There are natural ways to boost your immune system and keep you healthy through the change of seasons. During this time of the year, immune health is top of the mind for many, and it’s no surprise that there are hundreds of over-the-counter options that promise to deliver benefits. The reality is that many of these medications fall short and people find themselves taking several different medications in hope to feel better.
Foods and Herbs to Boost Your Immune System
- Echinacea: a unique flower that works by stimulating white blood cell activity, while energizing immune cells. This makes these cells more efficient at attacking harmful bacteria and viruses. Echinacea has been proven to reduce the duration of a cold by up to 36% and reduce the risk of contracting a cold by up to 58%.
- Turmeric: a bright yellow spice most commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is also used for medicinal purposes due to the main compound called Curcumin. This may help activate white blood cells and reduce proinflammatory cytokines, while balancing the microbiome balance and enhance antibody response.
- Black tea: studies have shown the benefits drinking 3-5 cups of black tea daily can supercharge your T-Cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response. Studies also show that after 2 weeks of consistently drinking black tea daily, cells produced 10 times more interferon which actively fights viruses.
- Ginger: a spicy plant and root contain nearly a dozen antiviral compounds that are effective in fighting against a common cold. Another benefits of ginger is its ability to reduce nausea.
- Elderberry: a fruit that increases the production of white blood cells, which in turn can shorten the duration and reduce the severity of a cold. It may also be used to alleviate viral infection symptoms. Elderberry is a potent antiviral that can protect against influenza virus strains and reduce your risk of an upper respiratory infection. The fruit and the flower are edible but it is important to note that elderberry must be cooked before it is safe to consume.
- Garlic: a vegetable that belongs to the onion family, used all over the world in many dishes for it’s immaculate flavor. Along with the ability to boost any recipe, it is known best for its ability to naturally balance the good and bad microbes in your body. Garlic supports cellular health and helps enhance the immune system by stimulating certain immune cells and regulating secretion of cytokines.
Cleaner eating and natural remedies are safer than over the counter drugs. When a person consumes processed foods, drinks, and items with added sugars, dyes, and artificial products, it effects the way the body’s immune system functions when fighting of viruses or infections.
If you are looking for a healthier more natural approach to boosting your immune system, contact us today to learn more about our natural noninvasive treatments.