Lets talk about the Immune system and how to look after it during the colder months.
The Immune system plays very important role in our survival as it protects us from viruses, bacteria and other foreign substances. It can be overactive and that’s when we see conditions like allergies and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disease means that the Immune system doesn’t recognise us anymore and attacks us causing all sorts of trouble. Some Autoimmune disease are Rheumatoid Arthritis or Hashimoto’s.
An underactive Immune System can increase the risk of an infection. Some people are born with this immunodeficiency or can acquire it due to medical treatment or other disease.
Signs and symptoms of Immune system that doesn’t function too well or too much are:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Tiny white spots on the nails
- Headaches
- Skin rashes
- Unexplained weight change
- Repeated infections
By taking some of the below nutrients we can help support our Immune System:
- B group Vitamins
- Zinc
- Vitamin A, C, D and E
- N-acetylcysteine
- Probiotics
- Iron
- Copper
These herbs also specifically help boost the Immune System:
- Andrographis
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Goldenseal
- Skullcap
- Feverfew
- Echinacea
To get your immune system back into balance cut out as much stress from your life as possible (see previous post Stress and the Adrenals) and try to sleep at least 7 hours every night. Eating a rainbow of food each day to increase antioxidants in your body, consume less sugar and make sure to include some protein in your diet. And finally – have fun!
If your immune system needs a boost, make an appointment with me today and I can help guide you along the way with diet plans, nutritional medicines and other stress reducing techniques.