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Chronic illnesses and reoccurring illnesses progressively deplete Kidney energy over time. In Chinese Medicine the Kidney meridian stores constitutional energy; symptoms of exhaustion, fatigue and low energy are considered signs that the Kidney energy is being taxed. For example, conditions such as chronic fatigue or reoccurring lung illnesses are viewed as a kidney deficiency as the body is not able to sufficiently build and maintain energy production to keep the body vital. Situations such as what you are experiencing need to be appropriately addressed, if not treated accordingly further depletion of health will be experienced resulting in chronic fatigue like symptoms.

Optimal immune function is dependent upon many things such as stress, nutrition, adequate rest, medication, supplementation, management of illnesses and the health of other supportive immune system organs and systems. The immune system is influenced by many factors such as the health of the lymphatic, digestive, respiratory and nervous systems as well as the kidneys.

Recurring illness can be viewed as a signal or alarm bell to tell you that the body is just not managing effectively. If this is your Achilles Heel then it is recommended that you take your health seriously and take steps to better your situation. The health of the immune system is imperative to the health of the body as a whole - if the immune system is drawing energy from the kidneys then other systems may be compromised.

Rebuilding your immune system after immune weaknesses is an important part of bringing vitality back to the body. I suggest that you consider the following remedies to better support energy reserves, immunity and kidney energy:
• Take a quality probiotic supplement (beneficial bacteria) to rebuild the healthy bacteria of the gut and immune system which are eradicated by taking a course of antibiotics.
• Reduce simple sugars and refined sugars in your diet as they suppress the immune system.
• It is often beneficial for people who have a long history of illnesses to concentrate on liver detoxification. This enables the organs of elimination (kidneys, liver, bowels and skin) and the digestive system to regain better function as well as encouraging wastes to be excreted from the body.
• Consider taking a quality multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure proper nutritional status or take a super food powder such as the Vital Greens powder which is a concentrated vitamin, mineral and herbal preparation.
• Cod Liver Oil is high in vitamins A & D which are extremely beneficial for the health of the immune system.
• Take a Zinc supplement such as the Ethical Nutrients Zinc Maintain, as this mineral is generally depleted in individuals with recurring immune complaints.
• Ensure that you keep properly hydrated (at least two litres of fluid per day) as dehydration will slow down your recovery and reduce the amount of metabolic wastes excreted via the kidneys.
• Eat simple alkalising foods such as chicken soup, miso soup, vegetable juices and steamed green leafy vegetables. These types of foods will lighten the load on the digestive system and leave more energy reserves for the immune system, encourage liver detoxification, reduce acid and provide the body with antioxidants.
• Herbs such as Mullein, Fenugreek, Garlic, Ginger, Echinacea, Andrographis, Licorice, Istasis, Poke Root, Golden Seal and Olive Leaf help to restore immune function, build white blood cells, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, reduce fever and congestion, reduce the symptoms associated with a cold, cough or flu and also provide antioxidants to the immune and lymphatic system to cleanse the body of impurities. Many illnesses reoccur due to people disregarding their body once they feel better. By taking herbs which support immunity the chances of the illness reoccurring are minimised.
• Include Manuka honey in a warm lemon drink as it is a demulcent (soothing) for the respiratory tract and is also an anti-microbial and anti-bacterial to improve immune resistance.
• It is very important to keep warm and keep cold wind (the invading pathogen) away from the kidneys.
• Naturopathic philosophy considers that alkalising the body is one of the most important practices for revitalising your health. Our diets tend to be mostly acid forming. The only alkaline foods are fresh fruit and vegetables, and a couple of different grains (millet, buckwheat). All 'alive' growing foods like sprouts and soaked grains and seeds are alkaline forming also.
• Eat plenty of garlic, ginger, chillies and horseradish in your diet as these will act as a decongestant as well as help to open up the sinus cavities.
• A supplement of Vitamin C powder added to water and gargled will help to provide antioxidants to the respiratory system and help reduce inflammation in the throat. Add some Echinacea or Olive Leaf liquid for an even better throat gargle.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep so that your body recovers properly.