Supporting Your Immune System Naturally

Supporting your Immune System Naturally

A well-functioning immune system is crucial for your health — now more so than ever.

An under-functioning immune response may leave us open to colds and flu, infections and viruses. In the modern world, many factors may contribute to sub optimal immune system:

·       Sedentary lifestyle

·       Too much stress – having a stressful job or being overworked

·       Not getting enough sleep

·       A diet rich in processed foods, fat, salt and sugar

·       Excessive alcohol consumption

·       Smoking

·       Over exercising

The good news is you may be able to support and strengthen your immune response with lifestyle changes and immune-boosting nutrients.

Supporting Immunity – things you can do

1.  Exercise

Including regular exercise may be important to help strengthen your immune system and can prevent its deterioration over time.

2.  Manage Stress

Studies reveal that chronic stress can compromise our immune response. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing are all techniques that may help to manage stress.

3.  Better Sleep

If you are sleeping less than 6 hours a night, it’s likely you are compromising the functioning of your immune system. To reduce the risk of picking up infections or viruses, aim to get at least 7 hours sleep each night.

Nutrition can help

1.  Vitamin C

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit are abundant in vitamin C. This key vitamin has been shown to strengthen the immune system, and there is strong evidence that it reduces the severity and duration of cold symptoms. Your body doesn't produce or store vitamin C on its own, so you need a daily intake for optimal health. Other sources of vitamin C include peppers, broccoli, kiwi, spinach and papaya.

2.  Zinc

A deficiency in zinc has been linked to reduced immune response. Research has shown that zinc supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of infection and promote more effective immune response.

3.  Elderberry flower

Numerous studies indicate that elderberry may boost the immune system, thanks to its proven abilities to help reduce the symptoms of the common cold and flu.

4.  Turmeric

The therapeutic properties in turmeric may help to boost the immune system, even for people with existing immune disorders. It is believed to have antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

5.    Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble nutrient important for the functioning of your immune system. Some studies show that vitamin D can reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Many people are deficient in this vitamin, especially in colder climates with less sun exposure. Supplementation is recommended by the World Health Organisation and other leading bodies.

Supplements can help too

Supplements may be an effective way to obtain the immune-supporting benefits of key extracts that have shown potential in strengthening the immune response. Along with elderberry, turmeric, vitamin C and zinc, other key elements that may help support your immune system include folic acid, vitamin D and reishi mushroom.

Urban Essentials Immunity Defence Complex provides targeted support and uses key vitamins and minerals, and a novel combination of natural plant extracts. It contains essential elements shown by studies to potentially give your immune system support and strength – especially important in times of stress or during cold and flu season.