Natural Ways to Give Your Immune System a Boost

Boosting your immune system is one of the best ways to prevent getting illnesses like the common cold, flu, and similar viruses.

There are many ways to improve your immunity, including some natural remedies that are very easy to accomplish.  

Live a Healthier Lifestyle 

Being a healthier person can help you fight off illnesses and infections and give your immune system a natural boost. This means focusing on those daily habits that you might need to improve, such as eating a healthier diet with lots of vitamins and minerals, exercising regularly, and drinking plenty of water. Getting adequate sleep is also essential for your general health and wellness, which is easier to do when you are eating right and exercising. For your diet, try to focus on whole foods like fruits and vegetables, switch to whole grains and complex carbohydrates, and cook more meals at home. 

Elderberry 

Another herb to boost your immune system at the same time is elderberry. Elderberry is a unique herb that is very healing, helping to fight off different types of infections, bacterial infections, and viral infections. Look for elderberry syrup at your local drug or health store for colds and flu.  

Calendula 

The next herb to be aware of is called calendula. Calendula is a plant with healing flowers that look like marigold flowers. The flowers have been used for medicinal purposes, as they naturally reduce inflammation, fight infection, and contain natural antioxidants. Calendula is primarily used topically in the form of creams and ointments.  

Green Tea 

While not technically a herb, the leaves used in green tea are very healing. Green tea is also a good source of antioxidants, boosting your immune system to keep away infections and viruses. Try to drink 2-3 cups of green tea a day. The good news here is that green tea has a lot of other health benefits as a bonus, from aiding in your weight loss efforts to improving your skin. 

Don’t Forget the Probiotics 

Probiotics may seem like a trend or a hot topic, but that is only because they can be beneficial for your body. Probiotics are not just for digestive problems! Probiotics, while in circulation, also modulate the immune system. Probiotics provide good bacteria for your body. You can take a probiotic supplement or consume pre and probiotic foods such as real cultured yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, and fermented vegetables.  

If you have any questions, talk to your doctor about the benefits of probiotics for your immune system. 

Vitamins and Minerals for Cold & Flu 

Getting enough nutrients throughout the day helps you prevent getting the cold and flu by boosting your immune system and treating it as well. Here are some essential vitamins and minerals for these types of illnesses. 

Zinc 

You need the right vitamins when you have a cold or flu. This can be challenging because you aren’t hungry and may even have nausea or vomiting. If that is the case, try to take an additional supplement to get the necessary nutrients. To start with, consider zinc. Zinc is excellent for many illnesses and general health, especially if you have a cold. You can buy zinc tablets, zinc nose swabs, and zinc lozenge when you have a sore throat. 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is the superstar vitamin for colds and flu. Getting more vitamin C into your body may help reduce how long you have a cold and keep it from worsening. Try to get natural sources of vitamin C first, such as from citrus fruit, vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts, and juice without added sugar. You can also purchase vitamin C packets such as Emergen-C, which are easy to prepare and taste great.  

Vitamin D 

Another essential nutrient when you get a chest or head cold is vitamin D. If you are outdoors often, you probably already get enough vitamin D, as its most natural source is from the sun’s UV rays. However, you spend a lot of time indoors when you are sick. Plus, the cold is more common in the fall and winter seasons when you have colder days without a lot of sunshine. For this reason, you should focus on getting more vitamin D in other ways. Since there isn’t much vitamin D in food, the best way to increase your vitamin D is to supplement.  

As you can see, something as simple as eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can help you get all the vitamins and minerals you need to help treat a cold and boost your immune system.