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How to Boost Your Immune System
What is the immune system?
The immune system is a complex network in the body that removes pathogens, bacteria, viruses, etc. It protects the body from these foreign invaders, preventing you from becoming ill.
If the immune system is functioning properly you won’t really notice. If the immune system is not functioning properly you will become sick often, suffer from various autoimmune diseases, allergies, and many other problems that affect the body.
There are many things in our world that can weaken the immune system. Fortunately for us however, there are also many things that can strengthen the immune system to help you to live a healthier, happier life!
Let’s go over some of the most important things that you can do on a daily basis to ensure that your immune system is functioning properly and able to handle anything that comes your way!
Immune System Booster
Best Foods & Supplements to Boost Immune System
The first thing to consider when it comes to boosting the immune system is diet.
To start you want to remove all toxic and unhealthy foods from your diet. This includes: sugars, artificial ingredients, non-organic foods, etc.
Replace these unhealthy foods with:
1. Lots of organic fruits and vegetables. You want to consume 5-9 helpings of fruits and vegetables a day. Some of the top veggies to include are leafy greens, beets, turmeric, broccoli, onions, and garlic.
2. Bone broth. The immune system originates in the gut.
So if you want a healthy immune system, you have to have a healthy gut.
Bone broth is one of the best foods on the planet to improve gut health and strengthen the immune system. Drinking bone broth daily will go a long way in nourishing your body. You can read more about the benefits of bone broth, as well as how to make bone broth in How to Make Instant Pot Bone Broth.
Fermented Foods
3. Fermented foods. Fermented foods are another extremely important factor in creating a healthy gut environment and thus strengthening the immune system.
There are lots of options when it comes to fermented foods. Some of the most popular are pickles, sauerkraut, fermented beets, yogurt, and kombucha. You can find 75 fermented foods recipes here.
Kombucha is by far the most popular fermented food in my home. If you aren’t familiar with kombucha it’s actually a beverage. Kombucha is fermented tea that is full of probiotics, vitamins, and many other nutrients.
You can learn more about what kombucha is here. If you would like to make your own healthy kombucha then be sure to check out The Scoop on Booch. This is where you can find out everything that I know about kombucha and how to safely, and effectively, make your own delicious brew!
4. Herbs and Supplements. While nutrients are best absorbed from foods, it’s still helpful to take good quality supplements.
One thing to consider when taking supplements is to be sure that your supplements are derived from whole foods and that they are not synthetic. As I said, nutrients from whole foods are absorbed so much better by the body and will give the best benefit.
Some of my favorite supplements and herbs for immune strengthening are: These Whole Food Supplements, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin B, Fermented Cod Liver Oil, Probiotics, Echinacea, and Elderberry.
Emotions, Stress and the Immune System
Did you know that your emotions can compromise your immune system? It’s true!
Being stressed, worried, upset, and unhappy can impact your immune system negatively.
So what are some things that you can do to help boost mood and in turn your immune system.
1. Relieve stress. Try to eliminate things in your life that cause stress. I know this isn’t always possible, but if you can eliminate as much stress as possible, your body will thank you!
Also, because we can’t always eliminate all stress, try to find ways to release tension and stress. Whether it’s taking an essential oil bath, reading a book, practicing deep breathing, getting some fresh air, hugging a loved one, or just having some alone time, find a way to release the cares of the world.
A great supplement to take to help regulate stress is magnesium. Magnesium can be taken internally, but my favorite way to utilize this supplement is topical. I make my own magnesium spray that can easily be sprayed on the skin and absorbed.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
2. Laugh More! Happiness has been proven to help the immune system. So have some fun!
I always feel less stressed after laughing. Kids can be good for bringing the laughter out in adults:) There have been days that I have felt so stressed and overwhelmed and then one of the kids will say or do something funny. It always helps to bring down the tension or stress that I’m feeling!
Doing something that you enjoy is also a great way to increase happiness. Whether it’s a hobby, going out with a friend, or spending time with a loved one, all of these things help to make us happy.
3. Diet. I know we’ve already discussed diet to strengthen the immune system, but it’s also a big part of our emotional health as well.
A diet high in sugar will cause you to live on an emotional rollercoaster. Too much sugar can make you feel depressed, tired, and moody. So avoid the sugar for better emotions, and thus a healthier immune system!
4. Strengthen Adrenals. The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and produce hormones that help regulate the immune system and various things. Too much stress and chaos in our lives greatly diminish the adrenals and keep them from functioning properly.
There are multiple things that can be done to strengthen the adrenals. Grounding is an excellent way to strengthen the adrenals. There are various supplements that can be taken, and essential oils also nourish the adrenals.
I particularly like the Adrenal Support Essential Oil Blend.
Essential Oil Diffuser Blends
5. Diffuse Essential Oils! Essential oils are excellent for emotional support! Diffuse essential oils to lighten the mood, make your home smell like fall or Christmas, to bring in the scent of flowers, or to create a romantic atmosphere. Essential oils are excellent for brightening your mood quickly!
If you are looking for essential oil diffuser recipes for all of life’s moments then be sure to check out 100 Essential Oil Diffuser Blends. It has a blend for everything!
Exercise and the Immune System
Daily exercise is also an important aspect of immune health. Even if you don’t have a lot of time, taking a small amount of time throughout your day or week to even just walk is beneficial.
Studies show that those that exercise regularly have a stronger immune system than those that don’t; and that the immune system of older adults that exercise deteriorate at a slower rate than those that do not exercise.
So stay active to keep healthy!
Sleep and the Immune System
In addition to staying active, it’s also important to get a good nights sleep. Going to bed at regular times and sleeping well through the night help to strengthen the immune system.
I always find that when I’m not getting enough sleep it’s much easier to catch a cold.
During sleep is when your body heals and repairs itself. It allows your body to clean house and get things done that it can’t do when you’re awake. So go to bed early and get a good nights sleep!
Essential Oils to Boost the Immune System
Last but not least is my favorite topic when it comes to immune support… essential oils!
Essential oils are tools that also help to nourish the body and to provide it with the things that it needs to achieve optimal health.
There are lots of essential oils that strengthen the immune system but some of my favorites are:
and the Essential Oil Liver Cleanse. Keeping the liver cleansed is very important for proper body function and for keeping the immune system healthy.
Those are, in my opinion, some of the most important ways to keep the immune system healthy. By practicing these things on a daily basis you will feel more energetic, happy, and healthy!
Do you practice some of these things regularly? What things do you do to help boost your immune system? If you have something to add to the list please leave me a comment below and let me know!
How to Strengthen the Immune System
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. I do not prescribe, diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your health care provider before implementing any of the information provided on this site.
The information provided on this site is completely my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of any other entity.
Any statements or claims regarding health benefits of foods, supplements or essential oils listed on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Refer to my disclaimer page for more information.
