With cold and flu season starting we need to start supporting our immune systems. To do so, we are more likely not to get sick. By supporting our immune systems, “if we do get sick,” our immune systems have what they need to help fight off the infection.
Our immune system is very important. Our immune system helps to fight off any virus or bacteria that comes into our body’s through our nose, skin, eyes, throat and ears. When our immune system is low or not supported, we are not able to fight off the infections that come into our bodies. We are thus more likely to get sick and stay sick longer.
In short, we need to keep our immune systems supported.
Here are six things you can do to support your immune system.
Six Immune System Supporters
Herbs: Herbs can help support your immune system before and when you are sick. In my next blog post, “in the herbalism blog categories,” I will cover the herbs that can be used to support your immune system.
Vitamin C: Eat foods high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the immune system by supporting the numerous cellular functions that happen within our immune systems. Foods that have Vitamin C are citrus foods like oranges, limes, kale, broccoli, spinach and carrots.
Vitamin E: Eat foods high in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps your immune system to fight off infections and support the immune system. Foods that have Vitamin E are nuts, edible seeds and spinach.
Vitamin B-6: Eat foods high in Vitamin B-6. Vitamin B-6 is very important to the immune system. This vitamin supports the biochemical reactions that take place in the immune system that help fight off infections. Foods that have Vitamin B-6 are chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, brown rice, most green vegetables and chick peas.
Probiotics & Prebiotics: Take probiotics and prebiotics. You can also eat foods that have probiotics and prebiotics in them. Probiotic foods are any food that is fermented like sauerkraut, kimchi or miso. Prebiotic foods are onions or leeks, garlic, flaxseed, apples and bananas. Probiotics and prebiotics help our gut bacteria to stay healthy. If our gut is not healthy it can impact our immune system.
Elderberry Syrup: Elderberry is an herb that can be made into a syrup. Elderberry syrup can be taken before you’re sick and when you’re sick. Elderberry helps to support and boost our immune system. I will talk more about Elderberry in my herb post for immune support.
Please use all of the above in moderation.
Remember to keep your hands clean this time of year. If you do get sick, rest as much as you can.