way to flush out toxins and maintain excellent blood flow. On a regular day, cut your body weight in half – that is how many ounces of water you should drink. Example: if you weigh 140 pounds, you should be drinking 70 ounces of water. If you have a cold or your immune system is down somehow, you should drink your full weight in ounces OR MORE. Example: if you weigh 135 pounds, you should drink 135 ounces or more. Sound hard? Then you are probably NOT drinking enough water each day.

3) Eat garlic. Garlic has been shown to help fight infection, playing a role in everything from staving off the common cold to fighting cancers. Studies have shown that adding garlic to meals on a regular basis may deter the development of pre-cancerous colon and digestive tract lesions. It’s considered nature’s natural antibiotic, brimming with anti-viral and anti-bacterial compounds.

4) Get rest. The body repairs itself best when it is at rest, allowing the immune system to function at optimal levels so it is essentially help recharging the body. Think about people who lack sleep. Often, they develop colds more often and are more susceptible to illnesses.

5) Get some sunlight. Getting vitamin D from the sun is does wonders for the body. Vitamin D has been known to help people with infectious bacterial diseases. Apparently, vitamin D triggers an antimicrobial response to the bacterium responsible for bacterial diseases, helping to fight the condition.

Treating the body well by enjoying healthy kinds of food and drink, while also getting plenty of sunlight and rest are keys to boosting the immune system. When you boost your immune system, you keep those allergies and colds at bay, and your healthy lifestyle legacy in tact!