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How to Boost Your Immune System
Related Links
List of Herbs That Boost Your Immune System
Top 10 Ways to Boost the Immune System
Top 10 Home Remedies for the Common Cold
5 Ways to Protect Your Kids from the Flu
Snoring Linked to Stroke
Stop Snoring-Tips That Work
Can't Sleep-Here's Help
Detoxify Your Life
March 1, 2008
Last Updated December 19, 2011
By Susan M. Callahan, Associate Editor and Featured Columnist
The immune system is a powerful thing. It helps us to fight
off common maladies like colds. It may, according to
research, even help in our fight against serious diseases
like cancer. The history of the world has in large part been
a history of which races and nations had better immune
systems when they first clashed. Diseases introduced from
one culture have conquered more opposing cultures than
battle ships.
But how do you boost your immune system? Are there any
practices or foods we can eat which will help us to be more
resistant to disease.
First, let's meet the enemy. Bacteria and viruses are
formidable enemies. They have been around on the earth
longer than we have, many millions of years longer. They
were among the first forms of life on Earth. They are living
organisms just as we are. They exist because they evolved
and survived against their natural predators. Your immune
system is a natural predator of bacteria and viruses.
Exercise seems to boost your immune system, according to
recent research. During moderate exercise, immune cells
circulate more rapidly and thoroughly through the body
more quickly. As a result, they are more "on the scene"
and available at the sites where bacteria and viruses have
invaded.
After you finish exercising, your immune system returns to
normal within a few hours.
But here's the good news. If you exercise consistently, the
immune boosting effects last longer.
However, consistent, regular exercise seems to make these
changes a bit more long-lasting. According to a study led
by Professor David Nieman of Appalachian State University,
when moderate exercise is repeated on a near-daily basis
there is a cumulative effect that leads to a long-term
immune response. His research showed that those who
walk at 70-75 of their maximum heart rate for 40 minutes
per day had half as many sick days due to colds or sore
throats as those who don't exercise.
Bur be careful not to overdo. Other research has found
that those who exercise intensively for more than 90
minutes at a stretch actually lower their immunity for up to
72 hours afterwards.
Bottom line? Put on your walking shoes to stay healthy
through the cold and flu season.
Vitamin D Supports Your Immune System
Over the last decade, several studies have suggested a
strong link between Vitamin D and your immune system.
Several of the studies found that people who are deficient
in Vitamin D, particularly those who live in the Northern
Hemisphere where sunlight is scare during the winters, may
need to supplement their diets with Vitamin D to maintain
healthy immune systems.
How do you insure that you are not Vitamin D deficient.
Experts suggest that you get at least 15 minutes of direct
sunlight a day. If that is not possible, consider taking a
Vitamin D supplement. (Read more about how to combat
Vitamin D deficiency.)
Other Foods That Boost Your Immune System
Are there foods which can help boost the immune system?
Yes, there are. The research studies in this area are sketchy
but growing. But here are the foods which have been
linked to immune boosting effects:
1. Garlic
2. Tumeric.
3. Red bell peppers and other fruits and vegetables with
high levels of Vitamin C
4. Yogurt/Kefir
5. Ginger.
6. Green tea.
7. Oregano.
8. Brocoli
9. Oysters
10. Pumpkin.
Related Links
Appalachian State University Study on Exercise and Immunity
Stroke Signs --How to Know When You Are Having a Stroke
Can't Sleep-Here's Help
Americans Are Chronically Sleep Deprived-2008 Study Released
Owning a Cat Cuts Stroke Risk by 40%
My Heart Attack-A Personal Story
Related Links
List of Herbs That Boost Your Immune System
Top 10 Ways to Boost the Immune System
Top 10 Home Remedies for the Common Cold
5 Ways to Protect Your Kids from the Flu
Snoring Linked to Stroke
Stop Snoring-Tips That Work
Can't Sleep-Here's Help
Detoxify Your Life
March 1, 2008
Last Updated December 19, 2011
By Susan M. Callahan, Associate Editor and Featured Columnist
The immune system is a powerful thing. It helps us to fight
off common maladies like colds. It may, according to
research, even help in our fight against serious diseases
like cancer. The history of the world has in large part been
a history of which races and nations had better immune
systems when they first clashed. Diseases introduced from
one culture have conquered more opposing cultures than
battle ships.
But how do you boost your immune system? Are there any
practices or foods we can eat which will help us to be more
resistant to disease.
First, let's meet the enemy. Bacteria and viruses are
formidable enemies. They have been around on the earth
longer than we have, many millions of years longer. They
were among the first forms of life on Earth. They are living
organisms just as we are. They exist because they evolved
and survived against their natural predators. Your immune
system is a natural predator of bacteria and viruses.
Exercise seems to boost your immune system, according to
recent research. During moderate exercise, immune cells
circulate more rapidly and thoroughly through the body
more quickly. As a result, they are more "on the scene"
and available at the sites where bacteria and viruses have
invaded.
After you finish exercising, your immune system returns to
normal within a few hours.
But here's the good news. If you exercise consistently, the
immune boosting effects last longer.
However, consistent, regular exercise seems to make these
changes a bit more long-lasting. According to a study led
by Professor David Nieman of Appalachian State University,
when moderate exercise is repeated on a near-daily basis
there is a cumulative effect that leads to a long-term
immune response. His research showed that those who
walk at 70-75 of their maximum heart rate for 40 minutes
per day had half as many sick days due to colds or sore
throats as those who don't exercise.
Bur be careful not to overdo. Other research has found
that those who exercise intensively for more than 90
minutes at a stretch actually lower their immunity for up to
72 hours afterwards.
Bottom line? Put on your walking shoes to stay healthy
through the cold and flu season.
Vitamin D Supports Your Immune System
Over the last decade, several studies have suggested a
strong link between Vitamin D and your immune system.
Several of the studies found that people who are deficient
in Vitamin D, particularly those who live in the Northern
Hemisphere where sunlight is scare during the winters, may
need to supplement their diets with Vitamin D to maintain
healthy immune systems.
How do you insure that you are not Vitamin D deficient.
Experts suggest that you get at least 15 minutes of direct
sunlight a day. If that is not possible, consider taking a
Vitamin D supplement. (Read more about how to combat
Vitamin D deficiency.)
Other Foods That Boost Your Immune System
Are there foods which can help boost the immune system?
Yes, there are. The research studies in this area are sketchy
but growing. But here are the foods which have been
linked to immune boosting effects:
1. Garlic
2. Tumeric.
3. Red bell peppers and other fruits and vegetables with
high levels of Vitamin C
4. Yogurt/Kefir
5. Ginger.
6. Green tea.
7. Oregano.
8. Brocoli
9. Oysters
10. Pumpkin.
Related Links
Appalachian State University Study on Exercise and Immunity
Stroke Signs --How to Know When You Are Having a Stroke
Can't Sleep-Here's Help
Americans Are Chronically Sleep Deprived-2008 Study Released
Owning a Cat Cuts Stroke Risk by 40%
My Heart Attack-A Personal Story
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| Getting enough sun is one of the best ways to boost your levels of Vitamin D and your immune system. |