Are you sick a lot with colds and flu? Do you have allergies? Do you feel run down and fatigued much of the time? If so, you may have a weak immune system.

Notice how some people are seldom sick and seem full of energy? Others are always sick. Different people have different immune systems. This is how we fight off infections and disease. Without a properly functioning defense mechanism, our bodies would be soon overrun by various bacteria, viruses, cancers and other pathogens and we would cease to exist.

Sometimes the immune system does not work properly, as with immunodeficiency disorders. Fortunately, there are natural ways we can strengthen our immune system. I will discuss three ways you can strengthen your immune system.

Feed your immune system

Feeding your immune system well boosts its fighting power. Think of the immune system as an army. Good food and nutrients boost the body's immune power in many ways. They increase the number of white cells, train them to fight better, and help them form an overall better battle plan. Good nutrition also helps to eliminate substances that drag the body down.

The top eight nutrients to add to your diet to cut down on absence from work and school because of illness are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, bioflavanoids, zinc, garlic, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Foods containing these nutrients include pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, grapefruit (red and pink), blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, peppers (red and green), tomatoes, broccoli, sunflower seeds, almonds and olive oil, ground flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans and pumpkin seeds, dark green leafy vegetables (turnip greens, mustard greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, collard greens, etc.), beans, legumes, asparagus, brussel sprouts, beets and okra.

Additionally, drink plenty of water, don't smoke and stop drinking alcohol, coffee and eating refined white sugar.

Reduce Stress

Stress is a constant factor in our fast-paced society. It can wreak havoc upon our health if not reduced. Stress can weaken the immune system and accelerate the aging process. Relaxation and rejuvenation promotes wellness, vigor and long life.

Some natural healthy ways to lower stress and boost your immune system are: walking and moderate physical activity, yoga and stretching, hand washing to keep germs away, laughter and humour, listening to or playing music, getting adequate sleep - at least 8 hours, keeping a positive attitude, soaking in a hot tub and drinking tea (green or black) regularly throughout the day.

Live Well

What is wellness? Wellness is the pursuit of optimal health. Optimal health encompasses physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, financial, social, and environmental well-being.

Wellness means having high self-esteem, confidence, satisfying relationships, staying optimistic, and contributing to the health of the planet. Financially it means having the ability to maintain a balanced budget.

Personal fulfillment from our jobs or our chosen career fields while still maintaining balance in our lives brings us occupational wellbeing. A supportive social network and contributing to society is vital.

Also needed is a set of guiding beliefs, principles, or values that give meaning and purpose to life, the capacity to love and having compassion for others. This leads to forgiveness, joy and fulfillment and all lead to optimal health and a stronger immune system.



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