How to keep your Immune System Strong

“All information contained here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, prevent or treat any disease or illness.”

I wanted to share some tips for keeping your immune system strong. Check here for prevention guidelines for the current situation from the World Health organization. 

Some influenza viruses possess glycoproteins on it’s surface Hemagglutinin A (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). HA and NA are necessary for the virus to replicate. It appears that Coronaviruses utilizes Hemagglutinin A (HA) only. One of the strategies to inhibit viral replication is to reduce HA and NA activity, because that slows the virus ability to multiply inside your body. Interferon also inhibits viral replication and you will find out in this article what natural foods contain interferon. Lastly some of the more dangerous outcomes people have when they contract these viruses are due to the body’s uncontrollable inflammatory response to the viruses via inflammatory cytokine release. Very high fevers, swelling of the mucous membranes, copious amounts of mucous, muscle aches and pains are symptoms of the body’s inflammatory response to the virus. So calming down the inflammatory cytokine response may reduce how “sick” someone feels. Where a proper immune response to the virus is important to kill it, an excessive inflammatory response can increase complications. Below are some natural remedies that support the immune system. 

1.     Chinese Herbs: A traditional Chinese herbal formula called Yu Ping Feng, or Jade Windscreen contains herbs that increase your Wei Qi. What’s Wei Qi? It is an energetic defense system everyone’s body has against pathogens and allergens. This herbal formula strengths your “force field” so that it is harder for germs to penetrate and infect you. This formula also strengthens your lungs and spleen which are important systems needed to regulate your immunity. In China, people take this formula preventatively during cold and flu season. Get Jade Windcreen here.

2.     Andrographis: Is an Asian and Ayurvedic herb that has a bitter taste. It contains anti-inflammatory components (inhibits inflammatory cytokines) and immune enhancing properties. Andrographis inhibits Hemagglutinin A (HA) and therefore viral replication. Some previous studies have shown Andrographis to have an inhibitory effect against the Avian Flu and H1N1. Get immune support formula Andrographis Plus here.

3.     Chicken Broth/Turkey Broth: Chicken and Turkey broth contain interferon which inhibits viral replication. According to the March 2005 issue in the Journal of virology, Influenza A actually inhibits interferon, so this is the flu’s tricky way of stopping your immune system from stopping the flu. Add some broth to your diet to increase interferon to block viral replication. Everyone is exposed to germs, they are all over the place. Whether or not you get sick depends on if your body is a good breeding ground for the germs (another article). Whether or not you will get sick depends if the viruses infect your cells, and then use your cells to replicate to a number beyond what your immune system can eradicate. When that happens you will start feeling sick. This is why these strategies increase your odds for a strong immune system defending against pathogens.

4.     Decrease Stress and Negative Thoughts: Have you gotten sick after a huge project was done, after finals, after a breakup, or during prolonged periods of stress? Stress can be physical or emotional. Negative thoughts and worry cause your body to produce the same stress hormones that physical stress does. The stress hormone cortisol suppresses the immune system. It can lower your lymphocytes, which are a type of germ fighting white blood cells. If you are feeling stressed, take some time for selfcare. One strategy is to catch the silent thoughts swirling in your brain, flip a negative statement into a positive one. If you’re needing a little more support to re-set and get out of feeling overwhelmed, unhealthy and not yourself, feel free to contact me for a distance energetic healing session where we can reset your nervous system and support your immune system.