Answers to Everyday Questions : How can I strengthen my immune system ?

Aside from your brain and heart, the immune system is a major part of your body that needs to be taken care of. Building up your immune system can be done by making a few lifestyle changes and performing small healthy routines that can boost your immune system.

1) Multi-vitamins – With hundreds of multivitamins available in the market today, choosing one can be overwhelming, so if you’re after boosting your immune system, look for vitamins with a balanced Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta carotene, Bioflavenoids, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc and the complete A to Z concept.

Immune-enhancing supplements – there are supplements designed particularly for boosting the immune system. You can choose from a wide variety of supplements based on your personal needs. Some of the best known are Golden Seal, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng Root, Cat’s Claw, CoQ10, Poke root tincture and Echinacea.

2) Add specific foods to your diet – Both onions and garlic are good for keeping the body healthy. Even when cooked, onions and garlic retain their antibacterial qualities, giving your body a natural antibiotic. You may also want to add flax oil and fatty fish that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that help increase the production of white blood cells, which are responsible in eliminating dangerous bacteria in the body. Make sure to eat carrots daily; not only do carrots help your vision, they also help in keeping your immune system healthy.

Avoid or Limit unhealthy foods – If you can’t avoid margarine, white bread and rice, dairy products, processed foods, salty and sweet snacks, caffeine, alcohol and polyunsaturated oils, at least limit your consumption. You can always replace these foods with healthy items like yogurt, fresh fruits, whole grains, ginger and cayenne pepper, sea greens, fresh fish and vegetables like broccoli, spinach and sweet potatoes.

3) Exercise – Not only does exercise strengthen your immune system, it also helps in keeping your mind alert, losing unhealthy fats and maintaining a healthy body. To rejuvenate from work and your daily exercise, increase your hours of sleep.

Plenty of steps are available in boosting your immune system. But as long as you live a healthy life with proper diet, regular exercise, get plenty of sleep and drink the right vitamins, your immune system would be okay for a long time.