Boost Your Immune System for Flu Season

Fall is in the air and so are all manner of illnesses, including swine flu, colds, and the seasonal influenza. While you should always be looking for ways to boost your immune system, this is the time of year when strengthening it becomes doubly important.

Many individuals do not have any immunity to the strains of flu because it keeps mutating. Those who get sick often succumb to a virus simply because they're run down and not ready to fight it off. What can you do to protect yourself more effectively?

Walk the Walk
It sounds like a cliché, but getting out for plenty of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise is one of the best things to boost your immune system. When you exercise it increases blood flow throughout your body. Walking is an excellent low-impact activity that will help you resist diseases including the swine flu. It's estimated that over 80% of Americans do not get enough vitamin D, the key source of which is sunlight. And while we have to be careful with over-exposure to UV radiation, staying inside isn't the answer (in fact, being boxed up can perpetuate germs).

Water & Sleep
Your body is 80 percent water. Water is essential for flushing toxins out of your body. As for sleep, if you're not rested you cannot fight sickness. The more tired you become, the more it stresses your immune system.

Herbal Helpmates
There are a variety of herbs that you can integrate into your diet that will help to boost your immune system. In particular, Echinacea and elderberries provide a lot of support for your immune system. While you may still get a cold or flu, using herbs like these means you'll get better far more quickly.

Anti-oxidant vitamins
Anti-oxidants are powerful tools in our efforts to stave off the swine flu and annual colds. Vitamin A improves white blood cell count (these fight disease). Vitamin C generally heightens your overall ability to resist flu. Vitamins E and D are also good cooperative components for staying healthy year-round.

You Are What You Eat!
Besides adding vitamins and minerals in supplement form to your daily routine, don't forget to eat foods that are good for you. Yogurt keeps your digestive system working effectively. Sweet potatoes have LOTS of Vitamin C. Shitake mushrooms have amino acids that boost immune functions. In addition to these examples begin integrating foods and beverages with anti-oxidant qualities like pomegranates, green tea, and red wine. And don't forget those organic fruits and vegetables!

Keep it Clean
Washing your hands regularly and using anti-bacterial cleaning products in your living and working spaces is still one of the best protections against colds and the flu. While this won't boost your immunity, it's just a good common sense precaution.

Get Better Naturally
Even the most diligent person focused on maintaining immunity can still catch a cold or develop the swine flu. When this happens, there are some natural remedies to help ease that fever and aches. Here are three examples:
- As soon as you start feeling badly, drink warm green tea with ginger root. This helps a lot if you have a sore throat or runny nose. It's also very comforting.
- Burn a little oregano or lavender in your living space. These two herbs have natural anti-viral characteristics.
- Consume raw garlic (also called nature's antibiotic).

Summary:
The effort to boost your immune system is really a life-long endeavor to which you should pay steadfast attention. Doing so decreases your risks of contracting swine flu, seasonal flu, colds and other maladies all year long. If you're just starting on an immune-building protocol, realize it will take a little time before your body responds and your natural protections improve.

For more on how to boost your immune system and avoid the flu, check out the EnvyMyHealth.com Swine Flu Channel!

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