Our Fibromyalgia Support Group met on November 10 this year. And because the news had been full of fears over the pandemic Swine Flu, I chose to discuss the Immune System and ways that we can boost it and give ourselves an edge. Those of us with Fibromyalgia are completely familiar with aches and pains and feeling lousy in general, and we know whithout a doubt that getting the flu on top of it would be downright devestating!
It is to our advantage to find the best means and methods to protect ourselves. The Flu shot is one alternative, but not by any means the only one. For some people the flu shot is maniditory and they wouldn't think of going a single year without it because it affords them the protection they need to be sure of not getting the flu.
For others, the flu shot is not an option, for any number of reasons. So they choose to protect themselves naturally. How? The ways of our ancestors... fresh whole fruits, vegetables (with additional onions and garlic), nuts, whole grains, legumes (beans), dark leafy greens, herbs, especially elderberry, lots of water and living smart during the season. All of these are antioxidants by the way, so adding even more antioxidants in the form of the newer "hot" antioxidants like Mangostene Juice, Acai Juice, Pomegranates, etc...GO FOR IT! Take all the antioxidants you can get! The more the better.
Frozen and dried fruits and veggies are also an option. Cooked is the last option-they loose a lot in the translation. But get them any way you can. When cooking, add extra onions, garlic, sage, basil, rosemary and thyme...each of these herbs are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral! Again, all are antioxidants too!
Be sure to tell your doctor of any supplements you are taking.
There are herbs and supplements that are especially helpful for boosting your immune system. Astaragalus, Eleuthero, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Basil and American and Asian Ginseng are commonly used as normalizers and/or stress busters...physical and body stress specifically. They help the body deal with hot and cold temperatures, the stress of illness, the stress of hormones going haywire, etc. These herbs are often called adaptogens because they help your body adapt to mild or even severe internal adjustments such as during an illness or hormonal shifts. It's also handy that they are antioxidants as well.
Elderberry, Olive Leaf Extract, Oil of Oregano are all extremely helpful at fighting off nasty germs, bacteria and even viruses. Elderberry is available in capsules, syrups, lozenges etc. Olive Leaf Extract and Oil of Oregano are available in liquid and capsules.
If you have heard of Juice Plus+, you probably already know they they are fruits and veggies in a capsule (or now also adlut-strength gummies). These are antioxidants "on-the-hoof" as it were. If you don't have access to or the wherewithall to eat 13 servings of fruits and veggies every single day, this is a good way to get them .
Getting antioxidants naturally through eating fresh whole foods, REAL foods and herbs like sage, Basil, etc is the number one way to boost your immune system, then there are the adabtogens and the supplements for even more boost. Wash your hands frequently and drink lots of water, preferably with a pH of 7 or above.
Stay well everyone and Keep Smiling! It's Important!
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