Reduce the use of Pharmaceutical Drugs – The overuse of antibiotics has wreaked havoc on the immune systems of millions of people across the nation. One danger of antibiotics is that they don’t distinguish between good and bad bacteria when they are in the body. This often leads to a depletion of good flora in the gut. When the balance of the gut is compromised, it leaves us susceptible to viruses, bacteria, and fungi that otherwise would not be a problem.
Antibiotics have no beneficial effect for viral infections and can actually lower your immunity making the infection last even longer! There are many natural alternatives to both antibiotics and anti – inflammatory medication. Some of my favorites include oregano oil and colloidal silver for eradicating bacteria. Also, curcumin from turmeric acts as a very powerful anti-inflammatory and alternative to corticosteroids without the side – effects.
Maintain a Healthy Gut – Eighty percent (80%) of your immune system resides in your gut, making it extremely important in immune system strength and recovery.[9] antibiotics leaves the gut susceptible to overgrowth of toxic bacteria and fungi like candida. These toxic microbes can damage the intestinal wall and create something called Leaky Gut Syndrome. It is a condition where the walls of the intestine become damaged and permeable. Tiny molecules from our food can pass through this permeable intestine and into the bloodstream. The immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign invaders and launch an attack that creates immune responses that range from headaches to skin rashes. Because this immune response can occur systemically, autoimmune diseases like Celiac, arthritis, and psoriasis can also result.
Keeping your gut healthy involves staying away from foods and medications that damage the gut lining as well as eating foods that promote balance. Some of the best ways to maintain a healthy gut are:
- Avoiding antibiotics
- Eliminating processed foods and GMO foods (contain chemicals that damage the gut)
- Avoid high allergen foods like wheat, corn, and soy
- Incorporate fermented foods into your diet (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
- Take a strong probiotic supplement daily
1. Know when to go to the doctor, and when to stay home when you’re sick, it’s sometimes better for your immune system if you don’t visit the doctor. Why? When you go to the doctor, you often get antibiotics or prescription meds that may not even be necessary (and could be harmful) to your immune system in the long run.
2. Eat More Soup – Your immune cells rely on an amino acid called glutamine to do their jobs. Glutamine comes from protein foods, and if you’re not eating enough of those, your body will borrow from skeletal muscle, especially if you’re working out.
3. Quit the Sugar – If you do only one thing when you feel like you’re getting sick, eliminating sugar will do the most good. Refined sugar dramatically decreases immune function. Healthier sweeteners such as honey or stevia can be used in moderation, but avoid artificial sweeteners like Splenda or Equal; they are even more toxic than cane sugar! if you are feeling like you’re “fighting off a bug” or “coming down with something” avoid sugar and sweet foods until you feel better.
Some nutrients and foods that have been found to enhance the immune system include:
- Vitamin C – rich foods, like citrus fruit and broccoli
- Vitamin E – rich foods, like nuts and whole grains
- Garlic
- Zinc – rich foods, like beans, turkey, crab, oysters, and beef
- Bioflavanoids, which are found in fruits and vegetables
- Selenium – rich foods, like chicken, whole grains, tuna, eggs, sunflower seeds, and brown rice
- Carotenoid-rich foods, like carrots and yams
- Omega – 3 fatty acids, found in nuts, salmon, tuna, mackerel, flaxseed oil and hempseed oil.
Conclusion:
If you are tired and have worn out immune system, then take the time and rest to restore its efficiency. It is an intricate system that needs both our care and attention. When you take the time to incorporate the tips of immune system restoration. Your resistance to disease will increase. Begin today and gradually take back your immune system and your health.
