6 Steps to a Powerful Immune System

It is well known there are basic necessities we need for survival, such as food and drink. We are told from the time we are children that we eat food for energy, we exercise to be in shape and that herbs are nice for those who think they might help. However, these are more important than you might think - they are all elements that your body uses to build a strong immune system. Here are 6 steps to help you build your immunity…

1. Food provides far more than energy. The nutrients in food are your building blocks. These building blocks are used on a daily basis to make new cells including your white blood cells, also known as your immune cells. So when you hear the old saying to “eat a balanced diet,” this is why, to get all your necessary building blocks. In fact - this balanced diet should be explained further to include plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. And just so you know - organic produce has been shown to have up to 40% more nutrients. Eating plenty of healthy foods such as fruits and veggies will give you the building blocks your body will use to boost your immune system.
2. While healthy foods give you the building blocks needed to build a strong immune system, junk food will rob your body of these important nutrients, not leaving enough to keep you strong. This is because it takes a lot of nutrients to break down junk food and keep the harmful toxins from them in check. In fact, many of these types of foods contain chemicals that the body doesn’t recognize. If your body doesn’t know what to do with them, they can be stored in fatty tissue. This may be on a microscopic level, but over time add up. So eat “fun foods” in moderation.
3. Since many find it difficult to eat their share of fruits and veggies, fresh vegetable and fruit juice may be the way to go. In fact, it is easy to drink 10 carrots and benefit from all the nutrients found in them, but it is almost impossible to eat and digest the same. Fresh veggie juice is best for those on-the-run or who like to keep it simple.
4. Exercise not only helps to strengthen the body, but stimulates the immune system as well. It stimulates blood flow and moves the lymphatic system, which carries your immune cells. This helps the body carry out waste and carry nutrients throughout your body to where they are needed. Also, the deeper breathing carries out metabolic waste. Try walking briskly for 20-30 minutes, 4 times a week.
5. It is becoming widely known that herbs do support the body’s defense systems. Garlic in a known antibacterial, echinacea has been shown to boost the body’s immune system and a substance in goldenseal has been shown to fight infections and tumors. In fact, many pharmaceuticals are merely lab replicas of herbal compounds. But what about side effects from herbs? There really are none. What is known, however, is that by taking herbs the body may change by revving metabolism or even assimilation. In fact, this is also a side-effect of changing to a healthier diet. What you must be careful of is the body’s reaction when taking medications.
6. Cleansing your body may help clear built up waste and toxins. This can help your immune system by eliminating the excess burden of battling stored toxins on a daily basis. The body’s immune system already has a daily battle against virus, bacteria and other pathogens, no matter how often you wash your hands. So free up your immune system by cleansing your body and eliminate this excess waste.

This is a general outline of what you can do to strengthen your body and immune system. Keep in mind that healthy food and herbs alone don’t heal your body. They are the tools your body uses to build new, healthy cells to make you strong and do what your body is made to do… heal and keep you healthy.