Our immune system is much like an army, with many key players that must work properly in order to protect us from illness. So when we get sick, it is an opportunity for our bodies defenses and army to be put to the test.
So it is important when we fall ill to colds and flu, that we give our immune system a chance to do its job. So in order to support our body’s troops we can add these things in to help our immune system, instead of suppress it.
Many of the over the counter medications work by suppressing the symptoms and the immune reaction. When we suppress the systems, we are also suppressing part of our immune system.
So we are essentially telling our body’s army that they’ve been training for this fight, but when a war comes along, that we can’t send in the troops. So though we don’t have the time to be sick, or don’t want to experience the symptoms of being sick. It is important that we trust our bodies to take the appropriate action and let our immune army take its course.
We can help support the immune system with the following recommendations:
Reduce dairy and sugar intake: Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream have a protein called casein. Casein is known to cause inflammation and can stimulate your body to produce more mucus. Sugar is known to paralyze your immune system as well. 1 teaspoon of sugar can stop your immune system from reacting for up to 8 hours. Avoiding sugar can help insure your troops can react 100%!
Probiotics:
Our microbiome is mostly found within the gut, and so is the main hub for our immune system. Taking probiotics helps to maintain the natural flora, which is important for optimal functioning of your immune system. Take at least 10-15 billion a day.
Garlic
Garlic has allicin, and is a powerhouse when it comes to microbe killing properties. It has known anti-microbial and immune boosting properties. Chop garlic and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The odor will often get stronger. You can mix this teaspoon of garlic with honey, pesto, mash potatoes, applesauce, or olive oil. Eating raw garlic may burn, so it's best to eat it with something.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased episodes of illness. So, maintaining your Vitamin D level is important. You can get your daily dose of Vitamin D by being in the sun without sunscreen for 20-30 minutes a day, with your arms and legs and head uncovered. If you live in colder climates, where that is not feasible oral supplementation of vitamin D is available. Look for Vitamin D3, 5,000IU a day.