A healthy Immune System can protect you from diseases and help you live a longer healthier life. Currently, with the worldwide health concern from the Coronavirus Pandemic, we are worried about our natural defense systems more than ever.
If you want to learn more about this virus and how to protect yourself against it, read our last article on our blog by clicking here.
While we can’t control the Coronavirus or other viruses and diseases, we can do things on a daily basis that naturally boost our Immune System. This will help us to remain healthy and avoid sicknesses and infections. Our bodies have amazing defense mechanisms, but we must give those systems what they need to operate at optimum levels. We will give you tips on how to naturally boost your Immune System.
How does the Immune System work?
When the body senses foreign substances, called antigens, the Immune System is in charge of getting rid of them. Your body will produce special antibodies, this protein will lock onto the antigens.
Once this happens for the first time, your body usually stores the information about that specific germ and how to fight it. This way, your body will be ready for the next time it gets infected from the same germ, bacteria or virus. There are also studies that show cannabis can have a profound impact on the human immune response system.
Natural ways to boost your Immune System
Your first line of defense is to have a healthy lifestyle. There are ways to strengthen your Immune System naturally through exercise and food.
Raw Garlic
Garlic is easily found in every cuisine in the world and it’s a must have for your health. Raw garlic has been used for centuries for its health properties including decreasing the risk of heart disease, improve mental health, and enhancing the Immune System.
Raw garlic contains compounds called alliin that when the raw garlic is crushed or chewed this compound turns into allicin. This compound converts to other sulfur-containing compounds that have been shown to boost the disease-fighting response.
How? Just cut one clove into small pieces and swallow it with water. You won’t even taste it, we promise! Take 1-3 cloves per day.
Turmeric
You may know turmeric from Indian food or curry sauces. But this bright yellow spice has also been used for many years as a natural anti-inflammatory. This spice also contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Studies have shown that Turmeric acts as an antioxidant to enhance your immune system.
How? A good way to include Turmeric into your diet is by making it one of the main spices in your cooking. There are plenty of recipes with Turmeric that you can get inspired and creative in the kitchen. Another option, if you don’t like the flavor is to take it as a dietary supplement. This method is easy and very effective, available in capsule form at most grocery stores.
Drinking plenty of water
Water helps to carry oxygen to your body cells, which ultimately supports the proper function of your systems. It helps to remove toxins and prevents them from building up, which has a negative impact on our Immune System. Every cell in your body uses water, operating under dehydration is the number one cause of break-downs in the immune system.
How? It is very easy to forget to drink water. A good trick is to always carry with you a reusable water bottle. Another good way to make yourself drink more water is by giving it a little flavor with natural fruits like lemon, strawberries or blueberries. Consume at least 1L of water each day.
Meditation
Studies have shown that Meditation, as a stress reliever, and can boost your Immune System to higher levels. Stress, on a chronic level, is not healthy. Over time, stress can knock down your immunologic health. It can increase inflammation which can lead to numerous diseases and vulnerability. There are even studies that show chronic stress can shrink the size of your brain!
How? Try meditation at home, start 5-10 minutes a day. There are many tutorials, and videos for beginners. It’s all about practice! If you have time a great practice is counting backward; start from 300 and count down to zero after one or two sessions start with 1,000 to challenge yourself further.
Sleep
Sounds easy, right? Many people these days have trouble sleeping and getting quality rest. The lack of sleep can affect negatively your Immune System. Research shows that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus.
How? Rituals before going to sleep like reading a book, drinking caffeine-free tea or aromatherapy can help. They are worth trying and nonexpensive habits.
Recent research shows that CBD may have properties that help to balance the sleep cycle, aiding your body to stay in a state of calm and relaxation while sleeping.
Does CBD help the Immune System?
The Endocannabinoid System helps to maintain and establish homeostasis, or balance, between the different systems in our bodies. Studies have found that CBD may influence your Immune System and it has anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD has anti-inflammatories properties that may support the Immune System’s inflammatory response. This prevents toxins from spreading.
All information contained in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a physician or a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health and well-being.