Eating healthily – Try avoid processed foods and those with unnatural chemicals like added flavourings, refined sugars, and neurotoxins like MSG. Avoid soda, which is one of the top five foods that destroy your immune system. Instead, look for organic fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, B vitamins and vitamins A, C, and D. Some excellent choices are blueberries, garlic, kale, broccoli, spinach, lemons, eggplant, pomegranate, and avocado. For fruits and vegetables, it’s important to buy organic. If organic isn’t available, give your fruits and veggies a good scrub to eliminate removable residue. Raw, vegan foods are ideal, but if you do choose a vegan lifestyle, make sure to include extra B12 in your diet.

Getting exercise – exercise is one of the best methods to boost immune system vitality. It improves your overall health, increases oxygen intake and lung capacity, and gets your metabolism going. On top of that, it promotes a healthy heart and good circulation. Find the best exercise routine for your lifestyle; keep in mind that consistency is a must.

Stress management – stress does more than make you anxious or angry, it aggravates your immune system and increases inflammation. Look for ways to reduce stress at home and at work. A good way to avoid stress is by not holding onto problems. Get it out, talk to someone who will listen. Meditation is another great way to manage stress and can help you reach mind and body harmony and mental discipline.

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Nutritional support – even natural foods do not provide all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients we need. Over-farming, fertilisers, and pesticides have drained much of the nutrient content from the land. As organic farming picks up, nutrients will return, but it will take time. But, even before the soil was depleted of nutrients, alternative health practitioners recognised that people needed herbs and tonics to supplement their diet and support their health and immune system, especially as they aged. Here are a few of the best.

Echinacea – traditional medicines have used Echinacea for centuries and research indicates it supports a healthy immune response and helps fight off colds and flu.

Oregano oil – a study by the Georgetown University Medical Center reported oregano oil was great for fighting off harmful organisms.

Ginseng – this adaptogen helps the body respond to stress and keeps your immune system functioning normally.

Lemon – high in vitamin C, lemon is one of the most potent fruits you can take to fight illness. Many people recommend taking the juice of one half lemon in a cup of warm water every morning to encourage good health.
Garlic – studies show people who eat garlic regularly have fewer colds than those who don’t.
Probiotics – friendly bacteria, aka probiotics, help keep harmful organisms from taking hold. Studies suggest two of the best strains are Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium bifidum.