How to Have a Well Functioning Immune System

We do not want an overly active immune system that attacks your own body and makes you develop autoimmune disease. In a virus attack, it plagues you with extreme symptoms that can kill you. On the other end, we do not want an immune system that is weak, that it lets you die in case of a viral invasion.

I have seen children raised with extreme protection and caution that the slightest change in weather easily cause them to get sick. I have also seen children who were allowed to play under the rain, swim in garbage-filled water and they don't get sick easily. Seriously, it baffles me.

There could be some truth in one comedy shows of George Carlin where he demonstrates how the immune system is like soldiers and those that kept training, acquire "battle gears and sophisticated armory" through constant combat and practice are more equipped to face a stronger enemy.

Although I don't recommend you to do the same, because I also follow the advice of sanitizing my place and washing my hands thoroughly and often, I would say that it could be these children with the healthy immune system are very active, and are strengthened by being out in the sun and having so much fun with friends without much stress and care in the world.

I hope you will benefit from one or two items in my list of ways of having a healthy immune system.

This is one of India's gift to the world. This is a part of the diet of Yogis because of its health benefits.

Science has backed up this knowledge of India that it has medicinal properties which can be attributed mostly to the curcumin in it.

After I had a bad experience with urinary tract infection, I started drinking turmeric tea and never had another one since then. I attribute this in part to its detoxifying ability.

I drink this as a tea which I prepare by adding hot water in a spoonful or turmeric powder.

You can opt to take a curcumin supplement which contains piperine which will enhance the former's absorption thousand folds.

Vitamin C is a naturally occurring ingredient in a lot of foods including lemon, calamansi, and other citrus fruits. They can also be found in vegetables such as morning, brocolli and sweet potatoes.

If you can't get a hold of the natural source, Vitamin C supplement is an option. It comes in different forms like ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate. But the sodium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate are easy on the stomach and doesn't cause hyperacidity.

Eliminate things that cause stress like debt, physical clutter and overconsumption of information on the internet. Instead try to find some time to close you eyes, relax and try to reach a calm, relaxed state.

Financial insecurity is another thing that causes so much stress. Work on having multiple income stream. And get your finances in order. Try minimalism to and intentional buying to be able to have savings and build emergency fund. This will add to peace of mind.

Letting the early morning sun for a few minutes on your face and body quickly lifts your mood and energy level. Sun is a life-giver; without it plants, animals and humans cannot exist. So get your doze of Vitamin D from early morning or late afternoon sunshine. Get back inside the house when it starts to feel harsh or intense.

Affirm life.

If you go hiking or forest bathing, you can inhale pure, clean air that can make your lungs robust and healthy.

Or you can wake up around 5 am in the early morning, go outside in your garden or porch and breathe in some fresh air and give those lungs a good stretch.

Getting well-rested is another way of rejuvenating your body. Thinking of beautiful thoughts, fantasies, or memories and daydreaming before going to sleep will help get that restful sleep. Listening to piano kdrama soundtracks which are beautiful romantic music can stimulate your heart center and you will sleep in love.

Proper functioning of the immune system has a lot to do with gut health. Prebiotics are the food of the tummy's good bacteria.

Fermented foods, not pickled have good bacteria that are good for the digestive system.

This is a form of relaxation during waking hours. Play some jazz and bossa while studying or working. This will get you into a relaxed mood.

This is especially true with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Even in the worst times, we fight and hold on to dear life even if it is almost impossible because we are thinking of someone we love dearly. Love is the driving life force in us. Most of the time it is something deep like a lover, a child, or a parent.

At other times, it is an adorable kind of love where you form a bond to your favorite 5-year-old niece, a pet dog, cat, or rabbit. Their company delights you, lift your mood, make you positive, and doesn't make you feel alone.

I have a particular brand which Twinings green tea with lemon and after pouring water the scent is just divine. Okay that's an exaggeration. But it smells so good.

As a final word, I have picked a few foods which are dense with the essential nutrients for our body. These are:

1. Eggs - Also called nature's multivitamin.

2. Okra (lady's finger) - Contains glutathione and lubricant

3. Avocado

4. Salmon - Rich in Omega 3

5. Mushroom - Stay away from the poisonous varieties

6. Raw Honey