Strengthening your immune system means improving your lifestyle (diet, sleep, physical activity…). Immunity refers to the body’s ability to protect itself from threatening substances. They may be viruses, bacteria, cells that have become cancerous, parasites, a transplanted organ, etc. Our health depends to a large extent on the proper functioning of our immune system.
In this article, we give you 6 tips to apply on a daily basis to boost your immune defenses and combat threatening substances.
Get enough sleep to recharge your batteries
Sleep deprivation doesn’t just affect the eyes. Inside our bodies, these few hours or nights without sleep have an effect on the organism. As a result, our immune system is weakened, as the number of white blood cells has fallen.
For example, according to some American scientists, you’re 4 times more likely to catch a cold if you don’t get enough sleep. People who get 7 hours of rest a night are less likely to catch a cold. Specialists recommend getting at least 8 hours’ sleep a night. Restful sleep to strengthen your body’s defenses.
Vitamin C boosts the immune system
One of the many causes of weakened immune defenses is vitamin C deficiency. As it is not synthesized by the body, vitamin C must be supplemented (natural vitamin C).
Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant. It captures the free radicals produced by the body in the face of external aggression (pollution, stress, etc.) or internal aggression (molecular degradation, cellular respiration, etc.).
Vitamin C boosts our resistance to viral and bacterial infections. In other words, it boosts our immune system. An adult should consume around 110 mg of vitamin C a day. The equivalent of 2 medium-sized oranges. Consume 125 ml of guava for 199 mg of vitamin C, and 125 ml of red bell pepper for 166 mg (approx.).
Black cumin boosts the immune system
Traditional medicine throughout the world uses black cumin to treat many illnesses. Black cumin is a small, nutrient-rich seed that boosts our natural defenses. The vitamin C contained in its seeds has a positive effect on the body’s immune defenses, particularly against winter ailments. You can take a course of black cumin vegetable oil to boost the immune system or prevent allergic episodes.
Tip
Take 2 to 3 drops of black cumin vegetable oil orally or on a raw vegetable dish (avoid heating).
Ginseng favorably balances the body
In herbal medicine, ginseng is used to restore our physical and emotional balance. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginseng has a positive effect on tired or weakened bodies. This plant provides good protection against colds and flu. Ginseng’s tonic and aphrodisiac properties are traditionally recognized. These same active ingredients provide the roots with the ability to stimulate the immune system. This has the effect of preventing various illnesses by slowing down the development of viruses and microbes.
Tip
For an infusion, boil 5 slices of ginseng in 3 cups of water in a ceramic pot. Drink the decoction 30 minutes before meals.
Echinacea stimulates the body’s defenses
Echinacea is a plant that stimulates the body’s defense system and helps combat colds. Echinacea is both curative and preventive, strengthening your immune system. However, if you suffer from an autoimmune disease or diabetes, you should consult a healthcare professional. Research has shown echinacea to be an adjunctive treatment for respiratory tract infections. Take it at the first sign of an upper respiratory infection (cold, sinusitis, laryngitis, etc.).
Tips
Infuse 1 g of dried roots for about 10 minutes in 1 cup of boiling water. You can drink up to 6 cups a day.
Boil 1 g of Echinacea root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. You can consume up to 3 cups a day.
Sport strengthens muscles and detoxifies the body
Muscles are a fundamental nutritional reserve for white blood cells. This explains why people with serious diseases affecting the immune system see their muscles literally melt away.
Physical activity stimulates the immune system, detoxifies the body, releases muscular tension and improves the mental state.
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