How to naturally support your immune system

Mar 9, 2020
Posted by: Monique Parker

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A lot has been written lately about the Corona virus Covid-19 and many people are worried about contracting it.

Of course you should be concerned and take it seriously, but the last thing you should do is panic (stress affects the immune system!). Many cases of the Corona virus are mild to moderate. Elderly people or those with underlying health conditions are at the highest risk of becoming severely ill and possibly dying.

So what can we do to help fight the virus? 

 

First of all, good hygiene:
 

- washing your hands regularly

- covering your face when sneezing or coughing

- avoid touching your face, especially nose, mouth and eyes, when you're out and about

- trying to avoid touching anything when travelling on public transport or being in public places

Nutrition:
 

•A varied diet with lots of fresh and wholesome foods

- ‘eat a rainbow’ of fruit and veg to get plenty of antioxidants, that protect immune cells from damage
   and reduce inflammation

-  plenty of fibre and fermented foods like natural yoghurt to support the gut, as that’s where about 70% of your immune system resides

- Onions, garlic, ginger and turmeric as these all boost your immune system

- Omega 3 fatty acids (i.e. oily fish, nuts and seeds) help functioning certain white blood cells in the immune system

- Avoid sugar as this could dampen the immune system

- Stay hydrated – when it is cold it is easy to forget to drink enough liquids (herbal teas, soups, broth)

•Supplements to support the immune system


- vitamin C, is not stored in the body and will be used up more quickly when you’re fighting infection

- vitamin D, a very important nutrient that can modulate immune responses

- zinc

- Beta-glucans (sugars that are found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, lichens, and
  plants, such as oats and barley) to boost the immune system

- Elderberry extract or olive leave extract (high in antioxidants)

- There are various immune support formulas on the market, below are some of my favourites*



•Manage stress as stress can cause inflammation in the body and weaken your immune system
 So try not to panic as this will affect your stress levels

 

•A good night sleep as sleep enhances immune defense
People who don’t sleep well or not enough are more prone to picking up viruses, including the cold virus

 

*Cytoplan Immunovite Beta 1-3_1-6 Glucans with selenium, zinc and vitamin C (capsules)

*Biocare Immune Intensive vitamin A, C, D, zinc, betaglucans, sage and elderberry (sachets)

*Nutri Advanced ImmunoBlast vitamin A, C, D, E, zinc and betaglucans (tablets)

*Sambucol Extra Defence black elderberry juice with vitamin C, D, B6, selenium, folic acid, betacarotene and zinc