The immune system protects the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi and other harmful organisms. Toxins in foods and the environment, poor diet and stress can all contribute to a decline in immune system activity. If your immune function is weakened, your body is subject to fatigue and illness and cannot ward off infections.
Many factors play a role in strengthening the immune system. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and miners, provides the building blocks for healthy cells. Deep breathing and fresh air replenish vital oxygen. Regular exercise boosts oxygen intake and helps build cardiovascular and immune system health.
- Protect cells with vitamins - Vitamins C and E - known as antioxidants - stimulate immunity and protect against cancer by neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin A also helps strengthen immune cells. The daily requirement is 1,000 RE (found in 1 carrot) for vitamin A, 60 mg. (1 orange) for vitamin C and 8-10 mg. (2 tablespoons vegetable oil) for vitamin E.
- Gain fresh energy with oxygen - Engage in moderate exercise for an hour a day to ensure plentiful intake of fresh air. This promotes oxygen exchange between blood and air and speeds metabolism, leading to efficient mobilization of energy from nutrients.
- Strengthen your thymus gland - The thymus gland, which is located in the upper part of the chest behind the breastbone, is a nursery for immune system cells that help fight infection. Unfortunately, this organ shrinks in size as we grow older, and its effectiveness gradually diminishes. Here’s a quick and easy exercise to stimulate your thymus gland and boost your immune system health. Every morning, tap on the middle of the breastbone with your fingers for 5 minutes.
- Hot and cold showers - Begin your morning with a warm shower. After a few minutes, step aside and change the water temperature to lukewarm or cold. Place your right leg back in the shower first, then work your way up the body.
- Stress reduction - Scientific studies have shown that stress weakens your immunity. Try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or mediation, to help you cope better with stress. Or brew up some linden flower or valerian tea to help relieve anxiety and reinstate a state of calm.
Natural healing techniques
- Oxygen therapy - A treatment that delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the blood to stimulate metabolism and fight infection.
- Autohemotherapy - A procedure where a small amount of the patient’s blood is removed and then reinjected later to enhance immunity.
- Lymph drainage - A therapeutic technique that speeds the removal of impurities and toxins through massage of the lymph vessels.
Keep your indoor humidity level between 30 percent and 50 percent so that the mucous membranes in the nose don’t dry out. This will help protect the cilia, the fine hairs that line the nose and act as a barrier to keep germs from penetrating the body.
