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*Editor’s Note: Elephant is not your doctor or hospital. Our lawyers would say “this web site is not designed to, and should not be construed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, or treatment to you or any other individual, and is not intended as a substitute for medical or professional care and treatment. Always consult a health professional before trying out new home therapies or changing your diet.” But we can’t afford lawyers, and you knew all that. ~ Ed

We’re heading into fall and the temperatures are changing.

I’m going to share some natural ways to build our immune system and well-being, and improve our overall lifestyle. I personally work with Mother Nature and I love a good home remedy. But, I’m no doctor. These are things that work great for my family and we rarely get sick. Health and wellness is our lifestyle.

Here are 15 natural ways to improve our immune health, well-being, and lifestyle:

1. Getting enough sleep

Sleeping and immunity are closely related. We need adequate rest to be able to function and think clearly. Our bodies heal and regenerate while we’re sleeping. A good night’s sleep is crucial for our mind and body. Everybody is unique, but on average we need six to seven hours of sleep daily.

2. Eat a colorful diet

Food is medicine. The food that we eat should be as real as possible in my opinion, free from genetically modified organisms and grown naturally. The least number of preservatives the better. We are what we eat and good nutrition can help boost our immune system.

3. Staying hydrated

Drinking water is so important and not just any water. Alkaline water has all the right vitamins and minerals our body needs. Regular tap water can be considered dead water because it has no nutritional value. Our bodies are sponges and if we want to cleanse our body from impurities, drinking water is the best way to flush them out of our system.

4. Exercising regularly.

This is one of the most important ways to improve our health whether it’s taking a walk, doing yoga, dancing, or hitting the gym. Movement is medicine and moving stagnant energy is important. The more we move the more our blood circulates and this improves the flow of lymphatic fluid. This fluid helps remove bacteria, toxins, and cancer cells.

5. Take a good probiotic.

Eighty percent of our immune system lives in our gut. Everything we do affects the bacteria inside our bodies. The majority of us have an overgrowth of bad bacteria that kills the good bacteria. This causes a leaky gut that prevents our bodies from absorbing nutrients and vitamins. The right probiotic will kill the bad and feed and multiply the good.

6. Limit sugar intake.

Sugar can suppress the immune system. This isn’t the case with natural sugars like fruits and vegetables. Processed sugars are delicious but they aren’t helping our bodies long term. Balance is key.

7. Be conservative with medicine.

Frequent use of antibiotics and painkillers can damage the gut and weaken our immune system. Natural immunity is so important especially long term. The older we get the harder our immune system has to work.

8. Breathe clean, fresh air.

We consume tonnes of air, more so than food or water. However, we may neglect the air we breathe. Toxic mold issues are a consistent problem here in the south. It’s important to have our air filters and air purifiers replaced regularly. Being outside and breathing fresh air can strengthen the immune system.

9. Manage stress levels.

Avoid stress and anxiety. Yes, it’s easier said than done but chronic stress can suppress our immune response and wreak havoc on our bodies making us more susceptible to illness. Incorporating habits that reduce stress are important. Meditation even for 15 minutes a day can make a difference.

10. Limit smoking and alcohol consumption.

This may be everybody’s least favorite point but balance is important and too much of anything is bad. There is plenty of evidence that links smoking and drinking to disrupting our body’s immune system.

11. Get some sun.

Immune cells are affected by healthy vitamin D levels. Natural sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. Sitting in the morning sun for only five to 15 minutes a day can boost our immune system and help with depression.

12. Sweating and detoxing.

When we sweat our bodies are naturally removing toxins that can cause increased inflammation. Regularly sweating or doing detoxes are a quick way to rid our body of those toxins and help our immune system work better.

13. Cuddles and massages.

Massages can improve circulation in our blood and lymphatic fluid. Cuddling releases oxytocin, which is a hormone that helps fight infections. That’s all the information I need. It’s mandatory medicine in my book. All we need is love.

14. Research Fungi benefits.

Some of the most powerful antiviral substances are found in mushrooms. Chaga, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, and lion’s mane are just some of the ones that are shown to have immune-balancing effects. We can find blends in tincture or powder form to add to our daily smoothies or teas. We can also take them by capsule.

15. Home Remedies in your kitchen.

I have used all of these at one point or another. My concoctions vary depending on the problem. But, it’s better than rushing to the doctor every time I have a sore throat or sniffle. Here’s a list of my personal favorite ingredients to keep at home:

Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother), Raw garlic, Ginger root, Manuka honey, Elderberries, Oregano oil, Lemon juice, Turmeric powder, Lemon juice, and Coconut oil.

There are different things we can do to help our immune system naturally. Ultimately what we’re eating, drinking, and putting into our bodies is what’s going to make the biggest difference in our overall health.

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