Ways to Support Your Immune System

Feb 1

Here are some helpful tips from Dr. Sacksteder to support your immune system for optimal health.

Get adequate sleep. While you sleep your immune system is active. Your goal should be 7-8 hours of sleep every night in a dark, quiet room. Drink water throughout the day and avoid drinking lots of water right before bed.
Avoid sugar, fast food, and smoking. Choose fresh foods without additives or preservatives like vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and whole grains. These foods contain compounds that reduce inflammation and help nutrients pass in and out of cells, consequently nourishing and enhancing your immunity. Avoid sugars and refined foods that lower white blood cell response to infection.
Drink water. Keep your body hydrated by drinking 8- 10 glasses of water a day. Sugar decreases your immune response to viruses, so choose water over sweetened beverages like juice or soda.
Reduce stress. Relax. Stress is directly associated with decreasing immune response by decreasing your IGA mucosal immune response, so identify stressors and limit them in your daily life. Try to avoid getting information from places that make you fearful and stressed.
Move. Daily movement, stretching, and exercise increases lymphatic flow, which circulates immune cells throughout your body. Try to do at least 30-60 minutes of movement every day.
Hydrotherapy. Warming socks and alternating hot and cold in shower (ending shower in cold).

Garlic is a potent antiviral. Try eating 1-2 cloves a day with your meals, or more if you (and your loved ones) will tolerate it.
Gargle with saltwater or apple cider vinegar twice daily.
Take a daily probiotic.
Make use of antiviral herbs like lemon balm, licorice, thyme, and ginger, which are helpful for the respiratory tract and can easily be made into tea and sipped on throughout the day.
Watch for links to Dr. Sacksteder’s favorite antiviral, immune support and stress management products.

Recipe: Winter Stew with Herbal Broth