The Natural Beat

Tess February 21st, 2008

The immune system is one of the most important body systems. It is an interconnected system of cells that works in tandem to function as the body’s natural first line of defense against illness and disease. The immune system recognizes foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses and comes into action and destroys them.

Like any other system in the body, the immune system too can go awry and fail to perform its dedicated function. Frequent bouts of cold and flu or fatigue are the first signs that your immune system health is becoming weak and needs some attention.

A nutritional diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help boost your immune system. This can help in avoiding the administration of the antibiotic alternative every time you fall sick. Here are some useful tips for giving your immune system a helping hand.

The next time you have a common cold, try not to depend on antibiotics. Common cold is a self-limiting condition. If you treat it naturally, it will go away in seven day and if you treat it with antibiotics, it will still take a week! Take lots of fluids and fresh juices of citrus fruits.

Vitamin C, present in abundance in oranges is a great immune system booster. Teas made with ginger root help in controlling a running nose and promote gastrointestinal functions. Echinacea, one of the most prominent herbs for immune system , fights viruses and infection.

Mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, different types of Vitamin B, (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin) dietary fiber and essential amino acids and are low in fat and calories. Thiamin helps in preventing beriberi and maintains appetite and growth. Niacin helps the nervous system and the GI tract.

Riboflavin, on the other hand prevents skin lesions and weight loss. There are nearly 200 species of mushrooms and medicinal mushrooms like maitake, reishi and shitake merit special mention.

There is a close relation between your physical health and state of mind. Keep your emotions under control. It may surprise you but anger, stress and emotional distress can adversely affect your immune system.

We are prone to carry unnecessary baggage of the past and hold grudges without realizing that we are holding on to negativity. Try to forget and forgive and keep yourself in a positive state of mind. If you still find it difficult, pause, look inside and consider the other side of the story. Before holding negative feelings against others, share your feelings of hurt and anger. Sleep well, a good seven to eight hours of sound sleep relaxes your body and mind alike.

Small efforts go a long way to give lots of benefits. A 30 minute walk daily or 10 minutes of brisk walking thrice a day can improve your health, reduce weight and keep your immune system in good condition. A healthy and nutritional diet is equally important.

Simply ensure that you eat at least two vegetables at every meal and you will see the difference. Replace coffee and chose a fruit drink instead. In addition, avoid junk food at all cost.

Gather as much information you can about herbal antibiotics and opt for these rather than conventional drugs to treat conditions that do not require aggressive treatments. Rampant use of antibiotics tends to make your body resistant to them, rendering them ineffective.

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