Immune system strengthening

As I sit here with my nose running and my head and throat aching, I feel inspired to discuss immune function. Yes, tonifying and strengthening your immune system is as essential as supporting liver and digestive health.

What are my favourite options for immune strengthening?

1. A diet high in antioxidants and trace minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc and Selenium are all essential for optimal immune function. Eating a wide variety of organic fruits, vegetables, and nuts & seeds will help with nutritional needs.

2. Hydration – drinking plenty of fluids daily (1.5-2 Litres of water for most people)

3. Supplementing with immune tonifying herbs: Astragalus is great prior to cold/flu season, Echinacea is fantastic as it strengthens the White Blood Cell response

4. Exercise – cardiovascular training, yoga, and breath work all help to improve your body’s immune function

5. Supplementing with a good quality multivitamin/mineral will help maintain nutritional status (most foods do not have adequate nutrients due to poor soil mineral content).

6. Sleep 8-10 hours a night in a dark room allows for melatonin to rejuvenate your cells while you sleep.

Super foods, herbs, and supplements  that help when you’re getting sick:

1. Garlic – has the widest spectrum antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral activity of all foods. Chop it into manageable pieces for swallowing it raw – in its raw form it maintains its active properties.

2. Echinacea – a good quality Echinacea like MediHerb will help improve your body’s defense reaction to the virus or bacteria.

3. Homemade organic chicken broth will help to thin mucous.

4. Vitamins A, C, E, and zinc and selenium in high doses help to decrease the life of a cold/flu virus, repair mucous membranes, and support immune and detoxification.

5. Complex homeopathics are beneficial – GUNA & Boiron are companies that have remedies specific for flus. These can safely be taken every 20-30 minutes at the onset of a cold/flu.

Getting sick with a cold or flu 1-2 times a year is a sign that your immune system is alert and able to recognize and respond appropriately to foreign viruses and bacteria. So if you do find yourself coming down with a cold or flu, embrace the time off of your busy schedule and take time to care for yourself.