As the cold and flu season is now upon us, and there’s talk of whether or not to have a flu jab… I’ve listed 10 natural and easy tips that will not only give your immune system a boost, but you’ll feel great by going back to the basics and helping kick start your body’s own innate healing mechanisms…

Immune boosting tip no: 1

Echinacea angustifolia

This is one of the top immunomodulators – it upregulates or downregulates your immune system depending on what your body needs. Research has demonstrated that Echinacea stimulates the production of white blood cells to fight infection. Make sure you get good quality echinacea; it should tingle on the tongue which shows that it has the active components which affect your immune system. If it doesn’t tingle, it’s not good quality and won’t have the desired effect. Make sure you take it every few hours as soon as you feel run down or coldy!

A great herbal mix to really clear sore throats, tickly coughs or runny noses.

Echinacea, elderflower, yarrow and mint

Make into a warming herbal tea and drink regularly. Remember to start taking as soon as you feel the beginnings of a cold as it’s much easier to recover from the first minor symptoms then once you’re in the midst of being ill!

Immune boosting tip no: 2

Yes there’s truth in the old folk remedy…

Did you know that fresh ginger, helps relieve the first symptoms of a cold and sore throat. It is warming in nature and therefore helps expel cold viruses from the body by heating the body up.

Why not start the day with a winter warmer and detoxifying cup of ginger tea. Or make it even better with the following easy recipe:

• 1 inch crushed or grated ginger
• 1/2 lemon
• 3 cloves
• hot water

(and perhaps a dash of whisky if you’re feeling coldy and it’s just before bed!)

Immune boosting tip no: 3

Vitamin C & Zinc – so important during the Winter season! Vitamin C is a great immune system booster and taken regularly at high doses at the first signs of a cold can greatly improve your chances of not succumbing to the dreaded bug.

Most people are deficient in Zinc which is also necessary to maintain a healthy immune system as well as encourage skin healing. Good brands of Vitamin C & Zinc are Biocare and Viridian.

Immune boosting tip no: 4

Minimise sugar

Stop drinking fizzy drinks, eating sweets, chocolates, pastries etc

Did you know that a few grams of sugar can destroy your white blood cells’ ability to resist infection for several hours.

Immune boosting tip no: 5

Eat for the season

Root vegetables, soups, slow cooked stews and casseroles are all good nourishing favourites for the winter. They’re easy on the digestive system, warming and full of vitamins and minerals which are easy to absorb. Too many cold foods such as salads and raw vegetables in a cold climate can sometimes be difficult to digest as winter is a time when your body prefers warming nourishing foods.

Immune boosting tip no: 6

Garlic & onions

Yes increase your dose of garlic and onions in all your cooking. Besides being rich in antioxidants, they are anti viral, anti microbial and anti bacterial.

Immune boosting tip no: 7

Moderate exercise

Walking a mile or two at least three times a week helps your lymph system cleanse impurities which helps avoid your immune system from becoming overwhelmed. A brisk walk daily is a great way to get your body moving… breath deeply and enjoy the outdoors.

Immune boosting tip no: 8

Colon health

Make sure to get rid of all the old impacted faecal matter in your colon which slows down elimination of toxins and is a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, yeasts. The digestive system contains over 60% of your immune system so if you’re not breaking down, digesting, assimilating & eliminating properly you are putting more pressure on your immune system. Colonic irrigation can speed up the process and help kick-start healthy living.

Take probiotics – your body contains ten times more bacteria than cells. Friendly bacteria not only attack pathogenic bacteria and fungi but also they trigger appropriate white cell reactions to invaders and they influence your mental/emotional state. Home-made fermented foods are a good source of naturally occurring good bacteria. For more information on fermented foods and easy recipes check out this book: Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz.

Immune boosting tip no: 9

Far infra-red sauna

The infra-red sauna is not only great for encouraging detoxification through deep tissue sweating, but it also boosts your immune system by improving circulation through the entire body and lymphatic system. From 40 degrees upwards, the infra red heat kills the cold virus so personally I use it most evenings during winter, after seeing clients all day to kill of any viruses.

Immune boosting tip no: 10

Vitamin D3

If you’re not living in a warm sunny climate, you’ll need to make sure you get plenty of daylight onto your skin. If your not able to do this, take your Vitamin D3 supplements. It’s a good idea to check your Vitamin D blood levels, as too much Vitamin D can be toxic to the liver, but many experts recommend five to ten thousand units daily.

I hope you have found my top 10 tips useful. Please go ahead and try them out for yourself and let me know what you think. If you have any problems getting hold of any of the herbs or supplements I have mentioned, please email me at: debbie@northlondoncolonics.co.uk and I’ll be happy to help.

Wishing you a happy & healthy winter.

-Debbie x

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