6 Steps to a Powerful Immune System

It is no secret that we must eat and drink to stay alive. We are told from the time we are children that food provides energy, exercise keeps you in shape and herbs are only for those who "believe." But there's more to it than that - these are the "tools" that can help strengthen your immune system. Here are 6 easy steps you can take to build your immunity

1. Food is more than calories and energy. Nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids are used as building blocks. Every day these nutrients are used to manufacture new, fresh cells, including white blood cells which are also called immunity cells. This is why many nutritionists advocate, "eating a balanced diet," because it is known that you need a variety of nutrients to build new cells. In fact, the saying should include eating mostly fresh, organic vegetables and fruits, since organic produce has been shown to have 40% more nutrients. By eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, you will be sure to give your body the building blocks it will use to build a strong immune system.
2. While healthy foods give you the building blocks needed to build a strong immune system, junk food will rob your body of these important nutrients, not leaving enough to keep you strong. This is because it takes a lot of nutrients to break down junk food and keep the harmful toxins from them in check. In fact, many of these types of foods contain chemicals that the body doesn't recognize. If your body doesn't know what to do with them, they can be stored in fatty tissue. This may be on a microscopic level, but over time add up. So eat "fun foods" in moderation.
3. For those with limited time or appetite, fresh vegetable and fruit juice may be more convenient. in fact, you can consume nutrition from 10 carrots and benefit from all the nutrients, but it would be very difficult to eat and digest the same amount. This works well for those who don't have time to eat salads but still want the extra nutrition.
4. Exercise has been known to strengthen the body and stimulate the immune system. It gets blood flowing and helps your lymphatic system move. This will ensure that your body carries out waste while at the same time transports necessary nutrients to where it's needed. In addition - your breathing will deepen to more efficiently carry out metabolic waste. Try a brisk 20 minute walk at least 4 times a week.
5. It is becoming widely known that herbs do support the body's defense systems. Garlic in a known antibacterial, echinacea has been shown to boost the body's immune system and a substance in goldenseal has been shown to fight infections and tumors. In fact, many pharmaceuticals are merely lab replicas of herbal compounds. But what about side effects from herbs? There really are none. What is known, however, is that by taking herbs the body may change by revving metabolism or even assimilation. In fact, this is also a side-effect of changing to a healthier diet. What you must be careful of is the body's reaction when taking medications.
6. Cleansing your body may help clear built up waste and toxins. This can help your immune system by eliminating the excess burden of battling stored toxins on a daily basis. The body's immune system already has a daily battle against virus, bacteria and other pathogens, no matter how often you wash your hands. So free up your immune system by cleansing your body and eliminate this excess waste.

This is a general outline of what you can do to strengthen your body and immune system. Keep in mind that healthy food and herbs alone don't heal your body. They are the tools your body uses to build new, healthy cells to make you strong and do what your body is made to do... heal and keep you healthy.