6 All Natural Ways to Strengthen your Immune System

Immune cells are positively affected by our vitamin D levels, and natural sunlight is the best source of natural vitamin D you can get. In fact, vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased frequency of infection as well as autoimmune disease.

Another great way to build your immune strength daily is through superfoods. These foods can be incorporated on a daily basis so that you are constantly improving and supporting your immunity while eating delicious foods.

Oregano oil: This oil has an extensive history of being an antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal. It can also be used topically to treat antibiotic-resistant staph infections of the skin (MRSA), as well as taken internally to combat yeast infections.

Raw garlic: This superfood has amazing antimicrobial and antiviral properties. The potent sulfur compound allicin in garlic is known to treat serious GI infections such as SIBO (small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and kill parasites and yeast infections. At the first sign of an infection, begin taking one raw garlic clove daily, or use concentrated allicin extract.

Chronic sleep deprivation, as well as disruption of the sleep-wake cycle cause an activation of the inflammatory immune response (according to Mindbodygreen.com). Lack of sleep decreases the activity of T-cells (a crucial type of immune cell) and weakens our immune response to vaccines. Studies of identical twins show that the sleep-deprived twins had increased inflammation markers, and worse immune markers. Try to allow seven to eight hours of sleep on a regular basis and avoid all-nighters. If you travel through time zones frequently, use recommended doses of melanin (2 to 3 mg) to reset your circadian rhythm.

Chronic stress can actually suppresses our immune system by releasing the hormone cortisol. Cortisol interferes with the ability of specific white blood cells (called T-cells) to proliferate, and get proper signals from our body. In addition, cortisol also lowers an important antibody called secretory IgA, which lines the respiratory tract and gut and is our first line of defense against pathogens. In fact, studies show that even a short session of meditation can increase levels of IgA and improve our immune function.

It may be obvious that there are cardiovascular, mood, and weight management benefits to regular exercise. It’s also true that moderate physical activity can improve our antibody response to infections. It’s important not to over do it; however, as chronic strenuous exercise without recovery days has linked to an increased susceptibility to infections, as well as injury. Consistency, balance, and moderation are major keys.

For both men and women, showing love to the health of your immune system on a consistent basis is not only going to prevent you from getting sick, but it will help you age more gracefully, look better, and prevent the development of diseases in years to come. Who doesn’t want all that? Comment below with ways that you strengthen your immune system! I would love to hear about how everyone is staying healthy.