Inside your body there is an amazing system of immune cells and tissues whose sole purpose is to defend you against invasion by bacteria, viruses, allergens and parasites. Collectively, this is called the immune system. A healthy immune system is like having your own private army. When the soldiers in your army are working well, you hardly even notice that they are there. You feel healthy, have low levels of inflammation, and are resilient to infections. However, when the army becomes dis-organised, or overworked, then you may start to notice signs.
There is a Winter War on the Way
With winter on the way there are more potential invaders around and your immune system will be working overtime to protect you from the viruses that cause the common cold and the flu. To give your army the best possible chance at protecting you this winter, there are some simple things you can do.
Simple Ways to Keep Your Army Strong
Eat a balanced diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, low in fat, with moderate amounts of protein. Eat fresh, wholesome, unprocessed foods. Eating lots of junk foods can slow your army down – especially sweet, sugary foods.De-stress! Enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation. Stress can reduce your resistance to infection.Exercise regularly. Regular exercise reduces inflammation and can support healthy immunity.Increase water intake to six to eight glasses per day. Water is essential for all aspects of good health.Supplement your diet with recommended nutrients and herbs to boost your immune function.
If you find yourself with a sore throat, runny nose and watery eyes - there are some key herbs and nutrients which can help your army to fight off any potential invaders and prevent infections this winter.
Herbhub’s Herbal immune booster contains many of the following herbs that help your immune response step up. For our Cough and Flu Tonic go to the website to order online. Of course, this herbal tonic can be used as a preventative.
Echinacea is best known for its ability to stimulate the production of lymphocytes. This makes it a brilliant choice for boosting your army to overcome infection.
Andrographis is an Ayurvedic herb which has a long history of use for bacterial and viral infections.
Clinical studies have shown it can reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. Its anti-inflammatory properties contribute to its symptom-relieving properties.
Astragalus has been used traditionally in Indian and Chinese medicine to help maintain a normal healthy immune system. It has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating actions.
Elderflower has traditionally been used for its anti-catarrhal and fever reducing actions to help relieve the symptoms of colds. It is indicated in cases of the common cold/flu, sinusitis and coughs.
Elecampagne is a herb known for its ability to reduce coughs. It has a strong affiliation with lung tissue and is deep acting for those persistent coughs.
• Nutrients for immune support: Zinc is one of the most important mineral for your immune function. Zinc deficiency may cause a weaker immune response, predisposing you to a more lengthy or severe cold. In fact, optimal zinc status has been found to inhibit the common cold virus. Vitamin C is also important as it increases the activity of infection fighting white blood cells. Vitamin C may prevent the common cold as well as shorten the duration of the symptoms. It is interesting to note that vitamin C and glucose both use the same receptor sites on our immune cells. It makes sense to keep the diet clean and steer away from sweet treats especially when your immune system is under attack.
• Good bacteria for a good immune system: Lactobacillus rhamnosus enhances cellular immune resistance through stimulation of your immune system, particularly natural killer cells.
What About the Kids?
Children often get colds and flus over winter. To help them avoid colds and flus we have a pleasant-tasting herbal tonic specially formulated for children to improve their immune response. This natural formula has immune balancing effects and stimulates the immune cells to fight the nasties causing the common cold and flu.
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