A healthy immune system is your greatest health asset, acting as your body’s natural defense against viruses, bacteria, and various other threats to your well-being. Not only does it shield you from the common cold or flu, but it is also closely linked to your digestive, neurological, hormonal, cellular, energetic, cardiovascular, and cognitive health, making immunity even more important in today’s world. However, our immune health has been challenged by unhealthy diets, lifestyle habits, stress and exhaustion, environmental factors, and even the drugs initially intended to protect us from germs.
Despite these challenges, there are numerous ways to effectively support your immune system, which in turn supports many other aspects of long-term health. Here are some key areas you can focus on to help support and supercharge your immune system:
Diet and Digestion
A strong immune system relies on good digestion and balanced nutrition from a diet filled with vegetables, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins, along with good hydration from plenty of filtered water throughout the day.
Refined sugars are detrimental to immunity, but even if you eat well, poor absorption from impaired digestion means missing out on essential nutrients for health. The friendly bacteria in the gut play a key role in supporting immune function, so it’s essential to nourish them with supplemental probiotics and prebiotics. Cultured foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, and kimchi all provide excellent sources of friendly bacteria. Additionally, supplemental digestive enzymes can aid digestion and strengthen immunity.
Including the following botanicals and nutrients can help enhance both digestive and immune system functions:
- Medicinal mushrooms
- Cinnamon
- Zinc
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Pomegranate
Circulation
A strong circulatory system is necessary for delivering nutrients to immune cells, preventing the accumulation of germs and wastes, and maintaining clear communication between various aspects of immunity. Poor circulation also contributes to chronic inflammation, ultimately suppressing your immunity. Daily exercise, hydration, and circulation-boosting nutrients and herbs can effectively support immunity. A Tibetan herbal formula containing 19 unique botanicals supports circulation and boosts immune function while reducing inflammation and providing antioxidant protection. An enzyme called nattokinase, honokiol from magnolia bark, turmeric root, and ginger are also beneficial for circulation and immunity.
Mind/Body Connection
Stress can be detrimental to immune health, as well as inadequate sleep. On the other hand, happiness, laughter, and strong social networks can boost immunity, ultimately protecting you against chronic and acute illnesses. Having pets and engaging in activities that bring you joy and satisfaction can also help. Remember that kindness and love are powerful healers and protectors on their own.
Specific Botanicals and Nutrients
Including natural ingredients to directly boost various aspects of the immune system, fight bacteria and viruses, detoxify harmful substances, and increase resistance against allergens can significantly improve immune health:
- Medicinal mushrooms can help train immune cells, increasing their disease-fighting capabilities. Examples include Coriolus, Ganoderma, Agaricus, Cordyceps, Umbellatus, and Maitake.
- Beta-glucans, complex carbohydrates derived from bran, mushrooms, and yeast, nourish immune cells and significantly boost their activity.
- Vitamins A, C, D3, E, zinc, selenium, and other trace minerals are vital for a strong immune system and overall health. Look for a balanced multivitamin with natural, food-based nutrients.
- Modified citrus pectin from citrus peels has been shown to boost Natural Killer cell activity and support other aspects of immunity while protecting against cancer and other chronic diseases and safely removing heavy metals and toxins from the body.
- L-carnitine, an amino acid, boosts cell mitochondrial function, powering up immune function.
- Garlic is a powerful antimicrobial that boosts immune function, supports detoxification, and promotes cardiovascular health. Research shows it may be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Astragalus, a traditional Chinese herb, has been shown to boost immunity, protect against cancer, and offer other long-term benefits for overall health.
Implementing these recommendations will supercharge your immune system and benefit other critical aspects of overall health, including mental and emotional well-being. By actively supporting the system that defends your health, you’ll find yourself equipped to handle potential threats, resulting in greater energy, vitality, and overall well-being.
