Boosting Your Immune System To Prevent Cold And Flu Naturally

Holidays are such a happy time when you gather with your friends and family. It is a time of joy and reunion. Unfortunately, your precious plans can be easily ruined and the spirit of the holidays vanishes if you catch a cold or the flu. During the late fall and winter months, we see a dramatic rise in the number of people, both children and adults, with colds or upper respiratory infections. Everybody can do something to keep you and your family healthy. The time is ripe for hand-washing being apriority, it helps stop the transmission of germs.

No doubt the cold & flu season is here! Vaccinations are important, especially for the high risk group. Each year, the flu is reported to be responsible for almost 36,000 deaths, including about 46 to 74 deaths in children. In the 2009-10 flu season, 281 deaths in children were reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.  There were 114 pediatric deaths from flu during the 2010-2011 flu season.

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Cold viruses are present year-round but the the incidence of colds rise sharply in early fall, shortly after school begins. There are over 200 different types of viruses can cause a cold, one of which is the Rhinovirus, which means "nose viruses". Flu or influenza is caused by viruses, which infect the nose, throat and lungs. Spray the surfaces in your bathroom and kitchen with a mild solution of 2 to 5 percent bleach in water to kill viruses and bacteria. Cold viruses can be transmitted in one of two ways: by touching respiratory secretions on a person's skin (when shaking hands, for example) or on environmental surfaces (like doorknobs or handrails) and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth, or by inhaling infectious particles in the air (like respiratory secretions from a cough or sneeze)."Coughing is the body's natural way of getting rid of offending viruses", because germs and viruses cling to your bare hands, muffling coughs and sneezes with your hands results in passing along your germs to others. A regular dose of fresh air is important, especially in cold weather when central heating dries you out and makes your body more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses.



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So the best thing you can do to boost your immune system . The immune system is consists of the cells and tissues that act as your protective guards against viruses and pathogens. It counter attacks viruses and harmful agents that try to invade your body because they can cause you damage and weakness.  Have you experienced being exposed to various elements in a day and still feel healthy without feeling any pain or weakness? The very reason why you don't get sick that easily is because of your immune system. Immune system safeguards you from the attacks of viruses outside your body. It is your defence mechanism but when it bogged down, you are not safe from being sick and your body will be affected.

Your immune system is the key to recovery when fighting infections & illnesses. Staying healthy begins with taking care of the inside, balancing and strengthening and perhaps purifying one's energies. Healthy bodies have an easier time fighting off infection and clean hands are a powerful tool toward healthy bodies. On the other hand, without proper care or attention, a flu virus can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, each of which can cause permanent health damage.

Pregnant women who have a high-risk condition should be immunized regardless of the stage of pregnancy; pregnant women are also part of the high risk group and should ceck into being vaccinated. The single most important thing you can do to strengthen your immune system is to eat a healthy,balanced vegetarian diet, according to some studies. Optimum health is a philosophy; a way of life; a lifestyle. It means that your community is committed to health promotion and disease prevention.

To stay healthy and rev up your immune system:

There are numerous "superfoods" that are known for their ability to protect cells from damage and give the immune system a needed boost. It is not just eating one particular food that will miraculously improve your health but rather it is the regular use and combining of various superfoods into your daily diet that can really have a beneficial effect on your body.

Fruits and Vegetables :  Eating fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C will help to keep your immune system strong. Your immune system is what protects you from viral infections, and the foods you eat have a major impact on your immune system's ability to fight off colds and flu. The reason that fruits and vegetables do a better job of keeping your immune system ready is because they also contain vitamins A and E, as well as the flavonoids that work along side vitamin C to keep your immune system and your whole body healthy.

Garlic: This incredibly wonderful member of the onion family can pack a big punch to strengthening the immune system. This is due to the sulfur compound found in garlic which is known as allicin. Eating garlic can increase white blood cell count and reduce free radicals in the bloodstream. It is also very good for cardiovascular health. There are many ways to include garlic in your diet. You can simply grate some and sautee with vegetables or add to soups and sauces.

Ginger:  Ginger contains substances that help fight infections and aid in digestion. Particularly during the holidays when many people maybe overindulging, having a delicious cup of hot ginger tea will treat stomach aches and fight off the flu.

Goji Berries: The now famous goji berries really have great nutritional and immunity enhancing abilities. Rich in vitamin A, you can easily grab a handful to eat any time of day.

Turmeric: This fragrant spice is widely used in Asian cooking. Tumeric is a powerful cold and flu fighter due to the curcumin compound that it contains. It is also an anti-inflammatory and will boost your immunity. There are many ways to use turmeric. Adding to recipes such as rice dishes and seafood is a delicious way to experience this spice.

Oregano: Oregano, is very helpful to fighting colds and flus and protecting the immune system. This delicious herb can enhance many dishes such as pastas and soups.

Geen Tea: Numerous studies have shown that the antioxidant polyphenols in green tea help to fortify the immune system. A delicious cup of green tea can keep the flu and cold bug away.

Supplements that boost immunity:

Vitamin C : Vitamin C tops the list of immune boosting antioxidants, because it is the most potent vitamin to increase the body's immune system. It is the most well known antioxidant, especially when a cold or flu sneaks up on you. The reason that most people turn to vitamin C rich foods during times of illness is because it encourages increased immune system protection. Vitamin C helps the body in two ways; it detects any sign of infection, bacteria or virus, and then rids the body of them. Vitamin C increases the production of infection fighting white blood cells and antibodies. It increases the levels of interferon in the body, an antibody that coats cell surfaces. This protects cells from being attacked by a virus. As an antioxidant vitamin C reduces free radicals in the body. Free radicals damage cells and are responsible for a wide variety of medical conditions ranging from the common cold to cancer. Vitamin C is also a major component in collagen, that's why vitamin C is such an important antioxidant for anti aging. Skin is the body's first line of defense against invading organisms, and is made up of collagen. Collagen prevents pathogens from getting inside the body. Without vitamin C collagen weakens allowing the skin to become vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Vitamin C has additional benefits to the body including lowering blood pressure, raising the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and interfering with the process which fat is converted to plaque, which in turn reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C is also associated with lower rates of colon, prostate and breast cancer. Only 200 mg of vitamin C daily is need to enhance the body's immunity. That is equal to 6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Additionally high doses of vitamin C taken at the onset of a cold have been known to decrease the severity of the symptoms.

Vitamin E :  Vitamin E much like vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Vitamin E stimulates the production of natural killer cells and B cells; both are part of the body's first line of defense. These cells seek out and destroy germ cells and cancer cells. B cells are also the immune cells that product antibodies to destroy bacteria. Because of vitamin E's antioxidant attributes it has shown some reversal in immune system decline that associated with aging. Unlike vitamin C, if too much vitamin E is consumed it can actually be toxic and have the opposite effect on the immune system. Between 100-400 mg a day of vitamin E is the recommended amount, however this amount changes based on ones lifestyle. People who smoke, don't exercise or consume alcohol may need higher doses of vitamin E. On the other hand if you eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid drugs; cigarettes and alcohol smaller doses may be adequate. With vitamin E unlike many of its other immune boosting counterparts it's hard to consume more than 60 mg through ones diet alone, therefore supplementation may be necessary. Consult a doctor before taking any vitamin E supplement to determine the appropriate dosing amounts.

Carotenoids :  Carotenoids is a large group of antioxidants, most notable known is beta carotene which in the body is converted to vitamin A. beta carotene increase the production of infection fighting cells such as natural killer cells and T-cell lymphocytes. It also enhances the ability of these cells to attack foreign pathogens. Carotenoids are potent antioxidants that have been used to help protect against cancer by stimulating macrophages to kill cancer cells by producing tumor necrosis factor. Carotenoids reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease by reducing the ability for fat and cholesterol to become arterial plaque.

Vitamin A  : Vitamin A has immune boosting abilities and anticancer properties. Although, beta-carotene can be converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A can also be consumed on its own. If the body already has enough vitamin A then it will stop converting beta-carotene and use it elsewhere. Vitamin A has many immune boosting functions. For starter it enhances the function of white blood cells as the immune system cellular defense. It also enhances the resistance to infection and carcinogens. Vitamin A also builds up the body's skin and mucus membranes to defend against infection. Too much vitamin A can be toxic so consult a physician before starting any supplements.

Bioflavonoids  :  Bioflavonoids are a group of phytonutrients that come from plants and protect the body from environmental pollutants. Bioflavonoids boost the immune system by blocking the entry to cells in the body. When pollutants invade the body they attach to receptor sites on the outside of cells then eat through the membrane. Bioflavonoids fill up these receptor sites blocking toxins from entering and destroying cells. Bioflavonoids reduce cholesterols ability to form plaque, which leads to heart attack and stroke, and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Quercetin is a phytochemical that fights inflammation and reduces allergies. Luteolin another bioflavonoid, fights against inflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer's. Catechins are flavenoids found in tea reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will provide the body with a wide variety of bioflavonoids. Eat 6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day to get the recommended daily allowance.

Zinc  : Zinc is a trace mineral needed in the body to help boost the immune system. Zinc increases the production of white blood cells and helps them fight off infection. With the increased production of white blood cells more antibodies are released to destroy toxins. Zinc also increased the production of killer cells to fight against cancer, and slow their growth. Zinc should be taken in moderation since too much can actually inhibit immune function. The best way to consume zinc is through ones diet. The recommended daily allowance is 15-25 mg a day.

Selenium :  Selenium is another trace mineral used to enhance the immune system. Selenium increases the production of natural killer cells. It enhances the mobilization of cancer fighting cells. Even though selenium is a mineral it is also an antioxidant, which helps to destroy free radicals from damaging cells. Selenium deficiency may allow viruses to mutate into more damaging pathogens. The recommended daily amount of selenium is 50-200mcg a day and is recommended to take in conjunction with vitamin E

Getting adequate sleep together with drinking lots of water and other liquids is a must have. Without sufficient sleep, the immune system is hard-pressed to keep up with its nightly repair work, and creates an opening for opportunistic diseases.

Eat a well-balanced diet exercise regularly decrease stress cut back on unhealthy habits, such as smoking and over consuming alcohol. Studies have shown that a session of moderate physical activity produces positive effects on the immune system.

If you experience cold and flu symptoms that don't improve after a few days or get worse, see a doctor. Most symptoms can be treated at a local urgent care center or retail clinic.

Immune System Boosting Foods and Herbs from Sunfood products

Nature provides an abundance of immune boosting foods and herbs, allowing you to choose the type, flavor or texture that suits you best. Here is a little info on our top three.

Camu Camu Powder, 100g/3.5oz, Organic, Raw
Price : $ 22.95

Camu Camu

Camu camu berry is an amazing super fruit that is said to contain more vitamin C than any other known botanical source. Vitamin C is a top defense against colds and the flu and camu camu is estimated to contain 30 times more vitamin C than oranges. In addition, camu camu contains calcium, amino acids and antioxidants that can aid in the body's overall health and vitality.

Ocean's Alive Marine Phytoplankton 1 oz.
Price : $ 49.95

Marine Phytoplankton

This concentrated superfood solution is highly beneficial to human health as it contains more than 90 ionic and trace minerals, plus DHA and omega 3s. People that experience phytoplankton have been known to enjoy improved immune function, antiviral/antifungal/antibacterial effects, improved cellular repair, detoxification support, increased energy and much more. Click here to find out more about phytoplankton

Coconut Oil/Butter, 24oz, Sunfood (raw, certified organic)
Price : $ 29.95

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil consists of 90+% raw saturated fats, which are rare and important building blocks of every cell in the human body. Unlike long-chain saturated animal fats (often associated with poor health), coconut oil contains healthy, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs support the immune system, the thyroid gland, the nervous system, the skin, and provide fast energy.

How to Use Immune Boosting Superfoods

Sunfood Super Smoothie

We are asked often for ideas on how to use our superfoods in a daily smoothie that can easily be incorporated into busy on-the-go lifestyles. So we’ve put together one of our favorite all-in-one recipes for you to enjoy.

Have you been wondering how to use superfoods in a delicious combination?
Have you been low in energy and vitality?
Are you looking to build muscle or lose weight?
Have you been wondering how to strengthen your immune system?
Are you a parent trying to give your children the very best in an easy way that they will enjoy?

If you just answered a lot of yeses, then this is the recipe for you.

We know it can be a little intimidating sometimes as to how to combine superfoods in a tasty and nutritious way, especially when you are first starting out. This superfood smoothie is a cornerstone of what we recommend here at Sunfood!! Many of us drink this exact smoothie or a simple variation of it every single day, right in our own Sunfood community kitchen.

This smoothie is a synergistic supercharged blend that will give you sustained energy and endurance for your day, whatever your challenges may be! It has easy to digest protein, cacao for energy, greens for alkalinity and calmness, maca for stamina and regulation of hormones, maqui berry for energy and stamina, camu camu for vitamin C and immunity, and MSM for bone and skin health.

Recipe:

1 banana

1 Cup strawberries/other berry of choice

2 T Sun Warrior Vanilla Protein Powder

1 T Cacao Powder

1/2 - 1 T Maca

1 -2 tsp Sun is Shining

1/2 tsp maqui berry powder

1/2 tsp Camu Camu

Blend the above ingredients in a high speed blender with desired amount of filtered water, almond milk, or juice. Add more or less water depending on the consistency of smoothie you would like

Aloe Acai Tonic

This recipe is packed full with nutrients to supercharge your immune system. Drink when you need a pick-me-up to rejuvenate and revitalize! If this recipe is too bitter for you, add in a dash of raw honey, agave, or coconut palm nectar.

5 inches aloe vera gel (cut five inches of aloe leaf, fillet down middle and scoop out gel)
1 Tbsp acai powder
1 tsp MSM powder
1 tsp camu camu powder
Juice of one lemon/orange

Optional:

2 tsp Sun is Shining
1 dropperful of Marine Phytoplankton
1 Tbsp fresh ginger

Blend in high speed blender and enJOY your sense of renewed energy.