Right now we could all do with upping our body’s defences against viruses and other nasties. And that means finding naturally-inspired ways to keep our immune system fighting fit.
So let’s start with the basics: what exactly is your immune system? Basically, it’s an interconnected network of organs, proteins and cells that work together to protect you from illness. When foreign microbes enter your system, it goes into high gear to fight them off. It’s this reaction that actually causes many of the symptoms of illness – like a high temperature.
Here’s a few proven natural ways to help it perform at its best.
1. Get your vitamins
The right combination of vitamins can help arm your body against any microbe invaders. Switching up your diet to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will ensure you get all you need. But otherwise a good-quality multivitamin will boost your defences too.
The key vitamin to remember is Vitamin C – an antioxidant which fights free radicals in the body. You can find it in oranges, leafy green vegetables, carrots and more. Meanwhile, Vitamin E is a powerful anti-infection tool. You can get yours in spinach, almonds and hazelnuts.
Top tip: Try Manuka Pharm Immune Capsules containing vitamins C, D, E and Zinc as well as CBD isolate and Manuka honey.
2. Try CBD
People often take CBD because of the benefits for anxiety and stress. Plus, there’s evidence it could help with your immune system as well. That’s because studies show that CBD may reduce painful inflammatory responses in the body. That’s the inflammation that happens when your body’s cells are attacked by bacteria or toxins.
There’s possibly other benefits on the way too. With keen interest around CBD, scientists are looking intensely into this promising research area.
Top tip: Manuka Pharm have a range of different strength CBD and Manuka honey ingestible oils, which you could incorporate into your everyday routine to get a CBD boost each morning.
3. Reduce stress
Felling stressed out and anxious? Scientists say that stress, especially if experienced over a long period, can weaken your immune system. It’s one of the reasons that you’re so prone to colds when you feel like you’re running on empty.
Writing problems down is one way to get stress out of your system. At the end of each day make a list of what you’re worried about, and what you can do about it, in your journal. Then put your journal in a drawer and switch off for the night.
Top tip: Discover where you store stress and treat that area. For example, if you hunch your shoulders every time you’re anxious take time to consciously let them drop and use a soothing rub such as Manuka Pharms Rub Ease Gel with CBD and other great ingredients to help soothe and relax tense muscles.
4. Love your gut
Your digestive system is a key part of your body’s immune defences – so remember to treat it with love. There’s evidence that taking probiotics in a drink or supplement can help regulate the gut. Meanwhile eating more wholefoods and cutting back on processed products can help keep it firing on all cylinders.
Top tip: Try mindful eating. Slow down your digestion by spending extra time savouring each mouthful of food while thinking about its taste, texture and aroma.
5. Exercise regularly
You definitely shouldn’t exercise if you’re feeling under the weather – it can make you feel worse. But there’s evidence that, as part of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise when you’re well can help keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
It doesn’t matter what kind either. So whether you’re a Yoga person or prefer a brisk walk, getting moving has all-round body benefits.
Top tip: Feeling demotivated? Committing to exercise sessions with a friend means you’re both more likely to turn up.
