7 Tips to Keep Your Immune System High

Exercise
Exercise increases circulation throughout the body. This means the white blood cells which are the integral part of the immune system, are able to scan the body more quickly and more frequently. This will allow them to find a pathogen early and rid of it before you get a chance to notice any symptoms.

Vitamin D
During the winter months when your exposure to the sun is reduced, it is important to supplement with Vitamin D. Our bodies need 1,000 IUs of Vitamin D per day. This vitamin not only plays a key role in your bone health but also controls an exorbitant amount of genes associated with cancers, autoimmune disease, and infections.

Keep sugar intake low
A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down but it will also give your body another disadvantage. Sugar impairs your immune system by suppressing the white blood cells’ ability to consume pathogens. As little as 3.5 ounces can depress your immune system by 50%. This effect of sugar on the immune system can last up to 5 hours.

Stress
Chronic stress has a negative impact on all aspects of the immune system. Finding the time to do something for you will actually make you better equipped to help others later and perform better at work. One of the best remedies for stress is laughter. Laughter not only decreases stress hormones but it boosts immune function. Seek comedy in all its forms.

Sleep
Sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on your immune system by reducing the number of killer cells which fight germs. Studies have also shown that lack of sleep promotes early aging. Fortunately, following some of the tips mentioned above will improve your sleep as well. If you are consistently having difficulty getting enough rest, seek help. Acupuncture would be one way to address your sleep needs.

Vitamin C
Nature’s wisdom put in season some of the fruits highest in Vitamin C, a highly effective antioxidant, right when we might need it most. Californians will see citrus trees full of their fruit as well as persimmons. Pomegranates are also in season now which are also known to be full of antioxidants. Eating fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C and antioxidants will help protect white blood cells from oxidative damage.

Zinc
Being deficient in zinc makes you more susceptible to infectious agents. However, too much zinc is not healthy either. Luckily you can test to see if you have an adequate amount of zinc easily and inexpensively.

During flu season, you can protect yourself from infection by taking the homeopathic preparation muco coccinum. One tablet should be taken every two weeks. This is a safe, natural, and gentle way to activate your body’s defense mechanisms.