Battling Back to School Bugs

The immune system is one of the most important body systems. Without realizing it, our bodies are constantly fighting an ongoing invisible battle against daily germs and foreign microbes that we come into contact with. The body’s immune system is the first line of defense against foreign invaders: bacteria, pathogens, viruses, parasites or anything that can potentially cause disease.

Frequent bouts of cold, flu or fatigue are the first signs that the body’s immune system health is becoming weak and needs some attention. Low immunity is either primary or acquired. Primary conditions are mostly due to a genetic predisposition. Acquired conditions of low immunity are greatly affected by eating habits, lifestyle and overuse of medication for minor ailments like the common cold. There is scientific evidence that a natural diet, natural remedies and an active lifestyle boost your immune system health and help in avoiding simple diseases such as common cold, as well as more serious health conditions.

Children are often predisposed to illness due to their immune systems not being fully developed, combined with bad habits they adopt at a young age, including not properly washing their hands, touching their noses and mouths, sharing toys, and being exposed to other children with illnesses. They tend to bring these illnesses home, thus infecting the entire household!

The next time you or your child has a common cold, try not to depend on antibiotics. The common cold is a self-limiting condition. If you treat it naturally, it will go away in seven days and if you treat it with antibiotics, it will still take about a week! Drinking lots of fluids and fresh juices of citrus fruits and taking Vitamin C are helpful home remedies. Teas made with ginger root help in controlling a runny nose and promote gastrointestinal functions. Echinacea, one of the most prominent herbs for immune system, fights viruses and infection.

Holistic Health for Supporting Immunity

There is a close relationship between your physical health and state of mind. Keep your emotions under control. It may surprise you, but anger, stress and emotional distress can adversely affect your immune system. If you feel that your children are struggling to maintain healthy emotions, encourage them to discuss their troubles with you or another trusted adult. While it is not as well known, children can develop mood disorders just like adults, including child anxiety or child depression.

Underlying health conditions can also affect sleep patterns, which can impact immunity. If you have brought your worries from the office to the home, or your child from school, it is most likely that sleep difficulties may result. Learn how to turn off your mind by meditation, relaxation techniques and positive thinking. It is a time-tested home remedy for insomnia. Natural remedies can also be extremely helpful in inducing sleep.

The immune-boosting benefits of exercise cannot be disregarded, either. A 30 minute walk daily or 10 minutes of brisk walking three times a day can improve your health, reduce weight and keep your immune system in good condition. A healthy and nutritional diet is equally important. Exercise, diet, and healthy habits provide the same benefits to children, including boosting self-esteem and confidence… both key components to growing into happy, healthy adults.

Natural remedies and supplements should be made a part of your daily routine to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin A, C and E are most essential for maintaining immune system health. Garlic is perhaps the oldest cultivated plant in the world and its history as an effective herbal antibiotic and a booster for the immune system. Zinc is another element that is essential for immunity. Peanuts, peanut butter, legumes, dark meat of chicken, beef and lamb are excellent sources of zinc.

Herbal plants can gently assist the body without the side effects posed by some synthetic chemicals in modern pharmaceuticals. The emphasis in holistic health is on building health, not only on fighting illness. This is achieved by creating a healthy lifestyle and healthy relationships. In addition, homeopathic remedies work with your body to engage your own system to heal itself.

Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato) is traditionally used as a natural convalescent and as a supportive tonic. Leaves of a gathosma Betulina (also known as buchu) contain volatile oils as well as flavonoids - compounds found in fruits and vegetables that have diverse beneficial biochemical and antioxidant effects.

Solidago Virgaurea (also known as Goldenrod) helps the body in its ability to routinely regulate mucus, and has been used traditionally by herbalists for centuries as a tonic remedy to strengthen the natural protective ability of the body to fight infection.

Schizandra Sinesis is a powerful ingredient native from China. Schizandra is also used to assist the body in its capacity to regulate and maintain healthy energy levels, and to routinely protect against toxins and cell damage.

Astralagus Membranaceus is another potent Chinese remedy and has a variety of benefits as a convalescent and natural rejuvenating tonic.

Olea Europea (extract of olive leaf) contains a compound called oleuropein acid that is effective in helping the body to routinely combat numerous pathogens (germs).

Taking care of the health of the immune system is crucial, as it is a primary bodily system that affects overall wellness.

Related Products From The Herbal Remedies Store

ImmunityPlus™ Full immune system support. Learn more about ImmunityPlus

KiddieBoost™ Supports healthy immune functioning in children. Learn more about KiddieBoost

BaniFlu™ Homeopathic remedy temporarily protects against flu virus and germs and is safe for all ages. Learn more about BaniFlu