How can you strengthen your immune system naturally. What are the most effective herbs and supplements for immune support. Which lifestyle changes can enhance your body’s defenses. Discover 12 evidence-based ways to boost immunity naturally.

Understanding the Immune System and Its Importance

The immune system is our body’s natural defense mechanism against harmful pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. A robust immune system is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing illnesses, especially during cold and flu seasons. But how exactly does the immune system work?

The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to identify and neutralize potential threats. When functioning optimally, it can efficiently combat invaders and keep us healthy. However, factors like stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep can weaken our immune defenses, making us more susceptible to infections.

Key Components of the Immune System

• White blood cells
• Antibodies
• Complement system
• Lymphatic system
• Spleen
• Bone marrow
• Thymus

Understanding these components helps us appreciate the complexity of our immune system and the importance of supporting it through natural means.

The Power of Vitamin C in Immune Support

Vitamin C is a well-known immune booster that has been studied extensively for its role in supporting the body’s defense mechanisms. This water-soluble vitamin is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits. But why is Vitamin C so crucial for immune health?

Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. It enhances the production and function of white blood cells, which are key players in fighting off infections. Additionally, Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Top Vitamin C-Rich Foods

1. Red bell peppers (contains almost 3 times as much Vitamin C as an orange)
2. Oranges and other citrus fruits
3. Broccoli
4. Spinach
5. Tomatoes

For those who find it challenging to consume enough Vitamin C through diet alone, chewable Vitamin C tablets offer a convenient alternative. These supplements provide a concentrated dose without the added sugar found in fruits.

Zinc: The Immune-Boosting Mineral

Zinc plays a crucial role in immune function, similar to Vitamin C. This essential mineral supports cellular repair and growth while enhancing immune strength. But how exactly does zinc contribute to a stronger immune system?

Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It is required for the development and function of immune cells. Research suggests that zinc can help shorten the duration of common colds when taken within 24 hours of symptom onset. This effect is particularly noticeable when zinc is consumed in lozenge or syrup form.

Natural Sources of Zinc

• Shellfish
• Meat
• Dairy products
• Nuts
• Whole grains

Incorporating these zinc-rich foods into your diet can help support your immune system naturally. For those with dietary restrictions, zinc supplements are widely available and can be an effective alternative.

Elderberry: Nature’s Immune-Boosting Berry

Elderberry, a dark purple berry from the Sambucus tree, has gained popularity as a natural remedy for immune support. While research is ongoing, preliminary studies suggest promising benefits. How effective is elderberry in boosting immune function?

Some studies indicate that elderberry may help reduce the duration of flu and common cold symptoms by up to four days. This potential benefit is attributed to the berry’s high content of Vitamin C, flavonols, and anthocyanins – compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Ways to Consume Elderberry

1. Elderberry syrup
2. Lozenges
3. Teas
4. Supplements

While elderberry supplements are widely available in stores, seeking out a local herbalist who prepares fresh elderberry syrup may provide the highest potency and quality. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Ginger: A Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Ginger, a popular spice used in cuisines worldwide, is renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make ginger an excellent ally in supporting immune function. But how does ginger contribute to a stronger immune system?

The anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger help the immune system fend off bacteria and viruses more effectively. By reducing inflammation in the body, ginger creates an environment less hospitable to pathogens, potentially reducing the risk of infections.

Incorporating Ginger into Your Diet

• Add fresh ginger to smoothies
• Steep ginger in hot water to make tea
• Use ginger in cooking savory dishes
• Take ginger supplements in tablet form
• Try ginger-infused drinks

The versatility of ginger makes it easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Whether you prefer the fresh root or convenient supplement forms, regular consumption of ginger can contribute to overall immune health.

Echinacea: Stimulating White Blood Cell Activity

Echinacea, a flowering plant native to North America, has long been used in traditional medicine for its immune-boosting properties. Scientific evidence suggests that Echinacea may indeed have a positive impact on immune function. How does Echinacea support the immune system?

Studies indicate that Echinacea may stimulate the activity of white blood cells, key components of the immune system responsible for fighting off infections. Some research also suggests that Echinacea could help speed up recovery time after a cold and potentially prevent its onset.

Forms of Echinacea Supplements

1. Tinctures
2. Lozenges
3. Tablets
4. Teas

Echinacea can be used regularly to help strengthen the immune system. However, as with any supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new regimen, especially if you have allergies or autoimmune conditions.

The Role of Exercise in Immune Function

Regular physical activity is not only beneficial for cardiovascular health and weight management but also plays a crucial role in supporting immune function. How does exercise contribute to a stronger immune system?

Moderate, regular exercise can boost the immune system by promoting good circulation, which allows immune cells and substances to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently. Additionally, exercise may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways, reducing the chance of getting a cold, flu, or other illness.

Immune-Boosting Exercises

• Brisk walking
• Jogging
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Tai Chi
• Yoga

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Remember, consistency is key – regular, moderate exercise is more beneficial for immune function than occasional intense workouts.

The Impact of Sleep on Immune Health

Quality sleep is essential for overall health and plays a vital role in maintaining a robust immune system. During sleep, our bodies produce and release cytokines, a type of protein that targets infection and inflammation. How does sleep deprivation affect immune function?

Lack of sleep can decrease the production of these protective cytokines and infection-fighting antibodies. This reduction in immune defenses can make us more susceptible to illnesses. Moreover, chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, all of which can impact immune health.

Tips for Better Sleep

1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine
3. Limit exposure to blue light before bed
4. Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool
5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support optimal immune function. If you’re having trouble sleeping, consider consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Stress Management for Immune Support

Chronic stress can have a significant negative impact on immune function. When we’re stressed, the body produces stress hormones like cortisol, which can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system. How can managing stress boost immunity?

Effective stress management can help maintain a balance of immune cell function. By reducing stress levels, we can potentially decrease our susceptibility to infections and improve overall health. Additionally, stress reduction techniques can promote better sleep and encourage healthier lifestyle choices, further supporting immune function.

Stress-Reducing Techniques

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga
• Mindfulness practices
• Regular exercise
• Engaging in hobbies

Incorporating these stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can help support your immune system and overall well-being. Remember, what works best can vary from person to person, so explore different methods to find what suits you.

Hydration and Its Role in Immune Health

Proper hydration is crucial for overall health and plays a significant role in supporting immune function. Water helps carry oxygen to cells, remove toxins and waste products from the body, and transport nutrients to where they’re needed. How does staying hydrated boost immunity?

Adequate hydration supports the production of lymph, a fluid that circulates white blood cells and nutrients throughout the body. When we’re dehydrated, lymph moves more slowly, potentially impacting the efficiency of our immune response. Moreover, staying hydrated can help maintain the health of mucous membranes, which act as a barrier against pathogens.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

1. Drink water throughout the day
2. Consume hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables
3. Limit intake of dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine
4. Use a reusable water bottle as a reminder to drink regularly
5. Set reminders on your phone to drink water

While individual needs may vary, aim for about 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day. Remember, you may need more in hot weather or during physical activity.

The Gut-Immune Connection: Probiotics and Immunity

The health of our gut microbiome plays a crucial role in our overall immune function. A significant portion of our immune system resides in our gut, making the balance of beneficial bacteria essential for robust immunity. How do probiotics support immune health?

Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, help maintain a healthy balance in our gut microbiome. This balance supports the gut barrier function, preventing harmful pathogens from entering the bloodstream. Additionally, probiotics can stimulate the production of natural antibodies and boost immune cells like IgA-producing cells, T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells.

Probiotic-Rich Foods

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Miso
• Tempeh

Incorporating these probiotic-rich foods into your diet can help support your gut health and, by extension, your immune system. For those who have difficulty consuming these foods, probiotic supplements are also available. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

The Power of Antioxidants in Immune Support

Antioxidants play a crucial role in supporting immune function by protecting our cells from damage caused by free radicals. These harmful molecules can weaken our immune system and make us more susceptible to infections. How do antioxidants boost our immunity?

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in the body. This protection allows our immune cells to function more effectively. Moreover, many antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which can further support immune health by reducing chronic inflammation that can suppress immune function.

Top Antioxidant-Rich Foods

1. Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
2. Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
3. Nuts and seeds
4. Dark chocolate
5. Green tea
6. Garlic
7. Turmeric

Incorporating a variety of these antioxidant-rich foods into your diet can provide comprehensive support for your immune system. Remember, a diverse diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to obtaining a wide range of beneficial antioxidants.

5 natural remedies to help boost your immune system during winter

Now
more than ever we are taking a closer look at our health and ways to avoid
sickness. Below are a few natural remedies to incorporate into your daily
routine to help strengthen your immunity during flu and cold season.

1. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin found naturally in vegetables and fruits, especially oranges and other citrus fruits. If you want to avoid the sugar from fruit, chewable Vitamin C tablets make it easy to get in your daily dose without any prep or sugar. You can also incorporate more Vitamin C rich vegetables into your diet. Red bell peppers contain almost 3 times as much vitamin C as an orange. Some other foods high in Vitamin C are broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes.
2. Zinc is a powerful mineral that plays a similar role to vitamin C in that it helps cellular repair and growth, as well as immune strength. Evidence suggests that if zinc lozenges or syrup are taken within 24 hours after cold symptoms start, the supplement can help shorten the length of colds. Zinc is also found naturally in shellfish, meat, dairy products, nuts and whole grains.
3. Elderberries are still being researched, but some studies suggest this dark purple berry may help reduce flu and common cold symptoms by four days. Not only is the berry high in Vitamin C, but also rich in Flavonols and Anthocyanins which are anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. You can find elderberry supplements at most any grocery store in the form of a lozenge or a syrup but to ensure you’re getting the highest value properties of the elderflower, see if you have a local herbalist in your area who makes fresh & potent elderberry syrup.
4. Ginger is full of anti-inflammatory properties that help the immune system fend off bacteria and viruses. There are a couple ways to take ginger. Try adding fresh ginger to your smoothie or steep into hot water with your favorite tea. It is also available in tablets or drinks.
5. Echinacea There is some scientific evidence that indicates Echinacea affects our immune system by stimulating the activity of white blood cells. Some of these studies also report Echinacea can help speed up recovery time after a cold as well as prevent its onset. Echinacea can also be used on a regular basis to help strengthen the immune system and is available in a tincture, lozenges or as tablets.

This
article is for general information and should not be relied on as medical
advice. Check with a medical professional for medical advice.

12 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Home treatments and natural remedies can help us take charge of our day-to-day health and boost immunity during the season of colds, the flu and sniffles.

When it’s chilly and rainy outside, and cold and flu season is at its height, it’s time to pull out all the stops to keep our families in good health and tiptop shape. Regular doctor visits and appropriate seasonal vaccines are, of course, a must. But when it comes to easing the sniffles and preventing illness on a day-to-day basis, many of us turn to the content of our medicine cabinets — or our kitchens. However, there are several natural treatments that not only help us feel better, but have also been proven to help boost the immune system. Learn more.

The Benefits of Natural Remedies for Seniors

Those of us with senior loved ones are well aware that dietary needs, physical abilities and immunity itself all change with age. The immune response tends to get weaker, making vaccines less effective and infections more likely. Diet — specifically, getting the right nutrients — is one of the keys to maintaining immune health, but there are numerous other little steps we can take at home to boost immunity in ourselves and our families.

Herbal teas, dietary supplements and even some types of gentle exercise like tai chi fall under the category of naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine. Using therapies both traditional and modern, “Practitioners view their role as supporting the body’s ability to maintain and restore health, and prefer to use treatment approaches they consider to be the most natural and least invasive,” says the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Introduced with care and attention, naturopathic remedies can empower us to take charge of our own health and help us boost our immune systems to prevent illness and promote well-being.

Remember that consultation with a qualified physician is always the best route to take before implementing any major changes to the daily routine, particularly with herbal medicines or other dietary interventions that may have unexpected interactions with traditional medications.

How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally

According to Harvard Medical School, in order to function well, our immune systems require balance and harmony. Here are several ways to promote that balance through diet, exercise, supplements and other healthy-living strategies.

1. Remember your A-B-C-D-Es. A lack of micronutrients — i.e., vitamins — has been linked to reduced immunity. Taking a multivitamin supplement, along with eating a healthy diet rich in natural sources of nutrients, boosts overall health as well as the immune system. In particular, vitamins A, B2, B6, C, D and E have been studied in relation to immune response, and seem to play a key role in helping us avoid illness.

2. Get some sun. Spending some time in natural light is one of the key ways our bodies manufacture vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a role in helping our immune systems produce antibodies; low levels of vitamin D, on the other hand, have been correlated with a higher risk of respiratory infection.

3. Open your mouth and say “om.” While the physical effects of stress are still being studied by scientists, studies have so far proven that chronic stress can lead to a variety of negative effects on physical and emotional well-being, including a reduced immune response. Stress-reducing practices like meditation, massage, and even music can help us relax and improve our immune function.

4. Try turmeric. The bright orange-yellow spice that gives curries a distinct flavor and mustard its color also has anti-inflammatory properties, and there is increasing evidence that it helps prevent illness, too. Particularly relevant for seniors, extracts of turmeric seem to play a role in preventing cancer, slowing Alzheimer’s, and alleviating arthritis pain.

5. Run a relaxing bath. A nice hot bath, with Epsom salt or relaxing aromatherapy scents, can go a long way toward reducing our stress — and making us sleepy. Sleep is one of the key ways our bodies repair themselves, and sleep deprivation, reports Mother Earth News, “activates the stress response, depresses immune function and elevates inflammatory chemicals.”

6. Eat more vegetables. Vegetables, as well as fruits, nuts, and seeds, are loaded with nutrients that we need to keep our immune systems in top health. In particular, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and broccoli help support liver function, a key part of our bodies’ natural detoxification process.

7. Micromanage your minerals. In addition to a range of vitamins, it is important to get enough — but not too much — of key minerals that are important to daily health. Selenium, according to Harvard Medical School, may help prevent cancer, and zinc is a critical ingredient for the proper function of our immune cells. However, experts caution that too much zinc can actually impair immune function, so it’s important to stick to the recommended daily allowance.

8. Make room for ‘shrooms. Certain types of mushrooms, particularly Japanese mushrooms like shiitake, maitake, and oyster mushrooms, have recently been shown to help support the production of immune cells. They’re also loaded with antioxidants.

9. Try herbal remedies. Scientists are still studying the effectiveness of many herbal supplements traditionally used as health boosters, like echinacea and ginseng, but whether or not they have a measurable effect on the immune system, a soothing tea can help with relaxation, sleep, and stress reduction. Of course, you should always talk to a doctor before making herbal treatments a regular part of your arsenal.

10. Spice up your cooking. Pungent but tasty garlic and ginger are both delicious, immune-boosting additions to the family diet. Raw garlic in particular contains antimicrobial and cancer-fighting agents, and ginger has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat nausea, colds, and flu symptoms.

11. Keep on moving. Regular exercise contributes to our overall health in numerous ways, and a healthy body means a smoothly functioning immune system. Some forms of exercise, like tai chi and yoga, are also particularly suited for reducing stress and improving the strength, balance and flexibility that we often lose as we age.

12. Consider taking probiotics. Probiotics, or “good” bacteria, are not only an important part of a healthy digestive process but also our immune systems, though scientists are still studying exactly how and why this happens. A study on athletes found that probiotic supplements helped prevent and combat colds, but you can also get probiotics from naturally fermented food sources, like yogurt and kimchi.

Boosting your family’s immunity doesn’t have to be a chore — in fact, it can be delicious, relaxing, and fun. Just make sure to consult a doctor before beginning any major changes to your regimen, and don’t forget those medical tests and flu shots, especially for senior loved ones.

What’s your favorite immune-boosting home remedy? Share your tea recipes, go-to stress busters, and sure-fire strategies in the comments.  

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How to Boost Your Immune System with 7 Foods & Home Remedies

With the fall season in full force and the transition to cooler days and nights, it is an important time of year to keep your immune system strong. As you likely have experienced, seasonal transitions, especially summer turning to fall, can put a little extra strain on your immune system.

There are many ways to help keep your body strong and vital. Many of the practices and remedies listed below will remind you that taking care of your health (and immune system) can be simple and effective.

1. Immune-Boosting Vitamins and Minerals

While it is important to include a wide array of vitamins and minerals in your diet to ensure you get ample phytonutrients and antioxidants, there are a couple of superstars in the immunity world.

Vitamin C

You may have heard of Linus Pauling, the scientist who in the 1970s claimed that taking high doses of vitamins could prevent colds. While many in the medical community rejected his claim (which he based on a single placebo-controlled study of schoolchildren), in the past few decades, a growing body of research has shown that vitamin C is, in fact, important to the health of your immune function.

You can boost your intake of vitamin C by eating more vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C—such as peppers, spinach, kiwi, broccoli, grapefruit, strawberries, and oranges. You may also want to take a vitamin C supplement to boost your intake of this vitamin.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that has been shown to be essential for immune function. In fact, some studies have found that patients with zinc deficiency (a prevalent condition in the developing world) developed severe immune dysfunctions over time. Adding more zinc to your immune-boosting repertoire is important in keeping your immune system at its best.

There are many ways to increase your zinc intake. Eating foods high in zinc is always a good option. Try including more zinc-rich foods such as chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, cashews, oysters, oats, and yogurt. Want an extra boost of zinc? Talk to your healthcare practitioner about a dietary zinc supplement.

2. Garlic

Garlic has a variety of strong immune-boosting properties. It is antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial. One study found that a group of participants who took a garlic supplement had significantly fewer colds than the control group who didn’t take the supplement. Those taking the garlic supplement were also able to recover more quickly than the control group when they did catch a cold. Garlic is also known for its potent antioxidant levels.

One way to get the benefits of garlic is to take a garlic supplement that contains allicin, a primary bioactive component of this pungent member of the onion family. You can also enjoy garlic in a variety of recipes.

Garlic soup is a delicious way to boost your immune system. The recipe below calls for five to six whole heads of garlic—and that may sound like a lot—but the medley of ingredients in this soup creates a balanced blend of flavors. You may find yourself quickly developing a love for this potent immune enhancer.

Ingredients:

• 5–6 whole heads of garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter or ghee
• 2 onions sliced
• 32 ounces of broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 2 cups milk of choice
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Sea salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 (F). Halve the heads of garlic across the cloves (do not peel). Pour the olive oil into a baking dish and place the garlic head halves cut side down on the dish. Cover to roast for approximately one hour or until garlic cloves are fragrant and starting to brown.

While garlic is roasting, melt butter in a large pot and add sliced onions. Sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly until onions are translucent. Add the herbs, salt, and pepper and sauté for 2 minutes.

Let garlic cloves cool slightly, then carefully pick up the shell of the garlic heads. Add peeled garlic cloves to the onion mixture in the pot.

Add broth. Simmer for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add milk of choice. Blend the soup until smooth. Serve warm.

Serves 4

3. Lemon Ginger Tea

Lemon ginger tea is a simple, soothing, and effective immune booster that you can make in just a few minutes. Ginger is known for its medicinal properties, including a high level of antioxidants and antimicrobial elements. Research shows that ginger is a highly antimicrobial food.

Lemons contain high levels of vitamin C and also have strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, all of which will enhance your immunity and ward off illness.

In short, a warm cup of lemon ginger tea is an effective (and tasty) way to boost your immune system and keep you feeling healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 inch of fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 ounces organic lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon raw honey (optional)
• 4 cups of filtered water

Directions:

Grate the ginger and place into a pot with filtered water. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the fresh lemon juice and honey. Mix well and serve in your favorite mug.

Serves 2

4. Chicken Vegetable Soup with Bone Broth

Chicken soup is an age-old remedy for a good reason: the combination of rich and hearty bone broth, nutrient-rich vegetables, and healing herbs and spices help to nourish your body and boost your immunity.

Bone broth is a powerful tonic made from simmering bones to brew up a tasty and nourishing broth. Add a variety of colorful vegetables—such as garlic, leeks, carrots, celery—and leafy greens such as kale—to ensure you are boosting your vitamin C and antioxidant levels, both important factors in a strong immune system.

Here is a simple recipe for chicken soup for you to try. Or if you have a family recipe for chicken soup, perhaps one that has been passed down for generations, make a batch and prepare to nourish your body and your soul.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of organic chicken
• 32 ounces (4 cups) bone broth (premade or homemade)
• 1 yellow onion
• 4 carrots
• 4 stalks celery
• 2 leeks
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups leafy greens of choice
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup avocado oil
• Optional herbs: oregano, ginger, basil, thyme

Directions:

Place the bones and chicken into a large pot. Cover with 32 ounces of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and reduce to a low simmer for about 4–24 hours, adding extra water if needed. Skim any top layer of fat off as necessary.

Remove bones and chicken with a slotted spoon and cool.

In a separate pan, sauté onion, garlic, leeks, carrots, and celery in avocado oil until the onion is translucent and aromatic. Add in salt, pepper, and optional herbs and stir. Pour into bone broth, add the deboned chicken back in, and simmer.

Once the soup has simmered for an hour or so, add in the leafy greens just before serving, so they wilt but you preserve their bright green color. Taste, and salt again if needed. Serve warm.

Serves 4

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5. Herbal Infusions

Herbal infusions can help prevent you from getting sick, or shorten the duration and intensity of your symptoms when you do come down with a cold or flu. Here are a few immune-boosting herbs to know about, as well as a few tips to brew up your herbal infusions at home.

• Elderberry is a dark violet berry containing immune-boosting benefits. Research shows that elderberry can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold.
• Echinacea is a pretty purple flower grown primarily in North America. When used medicinally, it can help decrease the duration and severity of colds and other upper respiratory infections when taken at the onset of symptoms.
• Osha root (Ligusticum porteri) is an herb that has long been used by Native Americans for a variety of ailments. Recent research has found that osha root may boost immunity while also protecting cells from oxidative damage.

How to brew:

First, choose quality bulk herbs. If you do not have a local apothecary, you can order them online. Use primarily leaves, flowers, or finely chopped stems and roots. Start with approximately one tablespoon of herbs to one cup of water. Using purified water, place 4 tablespoons of herbs, covered fully in a pot with 4 cups of water. To ensure you steep a potent herbal infusion, keep the lid on while simmering, stirring the herbs occasionally. For optimal benefits, steep medicinal herbs for approximately 15–20 minutes. Strain well and drink. You can store any leftovers in a glass jar in the refrigerator. For optimal potency, keep the herbal infusion for no more than 24 hours.

Serves 2

6. Wild Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been enjoyed for their many health benefits and tasty flavors for centuries. Mushrooms are a fungus, known for their powerful nutrient density and immune-boosting properties.

Wild mushrooms are mushrooms that grow in the wild and are most often harvested by local mushroom experts in a process known as “mushroom hunting.” Similar to most wild food, wild mushrooms are said to be more nutrient-dense than regular mushrooms. However, since wild mushrooms can contain dangerous levels of poisons, only eat wild mushrooms if they have been harvested or certified by an expert.

Here are some potent wild mushroom varieties that can boost your immune system:

How to prepare:

Eating wild mushrooms can be easy and delicious. Try adding medicinal mushrooms to your favorite stir-fry, blending them into a soup or stew, or roasting them in the oven with a gentle coating of olive oil and salt. For a potent source of mushrooms to boost your immunity, consider taking a dietary supplement of a wild mushroom blend.

7. Probiotics

Probiotics are live strains of healthy bacteria and yeast that are good for your digestive tract, microbiome, and immune system. Research shows that probiotics enhance your immune function through supporting a healthy and strong intestinal lining, keeping the bad bacteria from entering the bloodstream and, therefore, supporting the overall health of the immune system.

You can get plenty of probiotics from your diet by eating a wide array of fermented foods—such as yogurt, cultured vegetables, miso, and apple cider vinegar. Or explore a potent probiotic supplement to ensure your levels are abundant.

There are many ways to enhance your immune system and stay healthy all season long. In addition to the recipes and immune enhancers described above, here are two more keys to staying healthy and strong:

1. Manage your stress level.
2. Get enough sleep.

Both sleep and stress management are foundational for a healthy body and mind. Try these daily practices to ensure your stress is low and your rest is deep:

• Meditate. Meditation has been shown to relax the nervous system and decrease symptoms of stress.
• Take a warm bath. By increasing the body temperature in a warm bath, your body relaxes more easily, helping you fall asleep at bedtime.
• Get some extra sleep. Studies show a good night’s sleep can increase the immune response in your system.
• Diffuse essential oil of lavender in your room. Aromatherapy can set the tone for relaxation and deeper rest.

Feeding your body immune-boosting ingredients, minimizing stress, and getting deep rest can help prevent those unwanted sick days—allowing you to feel healthy and ready to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.

*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.

Six Ways to Boost Your Immune System Naturally Before You Get Sick

It’s winter, and the flu and cold season is here to stay for a while. Many of us have a few tricks up our sleeves for dealing with illness when it hits. But what can we do to stay healthy in the first place? Here are six things you can do to help boost your immunity naturally:

1.

Drink plenty of fluids

Water is the best. Many of us have heard that we should drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water per day. That can be hard to do. Instead, try drinking a glass of water when you wake up to start your day off right. Your body is dehydrated from sleeping, so this is a great way to remedy that immediately. Another tip: If you like warm drinks in the winter, try non-caffeinated teas, which you can include in your daily water tally.

2. Exercise regularly

We often think of exercise as a way to prevent chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and high blood pressure, or as a way to keep weight in control. But exercise also can contribute to general good health including a healthy immune system. Exercise can promote good blood circulation, which allows your cells and substances of the immune system to move through your body freely to do their job efficiently.

3. Stress less

Stress drains your ability to stay strong. If you have big or little stressors daily, your system is constantly pushed to overcome that stress. One way I de-stress is by giving myself time for “self-care.” This means different things for different people, but essentially it’s doing things that “refill your tank.” I like to read a good book, get a massage or exercise. Even singing or prayer can lift me up.

4. Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep is a regenerative process for your body. When you are sleep deprived your natural immune cells, or T cells, go down, and inflammatory cytokines (inflammation cells) go up. That means good sleep results in strengthening your immunity.

5. Eat foods with probiotics

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations defines probiotics as “live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit.” Research shows that probiotics are some of the best foods to boost immunity. Include regularly eating fermented and cultured foods that contain probiotics (look for “live active cultures” on the label). Some foods that contain probiotics are:

• unpasteurized sauerkraut and kimchi
• cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir (a thick, creamy and drinkable yogurt), lassi (an Indian drink made from a yogurt or buttermilk base with water) and leban (a liquid or semisolid food made from curdled milk
• tofu, miso, natto (fermented soybeans), shoyu or tamari (types of Japanese soy sauce) and tempeh (an Indonesian dish made from fermented soybeans)
• kombucha (fermented, lightly sweetened black or green tea drink) and kvass (traditional Slavic and Baltic fermented beverage commonly made from rye bread)

If you haven’t tried probiotic foods before, the flavors can be strong, so you may want to start with a little at a time. Even a teaspoon or so a day can help you develop a taste for these beneficial foods. If you want to explore taking a probiotic supplement, talk to your health provider. There are a variety of options available in the vitamin section of natural food stores.

6. Eat a well-balanced diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep you well. Eat a rainbow of vegetables and fruits daily to ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients. Lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, like brown rice and quinoa, are also part of a healthy diet. Minimize processed foods, sugar and beverages that have no nutrients, like pop.

Although it can be challenging to do all of these things on an ongoing basis, do as much as you can. Consistently taking good care of yourself is the best way to support your overall health and immunity.

11 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

A healthy body is dependent on a strong immune system. Rather than just strengthening our immune system we want to train our immune system to do it’s job correctly. Today I am sharing just some of my favorite natural tips for supporting and building a strong immune system that have worked for me. Here are 11 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System…

11 Natural Tips to Boost Your Immune System

Simple, holistic tips to fight illness and strengthen your immunity PLUS what you can do if you do get sick, to fight it quickly.

Go With Your Gut

I can tell you from personal experience that the very best way to ward off chronic illness, colds, flus, infections, allergies, food sensitivities and controlling / avoiding autoimmune disease is to heal and strengthen the gut! With 70-80% of our immune system’s cells occupying our gut, this is home base for our vitality and wellness. Our gut bacteria helps the immune system’s T cells develop—teaching them the difference between a foreign substance and the body’s own tissues. Without these important immune soldiers doing their job to protect us, the nasties get in, they slip by the troops, invade, wage war, take over and it’s not fun!

With years of comprised digestion, intestinal bacterial overgrowth and finally being diagnosed with a parasite, I personally spent a solid decade to 15 years, getting terrible sinus infections, several times a year, every year, most times it then eventually evolved into bronchitis and upper respiratory infections. I got every single strain of every cold, flu and stomach bug that passed through town – I even battled the Swine Flu when that was a thing. On top of all of that, I suffered for many, many years with a variety of environmental allergies – ALL of this stopped when I finally healed my gut and prioritized proper digestion. It’s magical really. But, it’s not. It’s simple.

As you’ll hear echoed many times throughout this article, and if you spend more than about 5 minutes chatting with me at any given time, our gut is vital to our immune health and it’s the control center for our bodies to decide what is friend and what is foe. I highly encourage you to prioritize optimizing your gut, both for the cold and flu season ahead, as well as the future of your overall health and wellness. If you want to learn more about how to heal your gut – GRAB THE FREE GUT HEALTH 101 GUIDE BOOK

Along with tips for strengthening and healing your gut, here are some tips to Naturally Boost Your Immune System:

1. Avoid Sugar.

   Regular consumption of sugar can weaken your immune system enough to impair it’s ability to fight off infections. Sugar is a major disruptor and destroyer of our immune system, it also becomes food for the nasty bugs that make us sick. Flooding the blood with sugar can temporarily impair the functions of white blood cells even in the healthiest of people.Additionally, Vitamin C (a powerful ally for immune function as it is used by the cells of your immune system to carry out their attacks on pathogenic microbes) and glucose have similar molecular structures and chemical makeups.  Because refined dietary sugars lack vitamins and minerals, they naturally draw upon the body’s micronutrient stores in order to be successfully metabolized by the body. What mediates the entry of Vitamin C into white blood cells is the same thing that mediates the entry of glucose. As such, both molecules end up competing against one another upon entering the cells. Thus, the more sugar that becomes available for uptake in the body, the less Vitamin C that is allowed into the white blood cells.

2. Eat a Nutrient Dense Whole Food Diet and Stock Up on Veggies, Especially the Fiber-Rich Ones.

   Vegetables are a really great source of prebiotic fiber, which feeds the healthy bacteria in our intestines, which is where 70-80% of our immune system actually lives. (Garlic, onions, asparagus, avocados and leeks are all wonderful sources of prebiotic fiber) Additionally, a nutrient-dense whole food diet full of a variety of vegetables, fruit and quality animals fats and proteins will be abundant in a variety of immune-supporting vitamins, like Vitamins A, B6 (+ other B vitamins), C, D and E along with important minerals like selenium, zinc, iron, copper – along with many others. Unlike many synthetic supplements boasting high levels of nutrients, mother nature generally creates whole foods to perfectly contain ALL the necessary cofactors needed to help us adequately assimilate these whole food nutrients for maximum benefits. Always opt for wholes food  first, instead of or in addition to supplementation. (I personally also suggest experimenting with eliminating common gut-irritating foods, like grains/gluten, dairy, legumes, etc while you work to heal your gut)

3. Eat Mindfully and Prioritize Good Digestion.

   By prioritizing good digestion you are ensuring that your gut is adequately doing it’s job in assimilating all the appropriate nutrients from your food necessary for promoting good immune function. A good working digestive system means a stomach that is producing ample amounts of hydrochloric acid, which this one aspect alone plays a crucial role in protecting the body from foreign invaders. I cannot stress enough just how dependent a solid working immune system is on healthy, properly functioning digestive system! Check out my 5-part, in-depth series Digestion 101 to learn exactly how you optimize your digestion and follow these 5 Super Simple Mealtime Tips to Improve Digestion. You may also want to consider experimenting with fasting, which has shown to provide great benefits to immune functions, including regenerating damaged cells (look for a more in-depth post on this soon).

4. Get Lots of Sleep.

   Sleep is crucial to all ongoing, vital processes, but it’s especially important when we are healing and warding off the nasties. Our body repairs and rebuilds itself while we sleep. The more fatigued we are the more susceptible we are to illness. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night to avoid fatigue and immune suppression.

5. Catch Some Rays and Get Your D.

   Vitamin D acts more as a pro-hormone than a vitamin and effects hormone balance and immune regulation of the body. Vitamin D is involved in making hundreds of enzymes and proteins, crucial for preserving health and preventing disease. It has the ability to interact and affect more than 2,000 genes in the body. It enhances muscle strength and builds bone. It has anti-inflammatory effects and bolsters the immune system. It helps the action of insulin and has anti-cancer activity. The best way to get more Vitamin D is through safe sun exposure in small, controlled increments of time. The key, however,cis balance, as over exposure to the sun, as we all know, can obviously have detrimental consequences to our health. Obviously this can be hard in the winter months, depending on where you are located. But know, that often just 20 minutes a day, will do ya.

   Vitamin D is also present in various foods, like cod liver oil, sardines, salmon and mackerel to name a few, but with only about 10% of our vitamin D requirements coming from food, it’s really difficult to get the full necessary amounts strictly from food. Supplementation is absolutely possible, but can get a little more tricky. It’s important to supplement with D3 not D2, however there are many, many other co-factors to consider with supplementation of vitamin D (vitamins A and K, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, just to name a few) and you also want to be careful not too over supplement with D. Best to work with your healthcare practitioner and utilize lab testing to check blood levels, so you can custom tailor your dosage to your individualized needs. Read more about vitamin D, sun exposure and supplementation here, here and here.

6. Minimize Stress and Find Time for Self-Care.

   Stress has so many faces. Of course work and life stress of the common variety are what we think of when we think of stress traditionally, but too, the body also perceives food intolerances and allergies as stressors on the body, along with exposure to toxins and other environmental factors. Excessive and obsessive exercise can also cause stress in the body. Whenever we are stressed, no matter what the cause, we are engaging the sympathetic nervous system aka Fight or Flight Mode, and our body then releases cortisol, a powerful anti-inflammatory that has value to short-term survival, which is what our bodies perceives to be necessary whenever we are stressed.

   Excessive production of cortisol however, can leave our adrenals depleted and leave us in a weakened state. Cortisol, the active stress hormone, clamps down immune function (along with the digestive and reproductive systems) by shutting it down, this is to prioritize stress management and keeping us alive and safe.  Cortisol also lowers an important antibody called secretory IgA, which lines the respiratory tract and gut and is our first line of defense against invading pathogens. Incorporating stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, calming baths, exercise, self-care practices and anything else that allows you to relax can all be helpful in mitigating the damaging effects of stress, especially on our immune system. Here are my 10 simple ways to practice self-care, guaranteed to reduce stress.

7. Get Ample Quality, Healthy Fats.

   Healthy fatty acids play an important role in the inflammatory process in the body. While inflammation often gets a bad wrap, it’s important to note that it’s the balance of the body’s ability to inflame and anti-inflame that’s of most importance. Inflammation, when doing it’s job correctly, serves an important role in our bodies, especially within the immune system. The purpose of inflammation and why we even have the ability to do it at all, is healing. The immune system creates heat to kill infection. It creates swelling to contain said infection, and then deliver healing nutrients to the area. The extra fluids also get released (pus, mucus, ahem BOOOOGERS and snots – OH MY) to eliminate the dead organisms. The pain and immobility that results with acute with inflammation, this forces rest, so the body can slow down enough to adequately heal.

   Quality fats are precursors to prostaglandins, which are the hormone-like substances that allow the body to inflame and anti-inflame, as needed. And once again, digestion HAS to be working properly so that our body can properly emulsify fat to assimilate and utilize it, as needed. It’s the balance of these two abilities that keeps us fighting disease and illness. Read more here about the importance of fats.  It’s really important to note that by incorporating a variety of healthy fats, we are fueling our body’s ability to do it’s job. If an excess of bad fats and oils are consumed on a regular basis, this triggers constant inflammation and disease WILL prevail. 
   
   A note on why we want to reduce excess inflammation: it is the long term, chronic and constant inflammation and imbalance of  inflamed vs anti-inflamed that is pathological and related to most chronic illnesses, like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, etc.

8. Consume Bone Broth.

   Bone broth is rich in so many key nutrients responsible for boosting your immune function and helpful in healing your gut, which as we already discussed is where a good majority of our immune system lives. Bone broth is rich in gelatin, collagen, and amino acids which tend to the gut, improve wound healing, and help support the health of individual immune cells such as lymphocytes. Make your own bone broth from high-quality grass-fed bones to reap the full potential nutritional and healing benefits. Learn how-to make bone broth and all about it’s many benefits here.

9. Move That Bod.

   Movement and adequate daily exercise is an important factor in building a strong and healthy immune system along with improved cardiovascular health, moods and weight management. While it’s not fully understood why, it may be that exercise contributes by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently along with improving our antibody response to infection.  Exercise can also boost your body’s feel-good chemicals that will help you sleep better. Which is also great for the immune system, as you read above. Go for a walk, lift weights at the gym, do yoga, run, dance – find something that you love that can be part of your regular routine. If you can feel that your immune system is working to fight something off, be sure to reduce your output and opt for exercise / movement that is more restorative and not stressful to the body.

10. Include Probiotics.

    Preferably from probiotic-rich fermented foods or a quality probiotic supplement that has a broad array of bacteria species. While I may sound like a broken record, with up to 80% of our immune system living in our gut, anything we can do to support it should be done, always. Making sure the good bacteria beats out the bad is of high importance, especially when we are hoping to boost our immune function. Besides feeding the good guys with quality prebiotic fiber, as mentioned above, we can also introduce more of those healthy bacteria warriors with quality fermented foods like sauerkraut, kvass, kefir, yogurt, preserved lemons, kimchi and more.

    Try to include quality fermented foods at least once a day and if you can’t, opt then for a high quality probiotic supplement you can trust. There are many strains of probiotic bacteria out there and while our individualistic needs and deficiencies can vary from person to person, the best place to start when taking a probiotic supplement is to look for Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, two of the most important strains of bacteria that populate our gut from birth have been shown to positively affect our immune health. I always suggest looking for a probiotic that has at least 30 to 50 billion colonies and at least eight strains of bacteria. Double this dose if you’re coming down with a cold or have to take antibiotics. You may also want to investigate a spore-based probiotic, which help improve your intestinal barrier function, which also influences your immune function.

11. Consider Incorporating Immune Supporting / Boosting and Anti-Viral Herbs and other Supplements:

    • Elderberry*
    • Ginger – even just a simple mug of fresh ginger tea made from fresh ginger and hot water a few times a day, will do ya.
    • Turmeric – my golden milk or golden bone broth latte are both great options
    • Echinachea* 
    • Oil of Oregano 
    • Garlic – load up those soups
    • Colloidol Silver 
    • Astralagus* 
    • Cordyceps*
    • Rhodiola*

    For more information on building your immunity and protecting yourself with broad-spectrum herbal treatments, this book Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging & Resistant Viral Infections is a really great resource.

    Always check for contraindications or allergies when starting a new herbal or supplement remedy of any kind and if you begin to feel worse, or get any new symptoms, it’s best to stop use and check with a doctor before continuing. Beyond garlic, ginger and turmeric, it is not advised to consume immune boosting/supportive botanicals over long extended periods of time, without working with a professional.

    * Whenever incorporating any “immune boosting” botanicals, herbs and supplements, people with autoimmune diseases that involve an overactive immune response should exercise caution and speak with their health-care practitioner before using them.

Additional Immune Boosting Tips:

• Don’t smoke.
• Only consume alcohol in moderation.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners.
• Avoid vegetable oils.
• Reduce your exposure to toxins, destructive and unhealthy habits and any other stressors to the body.
• Wash your hands, especially when you are out and about in the world during cold and flu season.

SO, YOU GOT SICK – NOW WHAT DO YOU DO?

If you do catch a little something this winter, don’t stress, if you’re immune system is in tip top shape, you should fight it super quickly and be back to yourself in no time. In fact, getting minor illnesses are a sign things are working. The symptoms you experience when exposed to illness and bugs, this is a sign your immune system is doing it’s job and working. It’s all about how quick and effective your immune system is at fighting the sickness.  Follow the above rules and really put a strong focus on lots of rest, de-stressing, staying hydrated and remember, please try to stay at home and at the very least cover your mouth if you are around other people – both of which are quite thoughtful in avoiding getting others sick! When it concerns supplements for acute care with the purpose of shortening the duration of the illness or upon exposure to someone ill, I personally put a strong focus on zinc (in the form of zinc acetate lozenges), quality vitamin C and elderberry syrup – this routine always works in allowing me to fight illness much, much quicker, if it ever even fully takes hold! I also recently added this immune supporting supplement to my repertoire.

If you are fighting a stomach flu or possible exposure to pathogens from food, I encourage taking charcoal supplements (2 capsules every few hours upon first symptoms), stay hydrated with plenty of clear liquids, such as pure filtered water and broth, you can drink ginger tea to ease nausea and be sure replenish electrolytes and increase your probiotics to restore what was lost.

My final recommendation would be, if you can manage, it’s best to avoid over-the-counter symptom suppressant medications, AKA meds designed for cold and flu symptoms, anti-diarrheal or anti-vomiting, etc. When the immune system detects a foreign invader, it is designed to remove it. That’s it’s job. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, vomit, diarrhea, all serve very important purposes in our healing. Taking drugs that suppress the removal of the invader(s) and instead trapping it inside your body? Doesn’t sound so smart, does it? Obviously there are times that life must continue on and meds are necessary to being able to function – but definitely choose your battles!

DISCLAIMER: This post is meant to inform and educate—it is not a replacement for medical advice and should not be construed as such.

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15 Easy Ways To Boost Your Immunity Naturally

Flu season is upon us, and if you’re looking for ways to boost your immunity, you’ve come to the right place.

Every day, our immune system works hard for us, like an army, fighting off harmful organisms, bacteria, and viruses, to keep us well. While we can’t control everything in our environment, there are some simple strategies we can do to help those fighters do their job even better.

This list of 15 natural immunity boosters—many of which you’ll find right in your pantry—can provide a strong defense against illnesses.

1.

Drink lemon water

Start your morning with a glass of lemon water to boost immune function and keep you hydrated. Fresh lemons are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Simply squeeze the juice of one lemon in a glass of filtered water and drink it down each morning.

2.

Limit refined sugar intake

Refined sugar creates inflammation in the body, and drastically lowers your natural immune response, prolonging illness. Avoid all sugary foods when sick to enhance healing.

3.

Get plenty of sleep

You’ve heard this one before, but don’t underestimate a good night’s sleep— it goes a long way in strengthening your immune system. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble sleeping, try these ideas.

4.

Go for the green

Green tea has antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties which work to strengthen your natural immune defenses. Aim for two 8-ounce cups per day.

5.

Consume fresh ginger

Ginger is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune function, rids the body of toxins, cleanses the colon, and fights inflammation and infection. Add a little fresh grated ginger root to that hot cup of green tea (above) for a double immune-boosting whammy!

6.

Add garlic!

Garlic fights infection, boosts immune response, and wards off the common cold and flu. Add fresh garlic (not powder) to your dishes or take garlic supplements for its health-enhancing benefits.

7.

Sip some bone broth

Bone broth is an excellent source of minerals and amino acids that work to bolster immune response, fight infection, and inflammation, and assist in healing. You can make your own following our recipe. Dr. Kellyann Petruci, the author of Bone Broth Diet and Bone Broth Cookbook, recommends consuming bone broth daily for its vast benefits. Bring some to work in a thermos and sip throughout the day.

8. Try

Elderberry

Elderberry is known to enhance immune function and has been used in folk medicine for generations to relieve colds, coughs, and congestion. The flowers and tiny dark berries of this native shrub are used to make healing herbal teas, syrups, or steeped in vinegar for medicinal use. Elderberry tinctures and syrups are available at your favorite health food store. Follow instructions on the label.

9.

Consume raw honey

especially local varieties, are known to build immunities to allergies. Honey is an antioxidant superfood that offers many health benefits when consumed regularly. Take a spoonful daily for its antibacterial and healing properties, to bolster the immune system, protect against cancer, and more. To reap its health-promoting benefits, purchase raw honey from a beekeeper that does not use chemicals in the colonies. Honey has a high sugar content, so try limiting its use to a spoonful a day. Note: Children under one year old should not consume honey.

10.

Add some D!

Vitamin D3 is an antioxidant that enhances immunity and fights bacteria, viruses, Candida, infections, and numerous diseases. Taking a vitamin D3 supplement daily ensures optimal levels of this essential vitamin during the months when sunshine is limited, especially for those living in the northeast.

11.

Exercise regularly

to reduce stress, improve your ability to fight disease, and lower inflammation in your body. What’s “regular”? Aim for 30 minutes a day, even if you have to break it up throughout the day. Regular exercise, even a brisk walk, has been shown to help us sleep better, helps us maintain a healthy weight while strengthening the immune system.

12.

Ditch the processed foods

A poor diet of unhealthy, processed foods filled with additives compromises your immune function and health. Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich whole foods such as broccoli, blueberries, cherries, citrus fruits, peppers, green leafy vegetables, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. Use avocado oil, coconut oil, and olive oil instead of highly refined vegetable oils.

13.

Turn to turmeric

Turmeric contains beneficial curcumin, which reduces inflammation, heals the gut, boosts brain function, and bolsters the immune system. Try the lightly-spiced beverage, Golden Milk, a delicious way to receive its immune support, and healing benefits.

14. Go Pro!

.

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria present in the colon which assist in the production of disease-fighting white blood cells. Probiotics improve gut health and increase immune function. Fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchi, and beverages kefir and kombucha are rich in probiotics. Enjoy some daily with your lunch. Or try probiotic supplements, another option to ensure regular, daily intake.

15. Zap illness with

zinc 

Zinc is an essential mineral that promotes healthy immune function and healing. Zinc lozenges are effective in relieving common cold symptoms and reducing their duration. Take a dose once or twice daily at the first sign of a cold, for up to two weeks, or per the advice of your holistic physician. Zinc’s antioxidant properties are similar to that of vitamin C. You can also consume natural food sources of zinc such as egg yolks, seafood, sardines, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Herb sources of zinc include alfalfa, chickweed, dandelion, chamomile, cayenne, parsley, and rose hips.

Your top 6 immune-boosting herbs for this winter

Winter is not just the season of chilling cold but also an invitation to cold and other beastly germs to our homes. These germs directly attack our vulnerable immune system to make us more weak and sick. If you are also prone to sniffling and sneezing, then our potent immune-boosting herbs would work wonders for your health. Ageing, anyways weaken our immune system, and attack of the cold and flu season will only cause intense damage to the immune system. 

Along with the herbs to boost the immune system, practice consuming nutritional diet, getting quality sleep, more water intake, frequent hand wash and enough Vitamin D from the sun. The following list of immunity-boosting herbs in Ayurveda improves health and strength in our body. 

How do immune-boosting herbs and vitamins work?

The ayurvedic remedies to boost the immune system are proven to be effective in warding off infections and diseases from many years. The immune-boosting herbs are to be taken regularly during the fall and winter seasons. It is during this season where our immunity is under a greater danger from various common viral infections spreading from one to another. The herbs are natural and hence, are slow-pacing with extensive years of benefits so we must take them every day. 

Various Indian herbs to boost the immune system were used back in the day for people with poor resilience. People who are most prone or sensitive to infection consume these herbs to get rid of cold and flu. These herbs are purely healthy and can be easily added to our diet. Intake of these natural herbs helps you go through winter, quite warmly and protectively. 

6 best herbs for immune-boosting

Take a look at the most powerful herbs and spices that strengthen the immune system. It helps to prevent growing illness and diseases in the winter season.

1. Turmeric

Haldi or Turmeric is an ingredient all of us are completely aware of for years. Turmeric is prescribed for healthy living as it helps to heal. Used in almost every Indian dish, it contains a savoury taste and strong aroma. Turmeric is greatly effective in boosting immunity and eliminating cold, cough, and chest congestion during winters or any season. 

According to the PLOS ONE (Public Library of Science) journal, curcumin, a compound found in turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties known for enhancing immunity and physical strength. The common form of consuming Haldi is drinking with milk, warm water or tea in colder seasons to fight flu and cold. 

Turmeric and its properties –

• Anti-viral
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-fungal
• Probiotic

Turmeric is a popular herb with more than 300 nutrients, such as beta-carotene, calcium, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), flavonoids, potassium, zinc, iron, niacin among all others. Addition of turmeric into our diets supplements us with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. One of India’s ancient medicinal herbs, packed with numerous health benefits including immune-modulatory effects. Curcumin, the bioactive component, is reported to prevent various viral and infectious conditions by modifying the works of the immune system. Here are some other health benefits of turmeric.

Turmeric health benefits –

• Allows easy digestion 
• Help treat stomach ulcers and irritation
• Reduce inflammation in the body
• Remove blood toxins and purify it
• Reduces skin impurities and treat skin problems
• Heal cuts and injuries
• Control blood sugar level
• Fight infection and cold

Nothing’s more effective than raw turmeric as the main ingredients in your diet. Drink hot turmeric milk or tea regularly to see it’s an advantage. Not just for seniors and older adults, this magic elixir is beneficial for getting rid of the common cold and seasonal flu in all ages. 

2. Ginger

Growing up, ginger was used to soothe stomach aches and while ageing, it helps to enhance your overall immunity and protects in cold and flu season. In winters, the classic Adrak wali Chai is prevalent nationwide. Who knew this homegrown ingredient would be the perfect fix for preventing season problems like cold, cough, flu and fever. Ginger isn’t just reliable in preventing seasonal infection, it’s consumption helps improve digestion and metabolism. This ayurvedic magic ingredient also improves the hair and skin quality and there’s so much more. 

Popular for the following properties –

• Anti-microbial
• Antibiotic
• Anti-inflammatory

One of the most poignant ingredients of Indian cuisine, ginger is loaded with all forms of vital nutrients, such as vitamin B6, and dietary minerals like manganese, magnesium. Raw ginger is composed of 79% water, 18% carbohydrates, 2% protein and 1% fat. Thus, it is highly recommended to consume raw ginger with your food and drinks. 

Aside from being a vital ingredient of Ayurvedic medicine, gingers are the best herbs to boost the immune system. The presence of Gingerol, an active component that makes ginger the best immunity booster. In addition to its immunity-boosting properties, ginger is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, that works together to keep your body safe from infection. It is warm, thus it would be perfect for the winter season. But don’t consume in excess, as it can affect the digestive system. 

The best way to consume ginger in an adequate amount is to sip on a ginger tea or eat them in curries and gravies. 

3. Garlic

Garlic, the ultimate ingredient for delicious spicy recipes. One of the best-known and effective immune-boosting herbs and spices, garlic stimulates the immune system. It enhances the working of white blood cells. Perfectly easy to add in our diet – eating it regularly helps to improve better. Especially, when you are sick, take garlic in a moderate proportion as it works wonders. Utilized as an antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial agent, it prevents our body from viruses and other microorganisms.
 

Health benefits of garlic

• Purify blood for healthy & zit-free skin
• Built Immunity against germs and infection
• Fight of stuffy nose and cold
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Regulate blood pressure 
• Get rid of fungal skin infection

Garlic is rich in sulfur, that makes it stinky and strongly aromatic. It contains numerous nutrients that are proven to benefit our health such as arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and selenium. These potent nutrients work effectively in reducing the severity of cold, and flu symptoms. 

Winters are coming up so your garlic consumption. Head into the kitchen to super garlicky soup, or roasted garlic bulb and gravies rich in garlic. 

4. Ashwagandha

Scientifically known as Adaptogens, the most popular keyword used in the wellness world. Ashwagandha is the most powerful immune-boosting herbs, supporting the body to adapt and fight stress. It is one of the most effective therapeutic herbs that help from stress and wellness. Proves highly useful when you get sick or under excessive exposure to pathogens. This herb helps to stimulate the lymphocyte, or the white blood cells to fight infections and viruses. Regular intake of Ashwagandha strengthens the immune system. 

Ashwagandha is available in powder, so you can mix or add into something you are eating or drinking. It’s always safe to use in moderate doses, not too less or too much. 

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is equally a potent immunity-boosting herbs in Ayurveda, known for its medicinal advantage to our health. It’s filled with antioxidants and inflammatory properties to fight off Winter colds and act as an immune stimulator. It also prevents the blood platelet from clumping, hinders inflammatory substances and controls blood sugar. 

6. Fire Cider

This extreme fluid, in some cases additionally called the Master Tonic, is kitchen medication at its best: an exceptional combination of garlic, ginger, onion, horseradish and hot peppers (in addition to quite a few other safe boosting fixings like turmeric, or delicious ones like lemon or rosemary) marinated in apple juice vinegar. 

Fire juice gets its adequacy from the public intensity of this sinus-clearing, warming, disease battling plants — in addition to an additional lift from the aged ACV. Furthermore, indeed, this insusceptible blend will consume (positively!) going down. 

It’s simple to make, so prepare a bunch and prepare it on your serving of mixed greens each night, sprinkle it on rice or quinoa, or make an effort when you feel a virus going ahead. If handcrafting isn’t your jam, you ought to have the option to discover some from a neighbourhood botanist or at a characteristic food store.

While sound appears to be unique for everybody, there are strong advances you can organize this season to fend off winter nasties from flourishing. You know the drill: rest, new nourishments whenever the situation allows, practice as well as investing energy outside, and remaining hydrated. What’s more, if the virus sneaks in, you have a lot of plant partners to get you out.
 

90,000 35 recipes to improve immunity

In these recipes, only natural products are used, so to speak, folk remedies. Study, choose the most suitable recipe for you. If in doubt, consult a specialist. Improve, lift, strengthen the immune system and … Be healthy !!!

1. 300 g of shelled walnuts, 300 g of dried apricots, 300 g of raisins and 3 lemons with zest mince and add 1 tbsp.a spoonful of honey. Take 1 tablespoon (adults) and 1 teaspoon (children) daily. Better in the morning on an empty stomach or before lunch, an hour before meals. Can be taken at night. Store in the refrigerator.

There is also such an option: Take 1 glass of walnuts, raisins and dried apricots and 1 lemon (without the peel). Twist everything in a meat grinder and add 1 glass of honey, mix. Someone also adds figs to taste.

2. Mix 100 g of peeled ground walnuts, 100 g of mashed peeled apples, juice of 2 lemons, 1 tbsp.a spoonful of honey. Take the composition in a tablespoon (teaspoon for children) 2-3 times a day before meals. Store in the refrigerator.

3. In spring within 3 weeks take any freshly squeezed juices of red color: beetroot, cherry, blackberry, strawberry, grape, pomegranate, cranberry. In the first week, it is recommended to take 1/2 cup 3 times a day, in the second – 2 times, in the third – 1 time between meals.
After 10 days, the course can be repeated.

4. Rub 1 kg of black chokeberry berries with 1.5 kg of sugar. You can use 1 tbsp for 3 weeks. spoon, morning and evening.

You can make an infusion: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of berries in 1 glass of boiling water to insist in a thermos for 4-5 hours. After the contents are infused for 20 minutes, close the thermos with a stopper.

5. Mash 0.5 kg of cranberries, add a glass of walnut kernels and 2-3 green (better winter varieties) apples with peel, cut into cubes. Add 0.5 cups of water and 0.5 kg of sugar, cook over low heat until it boils, put in jars.Take 1 tbsp. spoon in the morning and evening, washed down with tea.

6.2 st. tablespoons of dried rowan berries pour 2 cups of boiling water , leave for 20 minutes, drain. Drink 0.5 cups 3-4 times daily before meals. Better to take with honey, which enhances the healing properties of mountain ash.

7. The body’s defenses can be increased by vitamin compote , which is recommended to drink at least 0.5 liters per day.

Take herbs: lemon balm, mint, chestnut flowers, willow tea , brew 5 tbsp.spoons in 1 liter of water and leave to infuse for 2 hours.

Take cranberries, black currants, viburnum, cherries, strawberries , any other local fruits (you can dry or frozen), cook compote from them in 2 liters of water for 10 minutes.

Add the strained decoction of herbs to the compote, bring to a boil, add honey to taste.

8. Grind viburnum berries, lingonberries, add honey to taste, mix well, add a little hot water, wait until the mixture is infused.Drink 1/2 cup mixture 3 times a day during seasonal illness.

9. An excellent helper for the immune system is rose hips . Its fruits are used as a vitamin remedy for vitamin deficiencies, for the prevention of infectious diseases, as a diuretic, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing agent.

Drink recipe: pour 8 tbsp. tablespoons of dry fruits with 4 cups of boiling water, add 4 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar and boil for 10 minutes.Infuse for 4 hours, then strain and bottle.

10. Finely chop 2-3 medium onion heads and mix with 200 g sugar. Add 0.5 l of water and cook over low heat for at least one and a half hours. When the mass has cooled, add 2 tbsp. l honey. Strain and melt into a glass dish. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3-5 times a day.

It is used not only to strengthen the immune system, but also to prevent colds.

11. Raises immunity and is an excellent prophylactic against seasonal viral diseases infusion of the following composition: rose hips, viburnum, taken approximately equally , add herbs in proportion – lemon balm and sage.2.5 tbsp. Spoons of the mixture pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours in a thermos, cool. Add 2 drops of sea buckthorn oil before use.

12. Once a day, 30 minutes before meals, take 1 tbsp. spoon prophylactic mixture prepared from the average size of the head garlic . The garlic should be chopped, add half a finely chopped lemon to it, along with the zest. Pour the mixture with cold boiled water (0.5 l) and let it brew for 4-5 days in a dark place.As a prophylactic agent, it can be used until spring.

You can just eat a clove of garlic every day or every other day. External remedy : Pour 2-3 cloves of finely chopped garlic with a glass of boiling water, after the agent has been infused for an hour, you can drip 4-5 drops into the nose, as well as gargle.

13. 1 st. spoon horsetail pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes and drain.
Take 1 st. spoon 3-4 times a day.

14. Walnut is the absolute champion in the content of ascorbic acid. It contains 8 times more of it than black currant and 50 times more than citrus fruits.
2 st. tablespoons of walnut leaves pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, hold in a water bath for 2 hours, drink 1/4 cup a day. You can just eat 5-6 walnut kernels for a month.

15. 1 st. spoon white birch leaves with buds pour 1.5 cups of boiling water.Insist for 15-20 minutes, drink 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day before meals.

16. 1 st. spoon hop cones pour a glass of boiling water, leave for 15-20 minutes, drain. Drink 1/4 cup 3-4 times daily before meals.

17. A teaspoon dry herb celandine pour a glass of boiling water, cool. Take 1/3 cup warm 3 times a day.

18. Very useful tea from fennel seeds , you can also use seeds that are sold in pharmacies.An excellent effect is given by the regular use of pumpkin, zucchini, squash, zucchini, parsley, celery and any greens.

19. Melissa, valerian root, hop cones, linden flowers, oregano herb, motherwort and coriander seed are taken in approximately equal parts. The collection is brewed at the rate of 1 tbsp. collection spoon for 0.5 liters of boiling water. The collection should be infused overnight, by the morning it is ready. The volume of the infusion is calculated per day, apply in 2-3 doses.

20. Add to green tea rose hips, red rowan, lemon balm, willow tea, strawberry leaf, St. John’s wort, black currant leaf, rose petals .This tea will be a strong immune-boosting tonic.

21. Echinacea purpurea contains biologically active substances, it is used in the form of a decoction or tincture.

Decoction recipe: 2 tbsp. put spoons of herbs in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml of hot boiled water, close the lid. Boil for 30 minutes in a water bath with frequent stirring. Cool, strain, add chilled boiled water to 200 ml.
Take orally 1 tbsp.spoon 3 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals. The broth is considered suitable for consumption for no more than two days when stored in a cool place.

Tincture recipe: 50 g of raw materials pour 0.5 liters of vodka, leave for 6 days in a dark cool place, strain. Take 20 drops 3 times a day 20-30 minutes before meals, diluting with a small amount of water. The full course of treatment is 2-3 weeks. After a break of 5-7 days, it can be repeated.

22. Spotted hemlock is a potent immunostimulant that activates the body’s defenses.

Hemlock is not used as a prophylactic agent, it helps in cases when the disease has already occurred and the immune system is significantly weakened. This plant should be used only as directed by a doctor and strictly adhere to the dosage.

23. Marsh cinquefoil is a powerful immunostimulant.

Tincture recipe: Pour 60 g of cinquefoil into a half-liter dish, pour vodka, close the lid and leave for 7-8 days in a dark place. Drink tincture in 1 tbsp.spoon 3 times daily before meals. For preventive purposes, 1 liter of tincture is enough.

24. Perfectly increase immunity quail eggs. They should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach, starting from 2 to 7-8 pieces.

25. From the needles , excellent vitamin infusions and drinks are obtained, which have a general strengthening effect on the body. They are easy to prepare.

Cut 3-4 cups of pine needles as small as possible, pour 4 cups of cold water, add a little citric acid, let it brew for 3 days in a cool place.Strain, add lemon juice, take half a glass 2 times a day.

26. You can prepare the following drink: take 2 tbsp. spoons of needles, rinse it in cold water, pour a glass of boiling water, boil for 20 minutes, leave for 30 minutes and strain. Before use, add honey and citric acid to taste and drink a glass a day in 2-3 doses.

27. Common anise. Decoction of anise fruits: pour 4 g of fruits with a glass of boiling water, boil for 6-7 minutes, strain, take 2 tbsp.spoons a day.

28. Mountain arnica. 1 part of finely chopped flowers pour 10 parts of 70% alcohol, leave for 7 days, strain, take 30-40 drops orally 3 times a day to prevent influenza, strengthen immunity.

Or: 1 hour spoon of flowers, pour 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 1-2 hours, drain. Take the infusion inside for 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day after meals.

29. Astragalus. 10 g of crushed dry roots pour 200 ml of boiling water, boil for 6-7 minutes over low heat, leave for 3 hours, strain, add boiled water to the original amount.Take 1/4 cup 3 times a day.

30. Birch. 4 tsp of dry birch leaves pour 2 cups of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, drain. Drink 1/2 cup 3-4 times a day.

Or: Pour 2 teaspoons of birch buds with 2 cups of boiling water, cook over low heat for 10-12 minutes, leave for 25 minutes, drain. Drink 1/2 cup 3-4 times a day.

31. Watch. 2 tsp of chopped leaves pour 1 cup boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, drain.Drink 1/4 cup half an hour before meals.

32. St. John’s wort. Brew 10 g of herbs in a glass of boiling water, insist. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3-4 times a day after meals.

Or: Insist 15-20 g of dry grass in 200 ml of alcohol or vodka. Take 25 drops with water 3 times daily after meals.

33. Gold rod (common goldenrod). 2 teaspoons of herbs to insist for 4 hours in a glass of boiled water, drain. Take 1/4 cup 4 times daily before meals.

34. Nettle. 2 st. tablespoons of nettle leaves pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, drain. Drink 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

35. Fish oil is useful, which not only helps to increase immunity, but also normalizes metabolic processes in the body. It is recommended to take fish oil from the autumn months to mid-spring, 1-2 teaspoons per day.

90,000 Natural Immunoprophylaxis – Planet Health Blog

Proper functioning of the immune system is the key to health and well-being.As long as immunity is normal, a person is not worried about either colds or SARS. How to raise immunity is a question that arises sharply in the cold season, when the seasonal increase in the incidence begins.

There are a lot of drugs to strengthen the immune system, however, natural remedies for the prevention of diseases do not lose their relevance, differing in a number of advantages compared to synthetic analogues. Safety of use, natural composition, rare contraindications are indisputable arguments in favor of their choice.

Echinacea

Echinacea contains hydroxycinnamic acids, which have a powerful protective effect, have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, promoting the active formation of immune cells, enhancing the production of interferons and interleukins, which suppress the reproduction of viruses.

According to numerous studies, the inclusion of echinacea-based drugs in the treatment of colds can shorten the duration of the disease and ease its course.

• Echinacea extract can be produced in a variety of forms. For example, the complex “Immuno” , containing vitamin C and Zn, provides a full strengthening of the body’s defenses.

• For those who are always on the run, tablets and capsules of echinacea extract from VTF , Solgar , Nature’s Bounty , as well as Echinacea Complex in a dragee containing vitamin C and extract are perfect rose hips.

• Echinacea can also be used in syrups, one of which is “ Echinacea Protective Force for Immunity ” containing vitamin C.

Rosehip

Rosehip is used as a prophylaxis for colds and viral diseases due to the high amount of vitamin C. “,” Vitamin “,” For colds “are suitable for babies from 6 months. All herbal tea options strengthen the immune system and support the child’s body, and the mother can only choose tea according to the occasion and preferences of the baby.

• Children from 3 years of age will love the sweet way to prevent ARVI, namely Rosehip syrup , which is additionally enriched with vitamin C to effectively combat seasonal ailments.

• For adults, “ complex of rosehip, chamomile and raspberry extracts with vitamin C ” is suitable, which has a tonic, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect, and therefore is recommended not only as a means of preventing ARVI, but also as part of complex therapy for treatment of colds.

Ginger

Due to its unique composition, ginger has antibacterial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, expectorant and tonic properties. Ginger contains gingerol, a powerful alkaloid that suppresses the growth of pathogenic microflora in the intestine, which leads to a decrease in immunity and makes the body vulnerable to infectious diseases. The benefits of ginger root for the body have been proven by medical practice. It is indispensable during colds and flu, as it lowers the temperature and increases the body’s protective functions.

• Complex “Immuno” with ginger extract, vitamin C and zinc is available in the form of convenient stick packs that can be poured onto the tongue without being distracted from everyday activities, while ensuring effective protection of your health.

• But the complex “ Extracts of ginger, licorice and black currant with vitamin C ” is intended for those who did not worry about prevention in time and now have to look for ways to quickly cope with the disease and its symptoms.

Line “Latsivit” – New products for strengthening immunity!

Latsivit “Mango” contains a natural standardized extract of mango with a high content of mangiferin, which has a high antibacterial and antiviral activity, and thanks to the emblic extract, the complex helps to eliminate wet cough.

Latsivit “Raspberry and D3” will delight children from 3 years of age with a pleasant taste of raspberries and make taking this useful supplement more attractive.Vitamin D3, which is part of the composition, has long established itself as a means of promoting the activation of healthy immune function, positively affecting both innate and acquired immunity.

Latsivit “Raspberry and Honey” contains raspberry juice powder, which has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action, is a natural immunostimulant. The contents of the stick pack dissolve in water, providing an additional volume of fluid, thereby preventing dehydration during the period of illness.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin D. To date, scientific publications contain more than 7200 works devoted to studies of the role of vitamin D in supporting immunity. This is why it is so important to ensure an adequate intake of this nutrient into the body, especially during periods of outbreaks of respiratory infections. The usual form of release – drops ( DeTriFerol ) – may not seem very convenient for business people, therefore tablets VIVACIA Vitamin D3 500 IU , Cosmo-D3 1000 IU , Aquadetrim 500 IU will be an excellent solution for them.Vitamin C.

An excellent immunomodulator that promotes the production of antibodies and interferons, mobilizing the activity of immune cells to fight viruses. One of the most preferred dosage forms is effervescent tablets and Liksivum powder. They have a high dosage of 900 mg so that the body can effectively resist infections.

Zinc. The immune system can be affected by many factors, including:
• bad habits;
• insufficient or excessive physical activity;
• stress;
• overweight;
• inadequate or poor quality nutrition.

The last factor does not allow us to get the most important components from food.
One of these critical elements for the body is ZINC.

This is what we need zinc for:
• participates in most reactions involving hormones;
• strengthens the immune system, increasing the body’s resistance to diseases;
• works as an antioxidant;
• plays an important role in apoptosis (a regulated process of programmed cell death) for the destruction of dangerous bacteria, viruses and cancer cells;
• participates in gene transcription;
• increases the protective function of the cell membrane;
• stimulates the production of interferons α and γ;
• is necessary for the functioning of the thymus gland (thymus) – the main organ of the immune system, which produces T-lymphocytes, which are necessary for the destruction of bacteria and viruses.

One of the main reasons for a weakened immune system is that without adequate zinc intake, cortisol levels rise in the blood. And cortisol – the hormone of anxiety and stress – suppresses the immune system. In addition, zinc is thought to reduce susceptibility to acute lower respiratory tract infections by regulating various functions of the immune system, including protecting and maintaining the integrity of airway cells when the lungs are inflamed or damaged.

Studies of the appointment of zinc in the treatment of acute lower respiratory tract infections at a dose of 9-24 mg have shown a significant reduction in the duration of symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and colds.

Most clinical studies and reviews show a significant reduction in the duration of symptoms of colds and SARS in adults when receiving zinc at a dose of 9-24 mg within the first 24 hours from the onset of the disease. The following drugs will help ensure a sufficient intake of zinc in the body: Zinc VTF , Zinkorol and Liksivum .

CONTRAINDICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE, PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS OR CONSULT A SPECIALIST.
BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE ADDITIVE. NOT A DRUG.

How to boost immunity in pregnant women and prepare the body for the flu and cold season

The winter months are a period of frequent colds, flu, ARVI and an annoying runny nose. If an ordinary person, having caught an infection, simply takes various medications for the desired effect, then in the case of pregnancy and breastfeeding, medications cannot be thoughtlessly taken.

Pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding are at special risk. Let’s talk about how you can raise the immunity of pregnant and lactating mothers without risk to health, as well as significantly increase resistance to infection.

Preparing the immune system in advance

To strengthen the immune system, you need to change your lifestyle. Pregnant women should adjust their diet and try to reduce stress. But this is only one side of the coin.

It is imperative to add essential vitamins and minerals to the daily diet. Do not worry and think that all this can negatively affect the growth and development of the child. Rather, on the contrary – the risk of complications as a result of the flu or ARVI suffered by the mother is much more dangerous!

Essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant women to help strengthen the immune system:

• Vitamin C. This is an important component, the requirement for which is about 75 – 100 mg. per day.But if a person is already infected (for example, green snot is flowing), the need for vitamin C will increase 3-5 times. Try adding sauerkraut to your diet – a natural and completely safe source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and beta-carotene, thiamine and fiber, and folic acid.
• Vitamin B5. It also helps to strengthen the immunity of the expectant mother. Vitamin B5 is found in chicken, veal, fish and nuts.
• Vitamin A. Contains in butter, liver, egg yolk, fish.
• Selenium. Promotes the functioning of important processes in the liver, aimed at breaking down harmful substances. Mushrooms, meat and fish are a natural and seasonal source of this important micronutrient.
• Iron. Iron deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to various infections. A lot of iron is found in meats, millet, fish products and whole grains.
• Zinc. Helps activate phagocytes (cells that destroy disease-causing bacteria).The main foods high in zinc are seafood, meat, and whole grains.
• Magnesium. This trace element helps to reduce fatigue and stress, strengthen the immune system. Most of it is found in dates, artichokes, lentils and spinach.

Attention!

Do not drink alcohol or cigarettes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They decrease the intake of vitamins A, C, E and B, as well as selenium.

Additionally, doctors advise to pay attention to the drug Oscillococcinum, which strengthens the natural defenses of the body.It promotes the synthesis of immunoglobulins and reduces the risk of contracting acute respiratory viral infections by 6 times. The drug is “switched on” immediately after the first dose. Safe for mom and baby, has an effect after the first use.

How to recognize the disease in time and start treatment

If it so happened that the body of a pregnant woman could not cope with the attacking viruses, and the first signs of influenza or acute respiratory infections have already made themselves felt, it is important to take drastic measures in time.

The typical form of all seasonal viruses and colds often begins with progressive fatigue and mild fever (up to 37.5 ° C). The first hours of the disease, the symptoms of ARVI are not pronounced. It may be small yellow snot, slight pain or sore throat, fatigue. Typical ARVI symptoms appear after 8-12 hours.

To avoid infection, you can regularly use echinacea to support the immune system of children or nursing mothers. This natural product supports the immune system and the normal function of the respiratory system, has an antibacterial effect and helps to heal from the disease faster.Echinacea root is used, which contains the most active substances. For the effect to be visible, echinacea should be taken from 2 to 8 weeks, but it is best to consult with your doctor first.

If it happens that one of the family members is still sick, it is imperative to take personal protective measures. You can’t just buy an inexpensive antiviral drug! When in close contact with a sick person, it is important to protect yourself by adhering to simple but effective rules:

• Avoid direct contact, especially hugging and kissing.
• Wash hands regularly, especially after coughing or blowing your nose.
• Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.
• Disinfect objects that the patient often uses, for example, a telephone, a TV remote control, a hairbrush.
• Ventilate the room where the sick person is at least 4-5 times a day.

The body’s defenses are in our hands

The possibility of contracting ARVI is always present, and each of the pregnant or lactating women should understand that strong immunity is the main panacea for the body.

As you already understood, there are many methods for increasing immunity for adults, but if we talk about those that have real, scientifically proven actions, the list is very narrow.

Oscillococcinum is capable of providing the body with an additional impulse. It increases the concentration of special antibodies – immunoglobulins, which destroy viruses that enter the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and mouth, thus preventing infection. Oscillococcinum starts working after the first dose.

Remember that health and immunity are closely related: taking care of your mother’s body every day increases immunity and vice versa. If the defenses are reduced, the woman and her child become more vulnerable to viruses and infections, which are dangerous because even a common flu can develop into pneumonia and be fatal.

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90,000 Folk remedies and supplements to strengthen children’s immunity + general recommendations

Due to the fragile immune system, children often suffer from colds and infectious diseases. However, with the help of competent prevention and measures aimed at strengthening the immune system, it is possible to reduce the frequency of their occurrence to a minimum.

Benefits of probiotics and harms of antibiotics

First of all, it is necessary, if possible, to abandon the treatment of the child with antibiotics. Try not to stuff your baby with pills at every opportunity, especially for the purpose of prevention. Some doctors prescribe them unnecessarily in order to be safe.

Antibiotics should be given to a child only for bacterial diseases, since they do not affect viruses and fungi. And then – only in those cases when the benefits of taking them outweigh the harm they do.

Attention! Such drugs destroy not only pathogenic bacteria, but also the intestinal microflora, which regulates the immune system and participates in digestion.

After each course of antibacterial treatment, give your baby probiotics – drugs based on live bacteria that can populate the digestive tract “devastated” due to drugs.In order for them to take root, prebiotics should be included in the children’s diet – biologically active substances necessary to ensure the vital activity of the intestinal microflora. Their best sources are:

• asparagus;
• Jerusalem artichoke;
• bananas;
• barley;
• oats;
• apples;
• flaxseeds;
• wheat bran;
• seaweed;
• food additives.

Natural sources of vitamins for children

Vitaminize the children’s diet. Add seasonal fruits, vegetables and berries. Make sure your baby is getting enough protein, fat and slow carbohydrates. Feed him less often with sweets and convenience foods.

Good Vitamin Blend:

• 1.5 st. raisins;
• 1 st. walnuts;
• 0.5 Art.almonds;
• 2 Pcs. lemon;
• 0.5 Art. natural honey.

Cooking recipe: grind lemon peel, nuts and raisins in a blender, add lemon juice, honey to the mixture and mix thoroughly. Give your child 1 tsp. funds an hour before meals.

Another option for a folk remedy to increase immunity: chop 1 lemon and 500 g of cranberries in a blender, add 2 tbsp. l. honey, mix and give the child 1 tbsp.l. along with warm herbal tea.

Attention! Children’s immunity can be raised with the help of medicinal herbs. Teas made from mint, rose hips, calendula and chamomile are very useful in this regard. Give them to your baby before or after a meal, 50 ml each.

Supplements and vitamins to stimulate the immune system

Echinacea tincture will help to strengthen children’s immunity. Give her child courses twice a year: every 6 months. The duration and dosage of the drug should be discussed with the pediatrician.

Attention! The body’s resistance to infections is increased by fish oil, or omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin complexes. Vitamins D, C, A, E, P, B have an immunostimulating effect.

Don’t forget about the health benefits of hardening, being active, eating a balanced diet, and walking in the fresh air.

Why it is not necessary to raise immunity

The time of autumn-winter colds inevitably comes to each of us every year.This is of particular concern to mothers, children who went to kindergartens. And so it began: in pharmacies, tons of immunomodulators are being bought up – drugs that raise immunity. Do I need to take such medicines, and especially give them to children? And how to raise immunity?

Vladimir Mishchenko, general practitioner

To begin with, what is immunity? Official definition: immunity (from lat. Immunitas – liberation, getting rid of something) is the body’s immunity, its resistance to infectious agents (including pathogens and foreign substances), the body’s ability to resist changes in its normal functioning under the influence of internal and external factors.

Simply put, immunity is the body’s ability to cope with infections, newly formed malignant cells (in all people, such cells are constantly formed, but the immune system kills them even before they begin to multiply) and unfavorable environmental factors.

Who is said to have poor immunity?

We are not talking about healthy children who have acute respiratory infections (preschoolers can have acute respiratory infections every month or two, and this is the norm). And not about adults who have colds and runny nose 2-3 times a year.They are healthy people.

Immunity is low:

in children with real congenital immunodeficiency. These are children who have a genetic breakdown, as a result of which the body cannot defend itself against pathogens. And this is not 5-6 times a year ARI. These are severe bacterial infections in the first year of life, purulent complications, tuberculosis;

in all age groups with HIV infection. But not all are HIV-positive. Many of these people, through observation and treatment, live normal lives, give birth to children, and all is well with them;

if a person is receiving or received immunosuppressive treatment – chemotherapy, prednisolone / metipred, immunosuppressive drugs.This treatment is indicated for tumors; some other diseases, such as severe rheumatoid arthritis; organ transplants and in a number of other cases;

if a person has decompensated diabetes mellitus .

If you or your child do not have such diseases, then there is no need to spend money on meaningless immunological examinations and immunomodulators. All immunomodulators sold in Russia have not undergone qualitative studies of efficacy and safety, and nowhere in European countries can you find a doctor who prescribes such drugs.They treat children’s snot there much more calmly than ours. Nature is smarter than man and, creating man, has provided him with strong enough defense mechanisms in order to survive in almost any conditions without dubious pharmacological support.

A few tips for parents whose children went to kindergarten and began to get sick

Frequent acute respiratory infections during the initial period of attending kindergarten is a normal reaction of the child’s body to the first entrance to the team. The fact is that a certain (however, quite small) number of viruses circulates in the population, with which the child’s body must “get to know”.”Acquaintance” proceeds in the form of an acute respiratory infection. Coming to the kindergarten, the child becomes infected with unfamiliar strains and … alas, he gets sick. Every child goes this way. The problem has nothing to do with the level of immunity.

If the children of a friend or neighbor went to the kindergarten and did not have such problems, it means that by the time they entered the kindergarten, they had already transferred the bulk of infections – in transport, at the cinema, from friends. In principle, the more active the child (more precisely, his parents), the earlier he goes along this path.A child locked in four walls, naturally, is less likely to come into contact with viruses.

Some parents are wondering: should they send their child to the kindergarten? How to raise a child – at home or in preschool institutions, each family decides independently. But with home education, the problem will be attributed to the first grade. Most likely, you will not be able to avoid it.

How to help a child, bearing in mind that immunomodulators are a waste of money. Only by a reasonable attitude, lack of panic and throwing, walks and games in the air, reasonable tempering.That is, the best immunomodulators are the sun, air and water!

At the time of an acute respiratory disease, you should not give your child the entire range of a nearby pharmacy. Some limitation of mobility is permissible (it is not necessary to rush around in the yard until maddening), but, as a rule, there is no need for bed rest; plentiful tasty drink – the more, the better, tasty food loved by the child, a little more than usual, parental attention, affection and care. As for medications, neither antibiotics nor vitamins will solve the problem.

Antibiotics are not needed in case of acute respiratory infections in any case – they do not act on viruses, there is no need for additional vitamins with adequate nutrition. Your local pediatrician will prescribe the necessary medications as needed. Self-medication is unacceptable. Without a doctor’s prescription, a child of any age can be given only an antipyretic and, as a last resort, vasoconstrictor drops can be dripped into the nose (in an age dosage and only 2 times a day).

But the opinion of girlfriends, grandmothers, neighbors, radio programs, the “healthy lifestyle” newspaper, television programs and other things … we will not seriously discuss with you.Medicine is a science that in our time is developing with stormy topics and its practical developments are based on fundamental research and knowledge of the human body, and not on idle speculation.

Adult problems, or hypochondria with anemia

Commercial “immunity” surveys have taken on an unprecedented scale. Many adults do thousands of studies – the so-called “immunograms”. The study costs a lot of money, contains a lot of parameters, and, as a rule, there are minor deviations in one or two indicators.All these examinations are done against the background of “weakness, fatigue, poor memory” and other complaints that do not seem to interfere with work, but complicate life. Unfortunately, the availability of commercial tests, especially in large cities, has played a negative role – many people perceive the doctor only as a “test decoder”, but in fact this is not at all the case. A lot can be understood when examining a patient, sometimes 1-2 simple and inexpensive tests will say more than a long sheet of exotic tests.Antibodies to herpes viruses, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus are very often examined. As a rule, antibodies of class G are found in the overwhelming majority of people, with which the sufferers then go to the doctors, receive drugs with unproven efficacy, which, of course, do not help. In fact, such antibodies are just evidence of the meeting of the body with these viruses. They are harmless to everyone except HIV patients and patients who have had organ transplants or are taking immunosuppressive medications.As a rule, in women, the most common cause of weakness and poor performance is iron deficiency anemia, and in men it is hypochondria, that is, a general somewhat depressive attitude towards life. Anemia is perfectly treated with iron preparations, and good psychotherapists help with hypochondria.

Therefore, one should not think that the root of all evil with health is immunity, and prescribe tests for yourself, and even more so, treatment on your own.

Comments of the specialist of the clinic “Be healthy”

Physician, rheumatologist.

How to help the immune system?

Health is a precious gift that a person receives from nature. And immunity helps to preserve it – the most reliable protection against diseases, inherent in ourselves. Immunity is a very complex structure. A decrease in immunity leads to the fact that a person begins to get tired quickly and get sick a lot. There is such a thing as immunodeficiency. This is a condition of the body in which the normal functioning of the immune system is disrupted.Some periods of a person’s life are characterized as periods of physiological “immunodeficiency”. These periods include: early childhood, old and senile age, the period of pregnancy in women. Age-related “immunodeficiencies” in children and pregnant women are of a transient, that is, transient nature.

Risk factors. Carrying out its basic physiological function of the body’s defense, the immune system itself becomes the target of many damaging factors that lower immunity.Such factors are bad habits, malnutrition, physical inactivity, lack of sleep, physical overload, stress. That is why it is so important and necessary to improve your immunity, to strengthen your defenses.

Don’t overdo it. There are various methods of influencing the immune system, designed to bring its activity back to normal. One of these methods is immunocorrection, when immunity is increased either without drugs (non-drug), or with their help (drug).Medical immunocorrection includes the use of immunocorrectors (immunomodulators), which help to restore and normalize the functioning of the immune system, but they must be used with caution. Perhaps the most popular are immunomodulators obtained from plants. From the whole variety of the presented preparations, some are distinguished that are particularly effective: Echinacea purpurea, tincture of ginseng, tincture of Schisandra chinensis, extract of Eleutherococcus. It should be remembered that there are certain groups of immunomodulators that can only be prescribed by a doctor after performing a series of tests to obtain a complete immunogram.Using immunomodulators without consulting a doctor can cause serious harm to the body!

Power supply. What is meant by non-drug correction? It’s about nutritional control, this is a top priority. Our body for normal life requires a sufficient amount of proteins, carbohydrates, trace elements, vitamins. Deficiency of these components negatively affects the immune system. Everyone should regularly consume healthy foods: lean meat, fish, dairy products, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, B, C, E.Foods rich in zinc, iron, vitamin C are especially useful for the immune system: lemons, beans, rose hips, cabbage, black currants, onions, prunes and apples. The British say: “One apple a day – drive the disease out the door.”

Physical activity. Great importance is attached to physical activity. Move more! Keep yourself in good physical shape. If possible, work out in gyms, go to the pool, walk in the fresh air. Hiking for 20-30 minutes every day enriches the blood with oxygen, relieves emotional stress and strengthens the nervous system, thereby helping us to resist disease.Viruses are not afraid of vigorous and active people.

Hardening. Tempering is a powerful factor in strengthening the immune system. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates – the founder of ancient medicine – argued that “cold days strengthen the body, make it elastic and mobile.” Thus, even at the dawn of civilization, hardening of the body was assigned a special role in strengthening health. Abu Ali ibn Sina, known in Europe as Avicenna, lived around 980-1037 AD. NS. In his scientific work on methods of healing the body, he described the basic rules of hardening procedures.So, he believed that it is better to start hardening in the summer, using water.

Despite the fact that the times of Avicenna are long gone, tempering remains relevant to the modern man to this day.

Hardening is based on the fact that a person can adapt to changing environmental conditions. During hardening, the body is affected by various environmental factors (such as air, water, solar energy). You can start hardening your body at any age.The earlier you start hardening, the better the results will be.

It must be remembered that when choosing the type and mode of hardening, the doctor is guided by the state of human health, his age and the presence of individual characteristics of the organism. So, it is not recommended to start winter swimming after the age of 50, it cannot be carried out in case of certain diseases of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs (with hypertension, atherosclerosis, bronchial asthma), as well as for children under 18 years of age.

But hardening of children can begin immediately after birth. At the same time, one must take into account the fact that many organs and systems of the body in childhood are still immature, defense reactions are weakly expressed, therefore, the response to hardening procedures is developed gradually, over a long time. With inept hardening, the so-called adaptation breakdown can occur, in which the health and well-being of the child, instead of improving, sharply deteriorate.

Therefore, negative emotions arise in relation to hardening procedures.As a rule, it can be very difficult to start over again in this case. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to start hardening only if the child is absolutely healthy, increase the intensity of procedures gradually and carry out hardening consistently and systematically.

Improving immunity is important for everyone. People with weakened immunity most often suffer from allergic reactions, because allergies occur. For adults and children, immunity is the main obstacle to allergies, viruses, and microbes.There is nothing more important than human immunity. The effectiveness of the immune system depends only on us. And this means that our health is in our hands.

Elderberry – super berry for immunity

According to some reports, the TOP-5 components that should be included in vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system could be headed by elderberry extract. In America, for example, elderberry preparations have broken all sales records. American experts have found that extracts and infusions of black elderberry reduce the severity and duration of the flu.Their Israeli colleagues claim that the duration of the disease is reduced by an average of 4 days.

Today elderberry is very popular in America and Europe as it is a natural immunity activator. Scientists have discovered its powerful antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific medicine also knows the antipyretic, antimicrobial and expectorant effects of elderberry.

And traditional medicine from around the world knew about the high therapeutic effect of this berry in the treatment of chills several centuries ago.In addition, broths of elder flowers have been used as a diaphoretic, blood-purifying, and mild sedative.

Interesting Elderberry Facts

done As you know, viruses can reproduce only inside living cells. Elderberry contains a unique natural substance that prevents viruses from entering healthy cells, thereby blocking their reproduction.
done According to numerous studies, the level of antioxidant activity in elderberries is 2 times higher than that of cranberries and 5 times higher than that of blueberries.But cranberries and blueberries have long been considered leaders in antioxidant content.
done Pragmatic Americans love elderberry and have been using it to prevent colds and flu for centuries. What do they not cook from it! Jams and marmalades, juices and lemonades, jellies and smoothies – from berries, decoctions and tinctures – from flowers.

We “pump” immunity without leaving home

Right now, when we are sitting at home, it’s time to take care of our health and those of our loved ones.In order for us to be able to return to our normal lifestyle, while maintaining an activity and a positive attitude, our immunity must be working at full strength. Moreover, for this you do not need to go to the pharmacy, you can order everything you need online.

To support and strengthen the immunity of the whole family, pay attention to vitamin complexes with elderberry extract from the Evalar company.

It was the Evalar company in Russia, following the example of American pharmacists, that began to produce natural ¹
preparations with elderberry extract for the immunity of adults and children.

Effervescent vitamins Elderberry Immunity

This is the only Evalar preparation ² based on elderberry juice in the form of effervescent tablets. Just imagine what kind of global support your immunity receives with their intake. Not only is elderberry extract in itself an excellent remedy for relieving ARVI symptoms, but it is also fortified with vitamin C and zinc – “true friends” of the immune system.

In addition, Elderberry Immunity does not contain artificial colors, preservatives, sugar and has a pleasant berry mix taste.

Gummy Bears Baby Formula Bears Immunity

Sole ³
vitamin preparation for children, which, in addition to sea buckthorn, contains elderberry. This combination is a truly powerful duo that helps to maintain the immune system and, in combination with vitamins C, E and zinc, reduce the risk of developing ARVI.

Baby Formula Bears Immunity comes in the form of delicious gummy bears that kids love.You must admit that it is much easier to give your child delicious marmalade pastilles than to brew herbs and berries every day during the fall and winter.

Chewable Lozenges Fruttilar® Vitamins for Immunity

The bright taste of black currant: not only healthy, but also a tasty boost for the immune system. Chewable pastilles in the form of gummy berries Fruttilar® – vitamin complex for strengthening the immune system with elderberry extract. In addition to elderberry, vitamins such as C, E and zinc, necessary to strengthen the immune system, are included in the composition.One to three lozenges a day helps to increase the body’s defenses, maintain the activity of the immune system; reducing the risk of developing colds, recovering from a cold (flu).

From the comfort of your home, help your immune system work for you to its fullest –

preparations based on elderberry from the Evalar company.

Where to buy?

¹ According to active ingredients.
² In the line of effervescent vitamins from the Evalar company.
³ Evalar assortment.

dietary supplement. NOT A DRUG

90,000 Immunity of cats: maintenance and enhancement

The immune system performs a protective function in the body. If it weakens, the pet becomes vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.To prevent this from happening, you need to increase the cat’s immunity and try to maintain it.

Contents:

What leads to a decrease in immunity in a cat

Sometimes the owners of four-legged friends cannot understand why a cat or a cat has sharply decreased immunity.

There may be several reasons:

• Late vaccination or complete absence of vaccinations;
• Unfavorable conditions for keeping animals;
• The presence of chronic diseases;
• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Unbalanced diet;
• Infection with parasites;
• Postoperative period;
• Avitaminosis;
• Passive lifestyle.

Vetapteka for cats

Types of immunity

Immunity of a cat, like any other living creature, is of two types – congenital and acquired.

Inborn immunity is given by nature and is inherited. Acquired is formed throughout life. For example, kittens up to one year old have strong immunity, since their antibodies are obtained through the mother’s milk.

Acquired immunity is also developed if the cat has transferred the virus, or was vaccinated with a multi-component vaccine.

How to determine that immunity is lowered

Cat owners are not always able to understand that their pet’s immunity has decreased. Most often, a decrease in immunity is observed in cats in the autumn-winter and spring periods.

Possible signs:

• deterioration in the quality of wool;
• lethargy and apathy;
• weight loss;
• decreased appetite;
• discharge from mucous membranes.

IMPORTANT! In order to have a strong immunity, you need to be more careful about the health of the animal and if you have the slightest suspicion of a worsening of the condition, you should consult a doctor for advice.

How to increase the cat’s immunity

Veterinary centers in Moscow and Moscow region

Maintaining the level of immunity

The furry friend’s owner’s job is to notice changes in their pet’s condition and take action.In order to increase the immunity of a cat, you need to follow a number of rules:

1. Vaccinate on time.

Vaccinations form a stable immunity to such unpleasant diseases as rabies, chlamydia, feline distemper and others.

Kittens begin to vaccinate when they reach three months, then after 3-4 weeks the procedure is repeated. In the future, the vaccine is given annually. Better to have a special calendar to keep track of the vaccination schedule.

Cats are vaccinated, as a rule, with multicomponent vaccines . This procedure should only be carried out by healthy animals in veterinary clinics, in order to be sure that a high-quality drug will be used.

Many cat owners mistakenly believe that it is not necessary to vaccinate a pet that lives in an apartment. This is a misconception, as viruses tend to settle on clothing and footwear.Thus, even a stay-at-home cat can become infected with a dangerous disease.

2. Treat the cat from fleas and ticks, as well as carry out deworming.

One of the most common reasons for a cat’s immunity reduction is infection of the body with helminths and fleas.

Deworming should be done every three months. For this, special preparations are used, produced in the form of:

• Tablets;
• Suspensions;
• A drop on the withers.

As a means of getting rid of fleas and ticks, you can choose:

Before choosing a remedy, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. He will help you choose a drug, focusing on the health status, age and body weight of the animal.

3. Feed your cat only high quality food.

The cat’s immunity will be lower than necessary if its nutrition is not balanced enough.Every day, the animal should receive an optimal amount of vitamins, micro- and macroelements, as well as fiber and proteins. This can be achieved by choosing Holistic and Super Premium Grades as food.

Such feeds have compositions close to natural nutrition, that is, they contain high-class meat in the right quantities. Meat is a source of protein essential for a cat. The enrichment of the body with fiber is provided by cereals. Holistic and super premium food producers prefer to add natural vegetables, fruits and berries that are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Neutered and neutered cats require Specialized Diet . Such animals are prone to a high risk of developing obesity, which can lead to a significant decrease in immunity. In order to avoid the consequences, the best solution would be to transfer the cat to special food.

Find the right cat food

Cat special treats

4.Observe hygiene.

Viruses and bacteria are very fond of the microflora of the mucous membranes, since there are excellent conditions for their life. The main enemy of these microorganisms is cleanliness. Try to wet your home more often, and wash the cat bowls every day.

You should also monitor the cleanliness of the ears, periodically process them using special means and solutions.

Eye Care

Cat Ears Care

Treats for cleaning teeth for cats

5.Add physical activity.

The activity of the cat can be reduced due to characteristics of character, age, as well as after neutering or neutering. Physical activity has a positive effect on the formation of immunity, as it stimulates the processes of blood renewal.

Play with your pet as often as possible. Furry creatures love special toys . They have an attractive shape for cats, and also make interesting sounds for them.Chasing a toy mouse – what could be more fun?

6. Maintain the intestinal microflora.

Any violation of the intestinal microflora leads to a significant decrease in immunity. The body of the animal becomes vulnerable to the growth of bacteria.

The reason for the development of dysbiosis can be:

• treating your pet with certain medications, including antibiotics;
• change of feed;
• consumption of poor-quality drinking water:
• operations;
• stress;
• routine vaccinations.

To maintain intestinal microflora, dietary supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics can be used. Despite the fact that they are not harmful to the body, a decision should be made about their use only after consulting a veterinarian.

These dietary supplements are available in the form:

• tablets;
• powder;
• suspensions;
• granules;
• drinks;
• pasta.

7. Periodically supplement the cat’s diet with vitamin and mineral complexes.

Despite the fact that most feeds are balanced and contain vitamins, veterinarians recommend giving a healthy cat complexes of nutrients once a year.

An additional source of vitamins is definitely needed:

• elderly cats.For them, there are certain types of drugs – from 8 years;
• animals during pregnancy and lactation;
• pets that have undergone surgery;
• cats and cats during molting;
• kittens.

Today, veterinary pharmacies offer a varied selection of vitamins and medications to enhance the cat’s immunity. These complexes have a specific function, for example, they help the functioning of the musculoskeletal system or maintain the health and beauty of the coat.It is necessary to select the drug, focusing on the age and characteristics of the animal’s body.

The most important for strengthening the cat’s immunity are:

• Vitamin A . It maintains visual acuity and also participates in the processes of skin cell regeneration. With a lack of vitamin A, cats experience active hair loss.
• Vitamins of group B. B1 supports the work of the cardiovascular system, and a deficiency of B2 can cause neurological disorders.Vitamins B5 and B12 are the main “helpers” of the liver and pancreas.
• Vitamin C. Contained in vitamin complexes in small quantities, since the cat’s body usually produces it on its own. It is prescribed by veterinarians to animals that have undergone infectious diseases or surgery.
• Vitamin D. Perhaps the most essential vitamin for kittens, as it participates in the formation of the skeletal system. Its lack leads to rickets.Older animals also need this vitamin, because the skeleton of the cat becomes fragile with age.
• Vitamin E. Participates in the metabolism of fats. Its deficiency contributes to obesity.

Vitamins for cats are available in liquid and tablet form, as well as in the form of injections.

8. Use immunomodulators.

Immunomodulators are drugs that increase the immunity of cats.They stimulate the production of interferon and increase the level of leukocytes in the blood. Thanks to immunomodulators, the body resists viral and bacterial infections. stimulate the production of interferon and increase the level of leukocytes in the blood.

Despite the fact that drugs that increase immunity do not harm the cat’s body, veterinarians insist that they should be used only for their intended purpose. If the pet has a balanced diet and periodically consumes vitamins and prebiotics, immunity will be high.

Most often, immunomodulators are prescribed if the pet suffers from a chronic disease, such as allergies, or has an infection. In this case, the veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medication.

The drugs are available in the form:

• tablets;
• solutions for injection;
• candles;
• sprays.

Summary

• in the autumn-winter and spring periods, the pet’s body becomes especially vulnerable;
• to strengthen the immunity of a cat, you need to vaccinate it annually
• ways to strengthen and enhance immunity – balanced and proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, treatment from parasites;
• at least once a year, you need to supplement the cat’s main diet with drugs to increase immunity – vitamin complexes, prebiotics and probiotics;
• immunomodulators can increase the level of functioning of the immune system, but they can only be used as directed by a veterinarian.

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