
Betty asks…
How can I boost my immune system?
I have had 3 colds and a tonsillitis-like respiratory infection in the last 6 weeks. Once i think i’m over it, I seem to get ill again. I am a student nurse and have had a lot of time off (can’t go into hospital spreading germs over poorly patients). I am quite run down physically, emotionally and mentally. Due to my job/study I never seem to eat properly and my sleeping pattern is shot to buggery.
Does anyone have any suggestions to give my immune system a quick boost to kick start the road to recovery?
admin answers:
I am sorry about your struggle to stay healthy, I have a few suggestions, I hope I dont overwhelm you, but the more you do of the following list, the stronger your immune system will be, and better chance you will keep healthy and be full of energy!
To boost your immune system, do as many of the following list as possible….
1) keep practicing good personal hygiene care, wash your hands!
2) get plenty of rest. During deep sleep, our body release potent immune-enhancing substances that strengthen your immune system function. By not allowing our body sufficient rest, the immune system will sputter, and as a result, not function at full capacity. We then are more likely to become ill with common illnesses. A healthy, deep sleep allows our body to release a significant amount of growth hormone that boost the immune system and aids in the growth and repair of the body.
3) get moderate and regular exercise
An increase in blood flow associated with moderate exercise helps to circulate antibodies along with white blood cells necessary to fight infection more quickly. As a result, this provides our bodies with an early warning system to ward off potentially damaging germs. In addition, the increase in body temperature as a result of physical activity may aid in inhibiting the growth of bacteria; thus allowing the body to fight infection more effectively.
4) Receiving a Regular Body Cleansing.
Body cleansing is essential because our bodies need to properly eliminate the toxic build up that has formed in our intestines (colon), which may lead to sickness and disease. Our body organs and tissues must be free of toxins for the immune system to function optimally thus enabling our bodies to receive the essential nutrients our bodies need.
5) Boost immune system by drinking plenty of filtered water.
Water is essential for all living things and keeps our immune system operating optimally while improving the way we feel, look and live. Without sufficient amounts of water, you may experience routine fatigue, dry skin, headaches, constipation, and a decrease normal bodily function which may lead to your body unable to fight off diseases. Without water we would literally dehydrate which could result in the shutting down of vital organs and ultimately end in death.
6) Eliminate all sugar and allergens from your diet.
Just a small amount of sugar has been proven to impair white blood cells up to 50% for very short periods of time. By discovering what our personal food allergies are, then eliminating or desensitizing them will help strengthen your immune system. By removing these triggers, our immune cells are strengthened in order to combat other invaders such as influenza rather than the allergen. The elimination of sugar from your diet can also strengthen immune system.
7) Eat nutritiously
Good foods to eat include organic fruits and vegetables, chloretta, medicinal mushrooms like maitake, shiitake, reishi, or turkey tail. Besides water, wheatgrass juice, aloe vera juice, or green tea are good drinks.
Take supplements
Supplements are needed because our bodies can not produce the nutrients necessary to maintain optimum health. There are many nutrients needed in order to maintain a strong immune system. It is very challenging in the world we live in to obtain sufficient nutrition with the foods available to us. They are over processed and void of many essential nutrients. Additionally, food is grown in soils that have been over-planted and saturated with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Vitamin and mineral deficiency subjects us to more diseases, aging, sickness, and the weakening of our immune system.
Best herbs include echinacea, goldenseal, garlic, olive leaf extract, elderberry, or astragalus.
Best vitamins include Vitamin A, C, or E. These are a good source of antioxidants, which will boost your immune system.
The minerals zinc and selenium also help with boosting your immune system.
As you can see, there is no one magic cure, one supplement, to stay healthy, but there are many things you can do to help your situation!

James asks…
What little things could I do to boost my immune system and not catch swine flu, etc.?
My immune system isn’t the best..
1) Are there any vitamin C tablets that you recommend?
2) What foods (fruits, veggies, etc.) help your immune system?
3) What other kinds of things could I do to boost my immune system? (such as excercising..Anything!)
admin answers:
The information is too long to post here, so you can visit these sites to read the articles! Hope this helps!
Antioxidants and Your Immune System: Super Foods for Optimal Health
http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/antioxidants-your-immune-system-super-foods-optimal-health
Regular exercise may help battle the flu
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Regular+exercise+help+battle/2138243/story.html
The immune system is enhanced by sleep and rest,[93] and is impaired by stress
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system#Sleep
The functioning of the immune system, like most systems in the body, is dependent on proper nutrition.
Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_system#Nutrition_and_diet

Charles asks…
are canker sores a sign of a weakened immune system?
It seems like everytime before I get sick I get sores in my mouth… Is this a sign that my immune system is getting weak, or is this just coincidence?
admin answers:
No.
Canker sores are small shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth and often make eating and talking uncomfortable. There are two types of canker sores:
Simple canker sores. These may appear three or four times a year and last up to a week. They typically occur in people between 10 and 20 years of age.
Complex canker sores. These are less common and occur more often in people who have previously had them.
What Causes Canker Sores?
The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. Stress or tissue injury is thought to be the cause of simple canker sores. Certain foods – including citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables (such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes, strawberries) – can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like Motrin, is another common cause. Sometimes a sharp tooth surface or dental appliance, such as braces or ill-fitting dentures, might also trigger canker sores.
Some cases of complex canker sores are caused by an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system; nutritional problems, such as vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron deficiency; and gastrointestinal tract disease, such as Celiac disease and Crohn’s disease.
Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two.
If sores are large, painful, or persistent, your dentist may prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse, a corticosteroid ointment, or a prescription or nonprescription solution to reduce the pain and irritation.
Can Canker Sores Be Prevented?
Although there is no cure for canker sores and they often reoccur, you may be able to reduce their frequency by:
Avoiding foods that irritate your mouth – including acidic or spicy foods
Avoiding irritation from gum chewing
Brushing with a soft-bristled brush after meals and flossing daily, which will keep your mouth free of foods that might trigger a sore.
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