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How to Boost Your Immune System to Fight Infection

boost-immunity-fight-infection

Reviewed by Kimberly Cabe, FNP-BC of Forum Health Clarkston

It’s possible to get the flu any time of the year; however, it’s most likely to strike November through March. As early as August, pharmacies post flu shot reminders and offer a quick, appointment-free process. Most clinics even offer it for free.

Your Immune System is Your Best Defense

At Forum Health, we approach the flu like any other imbalance in the body: with nutrition and lifestyle. Our goal for every client is to heal the body from within, which then strengthens the immune system to prevent attacks from viruses, allergies, autoimmune disorders, disease, and even cancer.

 

It’s our body’s best defense. When our immune systems are working properly we have the ability to fight off illnesses on our own, without aid. Why fix something that isn’t broken? If it is broken, maybe your body is telling you something. Listen to it.

 

It begins with change, with a whole foods diet and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. The first step?

Try cleaning up your diet with a few goals in mind:

  1. Meet with a functional medicine provider to create a healing plan that works for your body. You could get lost in the internet when attempting to build your own program. Instead of going in blind, let a professional guide you in the right direction.

  2. Inflammation is a direct link to nearly every disease there is because it damages healthy cells, arterial walls, joints, brain tissue, and the digestive tract. Lower inflammation with anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, ancient grains, healthy fats, and protein.

  3. Toxicity is linked to obesity, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune disorders. Remove toxins found in low-quality animal products, produce sprayed with pesticides, and other processed foods high in sugar and artificial ingredients.

 

There are other natural measures that you can take every day, like garlic and zinc, that are known to provide extra support during flu season. Be sure to keep taking your daily probiotic, which boosts the immune system considerably.

At home, parents can encourage their children to create their best defense by teaching them healthy habits, such as washing hands throughout the day and how to make healthy food choices on their own. Don’t just tell them not to touch their faces out in public and not to share food or utensils—teach them why.

 

The immune system is our body’s most powerful defense. In order for it to run smoothly, we have to give it the right environment. 

 

Wondering how else you can boost your immunity using functional medicine? Find a Forum Health clinic near you to get started.

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