Boost Your Immune System, Naturally!
An optimal, well-functioning immune system is such an asset to one’s health. It can be the difference between living life to the full, and being struck down by every virus or bacteria that crosses your path.
Some people’s immune systems are overactive and constantly on alert, while others’ are sluggish and slow to react. There are many simple tips and products that can help your immune system perform as your first line of defence.
Homeopathy:
If there is an illness going around the classroom or the kids have been exposed to someone who is unwell, I will often pop a dose of Ferr Phos and a dose of Silica in their water bottles for the next few days. Ferr Phos is known for oxygenating the blood and is the homeopathic remedy for the first sign of illness, while Silica is good for swollen glands, recurring colds and ear and throat infections.
During the flu season, Anas Barb can be helpful as it is usually taken as a preventative for colds and flu. It can be taken fortnightly or monthly, depending on the susceptibility, or a dose when you’ve been in contact with a person who is unwell – a family member, a work colleague or someone who sneezes on you at the supermarket.
Many people seem to be struggling with long term lingering symptoms from viruses. The Boost Complex is used traditionally for symptoms associated with lacking energy after an illness or a period of stress that has resulted in exhaustion and an inability to “bounce back” into life.
Flower Essences:
It may not be well known, but flower essences can be helpful in addressing physical ailments in addition to emotional issues.
Under the belief that emotional disharmony can manifest into physical symptoms, it makes sense to consider the emotional factors contributing to a physical problem.
Often our health begins to suffer when we take on too much, and our stress levels rise. That’s why my Bulletproof Essence may assist to shorten illnesses and support healthy immune function.
It contains the Illawarra Flame Tree Essence which can build resilience, the Philotheca Essence which encourages healthy boundaries, and the Macrocarpa Essence which may support the adrenal glands at times of stress and support energy levels. I will often put seven drops of Bulletproof in my children’s water bottles for school as a preventative and also during times of illness.
Nutritional Support:
Recent research is making links between how our diet impacts on the level of stress or inflammation in our body, and how stress/inflammation over an extended period of time can cause disease. The immune system cannot function effectively if the body is burdened with constant inflammation relating to food. Generally, the most common allergens are tree nuts, eggs, wheat and dairy.
Obviously removing the allergen from the diet is the simplest way to reduce inflammation in the body, however sometimes that’s easier said than done. Perhaps the foods causing inflammation have not been identified, or the list is very extensive and requires time to eliminate from the diet. To help keep the immune system on track, there are many nutritional food-derived supplements that can help.
Camu Camu and Kakadu Plum are natural food sources of Vitamin C you might look at taking. Being food-based, the body can assimilate the Vitamin C quickly and easily and put it to good use, fighting off coughs, colds, flus and infection.
Pineapples are a great natural remedy for winter! The bromelain and Vitamin C in pineapple can help boost immune function.
Bone Broth can be an extremely supportive tonic to maintain health and wellbeing. If simmering your own broth is out of the question, dehydrated bone broth is a convenient and versatile way to improve the health of one’s gut, therefore boosting immune function and reducing inflammation. Bone broth is a natural source of minerals extracted from bones that our bodies can easily absorb.
There are many herbs that can support the immune system, including echinacea, elderberry and olive leaf. Try a good quality immune boosting herbal tea to sip on in winter.
Olive Leaf Extract is available from most chemists in liquid form. It has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and can also help with parasites. It can be taken as a tonic to keep you fighting fit or in times of illness. Be sure to read the label and follow the recommended dosage.
No wellness blog on boosting the immune system would be complete without mentioning probiotics. Many are aware of the benefits of probiotics in terms of boosting immune function and repopulating the gut with good bacteria after illness, and particularly after antibiotics and medications.
Thymus Tapping:
This is a bit unusual but something I wanted to add as it can be very effective! Stimulating the thymus gland with daily tapping can release white blood cells to boost the immune system. Tap on your sternum for 15-20 seconds several times a day, more if you are unwell. Isn’t the body fascinating?
Histamines:
When histamine levels in our body are high, it can cause inflammation. This is certainly the case when we are unwell, or affected by hayfever. So adding remedies like high dose Vitamin C, turmeric/curcumin, Sneezy Wheezy and lymphatic support can help the body manage the excess mucus, fogginess and reduce the length of illness.
Other Natural Remedies:
There are plenty other home remedies for boosting the immune system and fending off illness, so here’s a brief list of some other measures you might like to experiment with:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: From our own experience, I believe that a chiropractic adjustment can improve the body’s overall function and boost the efficiency of the immune system.
- Plenty of sleep: Ensuring adequate rest will promote more efficient digestion, immune function and regeneration of cells. Sometimes, easier said than done, but try and remember that your health is important.
- Reduce sugar intake: It has been known for some time that too much sugar creates an acidic environment which is the type of environment that viruses and bacteria like to thrive.
- Manage stress levels: Again, easier said than done, but well worth considering. Most of us are aware that when stress levels are too high for too long, your health becomes the victim, in more ways than one. Try to engage in activities that reduce stress such as rest, meditation, exercise, catching up with friends or family, etc.
- Get out in the sun : Low levels of Vitamin D can make you more susceptible to infection, so try to spend at least ten minutes in the sun, exposing as much of your skin as you can.
Ok, so I hope these ideas and information have helped you plan on how you are going to stay well this winter and boost your immune system. Remember to always do your own research and learn what works for your body.
Sources:
1. Owen, J. (2010). Homoeopathy for the home prescriber. Western Australia, AUSTRALIA: QDirect.
2. White, I. (2009). Happy Healthy Kids. From conception to age 7 with Australian Bush Flower Essences. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
3. Young Living Essential Oils. (2011). Essential Oils Pocket Reference (5th ed.). United States of America: Life Science Publishing.
4. White, I. (1999). Australian Bush Flower Healing, Terrey Hills, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA: Bush Biotherapies Pty Ltd.
5. Owen Homoeopathics. (n.d.). Back to School. Homeopathic Factsheet.
Disclaimer:
This blog is not intended to replace the service of a qualified practitioner. Any application of the recommendations set forth in this blog is at the reader’s discretion and sole risk.
