10 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, it might be easier to overlook the severity of the flu, but in reality, they are not very different from one another. In fact, according to infectious disease specialist Sandra Kesh, M.D, there have been about 16,000 flu-related deaths in this season alone. 

That number is not meant to induce fear but rather to remind us just how important it is to keep our immune systems healthy. Here are my top ten tips, which emphasize both the mind and the body, to help improve immunity naturally :

Up your fruit and veggies

Hippocrates famously said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” and I have made this my motto. By eating nourishing foods rich in all the essential nutrients for boosting immunity, our bodies can develop the tools they need to ward off sickness.

Keep up movement

Just like a healthy diet, exercise contributes to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently.

Up your Vitamin C intake

This essential vitamin is a potent antioxidant that supports epithelial barrier function against harmful pathogens at a cellular level. Impaired immunity and susceptibility to infections is a common symptom of Vitamin deficiency, so whatever you’re protecting your body from this season, it’s wise to up your dosage. 

Get enough sleep

Sleep is when your immune system repairs itself, the mitochondria clean themselves up, and the liver does most of its detoxification. Which is also why our bodies feel so run down when we’re sick. Getting a full seven to eight hours each night can help keep our bodies alert to any dangerous pathogens. 

Make hygiene a priority

Make sure you wash your hands, regularly, as disease is often passed on through touch. Do not use a hand-drier, but opt for a paper towel or clean cloth. WHO advises staying at least 3 feet away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth - this is habitual and hard, I know!

Reduce stress

Stress can affect everything from brain health to body weight, and of course, immunity. When we are stressed, our bodies release adrenalin into the bloodstream but lose efficacy to fight off antigens like viral infections.

Add immune supporting herbs and foods

Include a tablespoon of raw honey and coconut oil in your daily routine for powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties, just as you would drink hot lemon, honey, and a ginger drink when you’re feeling under the weather. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water before your meal is good for probiotic gut bacteria. Add garlic to meals. Tumeric has amazing anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. Add echinacea and elderberry to smoothies or take in capsule form for added support.

Find stillness

Meditation is a wonderful tool for avoiding stress and anxiety. Meditation stimulates immune system brain-function regions. Mindfulness meditation has shown increases in electrical activity in the prefrontal cortex, the right anterior insula, and right hippocampus, all parts that control positive emotions, awareness, and anxiety. These are also the areas of the brain that act as a command center for your immune system. When stimulated, they make the immune system function more effectively.

Magic Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to support so many aspects of health, including a healthy immune response. They are chock-full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that we need to stay healthy. In fact, according to Heather mood, M.D, Integrative Immunologist and founder of the Moday Center for Functional and Integrative Medicine; "Some of the most powerful immune-boosting, antiviral, and anti-cancer substances are found in mushrooms." Just goes to show - they are not called magic mushrooms for nothing?

Hydrate

Water helps to carry oxygen to your body cells, which results in properly functioning systems. It also works in removing toxins from the body, so drinking more of it could help prevent toxins from building up and having a negative impact on your immune system.  

Lovelies, with the global population swept up in the distress of coronavirus, and many media outlets doing little to help, it pays to avoid the hysteria at any costs. Take care of your overall well-being (body, mind and soul) are currently the best, natural methods for boosting immunity.