Boost Your Immune System

[Alan Robert Martin]

When you are younger, it is easy to fool yourself into believing that all those degenerative and life threatening diseases will only happen to other people. But are you really immune to both minor and major infections? Are you free from allergies and do you rarely suffer from a cold or flu? Staying free from colds and flu, and recovering quickly if you do succumb, requires a fighting fit immune system.

Here are six easy steps you can take now to support a healthy immune system:

1. Load up on fruit and veg – aim for at least five portions a day and pick a rainbow selection of colours to get a good range of nutrients.

2. Have a clove or two of garlic a day – this is naturally anti-viral and anti-bacterial.

3. Eat sufficient protein – aim for lean (preferably) organic meat, fish, game, quinoa (a South American grain), eggs, pulses combined with grains, dairy foods or tofu.

4. Herbs and spices contain immune-supporting nutrients – for example, add turmeric to rice; grate ginger into stir fries or on to vegetables; make tea from the Cat’s Claw herb; add aloe vera to drinks.

5. Avoid sugar – it can suppress the immune system.

6. Supplement a high-strength multivitamin and mineral complex and an antioxidant formula containing vitamin C, zinc and immune-boosting phytonutrients such as bilberry or bioflavanoids.