Recurring immune system weaknesses are a common complaint for many people in today’s fast paced society. There is a high incidence of individuals suffering from chronic fatigue or post viral fatigue due to illnesses being under-managed and not appropriately addressed.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once you have recovered from your current bout of illness it is strongly recommended to take a herbal supplement to modulate your immunity so you are able to recover completely. 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. The herbs Astragalus, Reishi mushrooms, Licorice and Ligustrum are herbs used in the convalescence/ recovery stage after illness. The Fusion Health Astra 8 Immune Tonic contains some of these herbs.
- 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.
- Reduce acid forming foods that contribute to mucus congestion such as dairy foods, sugar and wheat. 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.
- Take an acidophilius supplement to help restore the immune system by providing it with beneficial bacteria.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep so that your body recovers properly.