Our immune system is a complicated, versatile but amazing defence mechanism which protects our body from different environmental invaders. However most of us do not understand its importance till we fall ill. So today we’re going to talk about health foods and supplements to support your immune system and stay from falling ill altogether.

Vitamin C supplements prevent and reduce the symptoms of common cold and flu. Excellent sources of vitamin C include all citrus fruits, sweet peppers, strawberries, kiwi fruit and broccoli. They contain hundreds of phytochemicals that provide many preventative health benefits, by boosting the activity of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Vitamin C is also a very powerful antioxidant and helps the immune system by scavenging free radicals in our body.

Vitamin A: Skin is the first line of defence for our immune systems and vitamin A plays a vital role to support it. All yellow colour fruits like carrots, squash, pumpkin are great sources of beta-carotene which the body quickly turns into vitamin A. Research has also shown that older adults with high intakes of Vitamin A had a slower rate of mental decline.

Zinc is a trace metal which is essential for the functioning of the free radical scavenger Glutathione, which can increase the efficiency of immune system to fight against common cold, sore throat.

Few herbs can also work wonders to provide a powerful defence against harmful bugs:

1. Echinacea: The flowers of this herb are well known for their ability to prevent or decrease the duration of the common cold. It also helps prevent the breakdown of the connective tissue that invading organisms encourage, which lets them spread.
2. Turmeric and Garlic have anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and expectorant properties. It is best taken with hot water and honey fresh after peeling.
3. Astragalus increases phagocyte activity, the function of the natural killer cells, as well as increasing the levels of antibodies thus boosting all aspects of the immune system.

Our best bet for staying healthy and reducing our risk of falling ill is to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and get plenty of exercise and adequate sleep every night.

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Its when the autumn is gone and you can feel a nip in the morning air, you know winter is not far. This weather is also a very favourable time for microorganisms to grow and multiply. The cold air inhaled causes the blood flow to certain parts of the throat to decrease, as a part of our body’s adaptation to decrease heat loss. This in turn compromises on the immunity at these sites, since the immune cells are essentially blood borne. The throat and upper respiratory tract become easy targets for invading organisms. It is important that we strengthen ourselves from within, in terms of a strong immune defence to fight such invasions this winter. With the added threat of swine flu it has never been more important!

It is important that you start top boost your immune system well ahead in time for the autumn; later October or beginning of November. It can take weeks to develop a strong and healthy immune system. A few things can help develop a strong immune system before winter sets in. The idea is to “have” a strong immune system when the winter starts, not to build up during the cold weather months. If you haven’t started yet though don’t worry – there are plenty of long cold months still ahead to protect yourself for.

Regular exercise is essential for a healthy immune system, as this helps stimulate our lymphatic system to make its specialized cells called lymphocytes, which help fight infection. Walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise to help your whole body function at its optimum, however cardiovascular & resistance exercises are also essential.

Fresh fruits are a rich source of vitamins essential to support and maintain the functioning of the immune system running at its best. A multi-vitamin is always a good idea too. At TrooHealthCare.com we also have specialist immune system support supplements such as ImmunityPlus which can give your body all the nutrients it needs to protect itself. We also have specialist supplements for children so you can keep your family safe too. Don’t delay – take a look at your immune system requirements today!

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