10 Things You Can Do to Boost Your Immune System Today

Written by Gretchen Hahn

You can’t change the strength of an infection, but you can change the strength of your immune system.

Here are 10 things you can do today to boost your immune system:

1. Practice good hygiene.

Hand washing is a key to stopping the spread of bacteria and viruses, not chemical-laden hand sanitizers. Best practice is to scrub your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Some less obvious good hygiene practices include replacing your toothbrush, washing your pillowcases, and sanitizing your phone.

2. Drink your water.

It’s important to stay hydrated every day, but especially during cold and flu season. We recommend ½ your body weight in ounces of clean water per day. 

3. Mineralize.

Your body also needs minerals. We offer liquid mineral drops (PH Concentrated minerals and Premier pH Minerals) that can be added to water.  This helps you get a daily dose of absorbable minerals necessary for an optimally functioning immune system. 

4. Cut out sugar.

Sugar is one of the most inflammatory and immune-suppressing foods. While it can be a challenge, do your very best to avoid sugar in all of its processed forms. 

5. Eat more onions and garlic.

Did you know that onions and garlic are naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral? Same goes for other members of the Allium sativum family: leeks, scallions, chives and shallots. Increasing intake of these vegetables can help you fight infection and strengthen your respiratory system. 

6. Take immune supportive supplements.

During an active infection, your body needs extra support outside of healthy lifestyle habits. Immune supportive supplements, such as vitamins C & D, zinc, echinacea, colloidal silver, and many others, can help prevent and fight infection.

7. Move your body.

Your body’s lymph system is the central part of your immune system. One of the best ways to stimulate the lymph system is to move your body. Activities that involve jumping are particularly helpful (jumping on a trampoline or jumping jacks, for example), but any movement that gets your heart rate up is beneficial. 

8. Get adequate sleep.

There is a reason why you sleep more when you’re sick. During sleep, your body focuses on repairing and regenerating tissues. So, rather than spending energy on waking activities like working and eating, during sleep, that energy can go towards fighting the infection. If you struggle to get a full night’s sleep (preferably 8-9 hours), talk with us today about addressing the underlying cause of the sleep problems.  

9. Enjoy stress-reducing activities.

Stress negatively impacts your immune system and makes it harder to fight infection. It’s more important now than ever to do everything you can to eliminate unnecessary stress. Whether that’s reading a book, dancing, playing a game with your family, or doing nothing at all, give yourself permission to RELAX. 

10. Consider our SHAPE Program.

The SHAPE Program combines most of the items on this list: It promotes adequate water intake, eliminates sugar, and includes immune-enhancing foods all in one simple program. In addition to giving your immune system a major boost, the SHAPE Program detoxes and cleanses, reduces inflammation and helps release excess weight.