ur immune system is responsible for keeping us alive and healthy.

When it is at
its best we feel on top of the world. But as we all know, it sometimes operates less
effectively and we can become prone to illness. Poor diet, lack of exercise and stress
are some of the main causes of a low immune system and it is during this time that
outside invaders like bacteria and viruses can get a stronghold in our bodies – and
we find ourselves getting ill.

Most of us can admit to ourselves that we should eat healthier and exercise more but often find that
many things get in our way. In order to combat this lack of a healthier lifestyle there are a few easy
alternatives that we can adopt. This is not meant to be an excuse to replace healthy eating or
exercise but it can help ‘supplement’ our general health when we are lacking in those areas.

In our first health bulletin we will look at the diet and in particular supplements that have been
known to have a positive affect on the immune system. One rule to remember when buying
supplements is ‘you pay for what you get’! You can not put a price on a healthy body so paying a
little extra has to be worth it. Cheap may make your pocket cheerful but it wont really help your
body.

Echinacea is probably the best known immune system booster

which is responsible for increasing our defence mechanisms
against bacterial and viral infections. In one study it was shown
to reduce cold incidence by 65%. When taken with vitamin C this
reduction was 86%. Echinacea is especially good to take during
the winter months but can be taken at any time of the year. It is
important to take breaks of about 5-7 days every month.

–
Goldenseal helps to stimulate the immune system by increasing the
production and effectiveness of white blood cells. Goldenseal properties
include immune system booster, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-
bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-diarrhoeal.

Astragalus is one of the most popular herbs in Chinese medicine. It

helps to boost the immune system by increasing the efficiency of
white blood cells. Astragalus is an adaptogen which means it can
adapt to the various stresses including physical, mental, or
emotional and modify our bodies responses accordingly.
 Cayenne is especially good at fighting off the viruses that cause the
common cold. It increases white blood cell count and also helps to
treat sore throats. It aides the digestive system and helps in the
absorption of nutrients. Cayenne can actually raise the body
temperature slightly as it stimulates circulation and blood flow to the
skin. It acts as a diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) which can help reduce
fevers and relieve the congestion of colds and sinusitis.

–
Garlic is good for circulation, fights infection and helps boost the
immune system. It has high levels of selenium, as well as other
antioxidants and an anti-bacterial sulphur compound known as Allicin.
It has antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Taken
regularly, especially in food, it can act as a nasal decongestant - clearing
catarrh and can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, fight the
symptoms of arthritis and can even help with asthma. Its most famous use
though, is for warding off vampires!

Most of us have taken antibiotics at some point but what the doctors don’t tell you
is that whilst antibiotics are effective at destroying the bad bacteria, it also
destroys the good. The good bacteria is essential to a healthy body and
replacing these after a course of antibiotics is a must. As these ‘friendly
bacteria’ have a real function within our bodies it is a good practice to keep
them topped up. The results can help keep your bowels healthy and boost
your immune system. They can even help combat stress.

Antioxidants are another essential in every body. They are responsible for
eliminating the ‘free radicals’ which roam our bodies causing cellular
damage. The main antioxidants are Vitamins A, C and E which can be
found in abundance in fresh fruit & vegetables and Selenium of which the
richest source is found in Brazil nuts. We can help our immune system
fight these free radicals with a regular intake of antioxidants.

If you require further information or advice then please do not hesitate to contact Gary Lloyd. All
advice will be treated in confidence. Alternatively you can visit any good health food shop. This
health bulletin is offered as advice only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure. If you show any
signs of illness then please consult your doctor. You should also consult your doctor if you are
pregnant or lactating before taking any supplements.

© 2009 Gary Lloyd