Top 5 Ways to Improve Your Immune System

Top 5 Ways to Improve Your Immune System
By Dr. Allison Ziegler, ND

Keep your immune system strong with the following effective ways at supporting and strengthening immunity.

1. Probiotics

Our body has a colony of beneficial bacteria, which is highly concentrated in our intestine. These healthy gut flora are a significant part of the immune system, comprising upwards of 2/3 of our total immune system, and are responsible for various health promoting actions including fighting off infection. High stress, medication use such as antibiotics, smoking, alcohol and processed foods shift the type of bacteria in our gut to a less optimal environment. In turn, the change in bacteria decreases the immune function. Taking a probiotic contributes to re-establishing a healthy gut environment and improves immune function. Source.

2. Herbal Support

St. Francis Deep Immune is a herbal combination that contains astragalus, codonopsis, licorice and Siberian ginseng. These immune enhancing herbs help to increase the production of white blood cells and enhance immune attack against viruses and bacteria.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a vital roll in improving immune cell function and effectiveness at fighting off infection. Deficiency in vitamin D in linked to increased susceptibility to infections. Ensuring a dose of 2000-4000 iu per day is an effective dose to improve immune function. Source.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C improves immune cell functioning by supporting and protecting the outer barriers of the body tissue and in the development of white blood cells. Vitamin C is also an effective antimicrobial. Source.

5. Decrease sugar and increase greens.

Harmful bacteria flourish in the presence of sugar. Excess sugar in the diet deplete the bodies nutrient levels and contributes to an inflammatory state. A reduction in essential nutrients and increased inflammation are contributing factors to a reduced immune response. Eating a diet rich in green leafy vegetables promotes the growth of the beneficial gut flora, improves the immune system and replenishes a healthy gut environment. Source.