Immune Defense, Immune System Support, Immunity Boosters what ever you want to call it we benefit greatly when our Immune System is rockin’. We don’t usually realize that though until our immune defenses are down and we find ourselves under the weather and feeling like warmed over dog pooh.

Why do we need a healthy immune system?

In a nutshell our immune system helps us to fight off illness and disease. Everyday we are bombarded with things in our environment air, water, food, chemicals, bacteria and germs that can effect our overall health. When our defenses are weakened we find ourselves in a pickle and needing to reach for medicine, calling the doctor, or calling off work.  The best thing we can do to minimize illness or disease is create a stronger defense system, our immune system.

I’m going to share some natural ways that you can help boost your immune system naturally and some ways to give your system an extra boost when you have found yourself under the weather.

10 Immune System Boosters

1. Get Sleep! 
   Research shows that lack of rest can lead to a weakening of the immune system. This makes perfect sense being that our bodies repair and go through a detox process while we sleep. So we should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night.
2. Take Probiotics
   Research published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that New Zealand athletes had about 40% fewer colds and gastrointestinal infections when they took a probiotic. Foods that are a good source of probiotics are kefir, cultered vegetables (Sauerkraut and Kimchi), unpastuerized grass-fed yogurt, kombucha, miso, tempeh, coconut kefir, and apple cider vinegar. 
   
3. Regular Exercise
   A light to moderate form of exercise like a walk, yoga or low impact cardio workout, light weight lifting can help boost the immune system possibly by flushing bacteria out of the lungs and airways. According the the National Library of Medicine they’re not sure on exactly how it works.
4. Manuka Honey
   Manuka honey has a high level of enzymes that act as a natural hydrogen peroxide that works like an antibacterial. It stops the growth of sore throat causing strep bacteria along with other types of bacteria. Don’t be fooled into thinking all Manuka honey’s are made equal. For medicinal purposes you want to find one that’s certified from New Zealand and has a UMF 5-16+ or has a KFactor 12, 16, or 22 Wedderspoon brand.
5. Elderberry
   The berries and flowers have been used for thousands of years for their immune boosting benefits, even Hippocrates found the benefits to the plant. It has antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities that are good to help fight off cold and flu symptoms. WebMD sites studies that have shown elderberry also eases fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough and body aches caused from the flu. Best results when taking elderberry in the first 24-48 hours from when symptoms begin. You can find it in many forms juice, freeze dried or lozenge form.
6. Echinacea
   It’s a powerful immune system stimulant that helps reduce and prevent common cold symptoms. Echinacea attacks yeast and other types of fungus. It’s been shown to be very helpful in treating acute upper respiratory infections.
7. Ginger
   Ayurvedic medicine has been known to use ginger as an immune system booster for a very long time. It’s believed that ginger has the ability to break down toxins in the body and organs by it’s natural warming effect. It cleanses the lymphatic system of unwanted waste and toxins.
8. Vitamin D
   Low levels of vitamin D have been shown to create a bigger window for our bodies to be susceptible to infections, colds and flu. Basically vitamin D helps the immune system make antibodies. So spending some time outdoors in the sun can help with this, or you may need to increase your vitamin d rich foods tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, eggs, mushrooms, or cod liver oil.
9. Astragalus Root
   This adaptogen root has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It has a long history of being an immune system booster and disease fighter. There are studies that have shown astragalus not only helps with the immune system but also gastrointestinal inflammation and cancers.
10. Oregano
    It’s antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties along with it’s immune boosting benefits help to fight off many different infections. Oregano contains a high level of antioxidants. When battling a cold or flu oregano oil can be very useful and aid in detoxing your body.

These are some of the things we do in our household to keep our immune system running strong.

Disclaimer: Check with your doctor before taking any of the supplements/herbs if you are currently taking any other medications or if you are pregnant. Also proceed with caution as some of the supplements are very potent and be aware of your bodies reaction. Of course stop if you find yourself experience any side effects and contact a physician.