Saturday, April 25, 2009

Eight Ways to Protect Your Immune System

If you have been following the recent news you’ve heard that a virus outbreak caused officials to shut down access to Mexico City and there are reports of the virus spreading to areas in California. Time for us to take care of our immune systems.
What is your immune system?
Your immune system is like an invisible shield that protects you from invading bacteria and viruses.The immune system consists of a finely orchestrated, complex collection of tissues and cells that protect your body from allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful organisms, collectively known as antigens. Skin and the membranes that line entrances to the body -- nasal passages, eyes, and respiratory and digestive tracts -- are the first line of defense, providing a physical barrier against invaders. Internally, specialized white blood cells fight antigens that make it past the skin.


What can you do to protect your immune system? Here are some tips for self care at home and work.
1. Eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day. To maximize the variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, try to consume two different colors of vegetables and fruits with each meal. Cover two-thirds of your plate with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and beans, and one-third with lean protein.
2. Increase your physical activity
3. Protect yourself and your family's immune systems by drinking pure clean water with fresh lemon juice.
4. Wash, wash, wash your hands.
5. Get plenty of rest.
6. Dry brush your skin and increase your physical activity. This will help move the lymphatic circulation.
7. Diffuse essential oils in your environment.
8. Acupuncture can be very powerful in supporting the immune system.

While the news reports might seem far removed from our lives since we don’t live in Mexico, it’s still a good thing to get in the habit of taking care of our immune systems. These eight steps should help you on your way to continued good health.

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