7 Superfoods to Boost Immunity
As humans, we are all vulnerable to various organisms that we are exposed to every single day. These organisms can be inhaled and swallowed, or they can even reside on your skin and mucous membranes. The only thing that stops you from developing a disease is your body’s defense mechanisms: the immune system. With a poor immune system, you are more likely to succumb to all sorts of infections and other health problems. As it is almost impossible to tell the current health of your immune system without getting sick first, you should do whatever you can to ensure its proper functioning for the sake of your health. If you want to improve your immune system, here are some natural herbs, supplements, and essential oils that you should check out:
1. Echinacea
Most chemical components of echinacea are potent immune system stimulants. One of the greatest benefits of echinacea is, in fact, its therapeutic effects when used on infections.
2. Elderberry
Elderberry is one of the most common medicinal plants in the world. The berries and flowers of the elder plant have been used as medicine for centuries now. Hippocrates, a Greek physician who was considered as the father of medicine, even acknowledged the plant’s ability to boost one’s immune system. Elderberry provides various health benefits, including its potential to combat colds, the flu, allergies, and even inflammation.
3. Colloidal Silver
Silver was once a very popular treatment to stop the spread of diseases, particularly during ancient times. Colloidal silver has been widely used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that can boost your immune system.
4. Shilajit
Pure Himalayan Shilajit is considered to be one of the best remedies to boost immunity. The tar like substance contains 80+ minerals and fluvic acid that helps in cleansing of blood and improving nutrient absorption. In Sanskrit “Shilajit” means “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.”
5. Astragalus Root
Astragalus is a flowering plant in the bean and legumes family . It has a rich history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to combat diseases and boost the immune system. The root of astragalus has also been used as an adaptogen for thousands of years as well. Studies have shown that Astragalus has the ability to control t-helper cells 1 and 2, that regulates the body’s immune responses.
6. Ginger
In Ayurvedic medicine, ginger has been used extensively to improve the immune system. Due to its warming effects, ginger is believed to have the ability to break down the buildup of toxins in the organs. In addition, ginger is also known to help the lymphatic system, which is the network of tissues and organs that are responsible for ridding the body of toxins and other undesirable substances.
7. Ginseng
The Panax genus, or ginseng, is known to enhance your immune system and combat infections. Ginseng’s roots, stems, and leaves can be used to maintain the balance in the immune system and also fight illnesses or infections. Ginseng has the ability to manage each type of immune cell, including macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, T cells, and B cells. As a result, the performance of your immune system is enhanced.