6 Steps to a Powerful Immune System

Author: Cindy Papp

It is no secret that we eat to stay alive. We are told from the time we are children that food provides energy, exercise keeps you in shape and herbs are only for those who "believe." But there's more to it than that - these are the "tools" that can help boost your immune system. Here are 6 steps for starters...

1. Food provides far more than energy. The nutrients in food are your building blocks. Your body uses these on a daily basis to make new cells including white blood cells, also known as immune cells. In fact - this balanced diet should be explained further to include eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. And just so you know - organic produce has been shown to have up to 40% more nutrients. Eating plenty of healthy foods such as fruits and veggies will give you the building blocks your body will use to boost your immune system.
2. Just as healthy food gives you the building blocks necessary to boost your immune system, junk food will rob your body of these nutrients leaving less than what you need to stay healthy. It takes a lot of "energy" to break down junk food. These types of foods are not easily digested and many contain chemicals that the body doesn't recognize which may be stored as toxins. (It may be in minute amounts, but on a daily basis they add up!) So limit the "fun foods."
3. Many of us have a difficult time eating our share of fruits and vegetables, so drink them! In fact, you can drink the nutrients of 10 carrots and utilize all of their nutrients but it is nearly impossible to eat and digest the same amount. This is helpful for people on the run or who want the extra nutrition.
4. Exercise has been known to strengthen the body and stimulate the immune system. It gets blood flowing and helps your lymphatic system move. This will ensure that your body carries out waste while at the same time transports necessary nutrients to where it's needed. In addition - your breathing will deepen to more efficiently carry out metabolic waste.
5. Herbs are being researched more today because of their known effectiveness to help your body. Echinacea has been shown to boost the immune system, garlic helps kill bacteria and other pathogens, and a compound in goldenseal has been shown to work against infections and tumors. These are just a couple examples of how herbs work. As for side effects - there really are none. What is shown is how the body changes by revving metabolism or better assimilation - a side effect you would also find by changing to a healthier diet. One thing to watch for however is your body's reaction if you are taking medications.
6. Cleansing can help your body clear built up waste and stored toxins. This would help boost your immune system by taking away the excess burden of having to battle stored toxins on a daily basis. Your immune system already has a daily bombardment of bacteria, virus and pathogens - no matter how much you wash your hands. So help your body by eliminating any excess waste.

These are just some of the things that you can do to help your body become stronger and boost your immune system. But remember - healthy food and herbs don't heal your body, your body uses them to get stronger. As your body gets stronger it will do what it was made to - heal itself to keep you alive and healthy.

About the Author

Cindy Papp is a Certified Nutritional Counselor and Colon Therapist, and has been working and teaching in the health field for 15 years. You can learn more about diet for immunity and cleansing at springclean-cleanse.com.