6 Easy Ways to Bolster Your Immune System

Here are 6 Important Things You Can Do To Enhance Your Immune System’s Natural Capacity To Protect Yourself From Becoming Ill OR to Help You Heal From a Viral Infection.

By Ginny Pomeroy, MAPT, NTP, BCHN

As we all know, the recent COVID-19 corona virus outbreak is an extremely communicable disease and many people will be exposed to the virus and become ill as a result. As with any viral exposure, our immune system is responsible for identifying and neutralizing foreign invaders. Our immune system is working all the time to keep us healthy, but can be easily compromised by competing stressors in our lives such as poor diet, lack of sleep, and stress to name a few. There are some basic things that you can do to improve your immune system’s ability to fight infections.

1.) Drink plenty of water. This will help your body flush out toxins. Drink 2 EXTRA glasses of water over and above what you are used to drinking today and tomorrow. The ideal amount of water is based on your weight and should be ½ your body weight (lbs.) in ounces of water per day. Please add more if you consume beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol to make up for the diuretic effects of these compounds. If you are not a good water drinker at this time, build up slowly over the next couple of weeks to the appropriate level for your weight.

2.) Decrease and/or eliminate all sources of “Added Sugars”. Sugar is highly inflammatory and your immune system will be recruited to help process it. Avoid the obvious culprits such as cookies, cakes, and candy, AND read your labels to see how many of the products you rely on contain added sugars. If it tastes sweet….. think about it!!

3.) Eat a LOT of vegetables and colorful fruits, especially citrus fruits. Fruits and vegetables contain many compounds such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

that help bolster our immune systems. Make a point to have at least one colorful salad everyday.

4.) Stand up straight and breathe deeply several times per day. Reach your arms overhead either lying on your back or standing tall to stretch out the sides of your rib cage. Keeping your rib cage open and flexible will help you rid yourself of phlegm should you get sick and keep your airways open. Avoid smoking or being exposed to 2nd hand smoke. If you are healthy and able to get outside and do some moderate exercise like go for a walk or bike ride, all the better!

5.) Carve out time for a full night’s sleep. Your body heals itself while you sleep, so give it as much of a chance as possible. S

top all screen time at least an hour before bed and try not to consume a large meal before folding in.

6.) Make sure you get your vitamins A, B, C, D, and E! There is good evidence that taking extra Vitamin C can be helpful for both prevention and recovery efforts. I recommend finding a powder form that does not contain fructose, or any artificial sweeteners. My personal favorite is “Potent C Guard; Buffered Ascorbate Powder” made by PERQUE Integrative Health.

These are just a few ways to take care of yourself in an outbreak such as the current situation where there are still unanswered questions about this particular corona virus. Please be sure to also follow the recommendations from the CDC to prevent further spread of the disease.

Want to know more? Contact me: www.ginpom1.wixsite.com/ntchealth

Wishing you all a strong immune system!