4 Ways to Naturally Boost Your Immune System

With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is worried about how to effectively boost your immune system. While there is no sure way to predict how your body will reach to the virus, researchers do know that people with weaker immune systems are more likely to have more severe symptoms and will take much longer to recover.

Now, more than ever, it is important to keep your immune system strong and ready to react appropriately if you happen to be exposed to COVID-19 or any other bacteria or virus, which can also cause undue stress and anxiety.

Did you know that there are some simple things you can do to keep your immune system at its best? Some can involve easy lifestyle changes that will help ensure that your body is poised to stay healthy and fight off this virus and a host of others, including the flu and the basic cold. Here are some natural, research-backed actions you can take on a daily basis to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are packed with a range of different antioxidants that help to fight free radicals. Free radicals are components that, when found in large quantities in the body, can weaken cell function or even kill them off, making it easier for you to get sick. This is why it is important to keep them in check.

Fruits and vegetables are also high in vitamins and minerals that support your built-in immune system.

Start with these immune-bolstering fruits and vegetables today:

• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Tangerines
• Red Bell Peppers
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Papaya
• Kiwi
• Limes
• Lemons

Yoga and Tai Chi

Mind-body therapies Yoga and Tai Chi are both low-impact exercises that help to boost the immune system. One of the ways they can increase immune health is by helping to regulate stress. Stress, when it goes unchecked, can weaken the natural immune-system response, so you are more likely to get sick more often.

An initial study showed that mind-body therapies reduce markers of inflammation and influence virus-specific immune responses.

In order for yoga and tai-chi to have an influence on your immune system, you have to practice it regularly and often.

Now, if you're having a difficult time deciding between the two, let's dig a little deeper.

Yoga

Yoga is primarily the act of holding particular poses that will help strengthen your core and reduce stress - all while moving at a slow pace from one pose into the next. Focus is placed on the breath, which can help with deeper, more impactful poses.

Along with its benefits for immunity, many people turn to yoga to help with:

• Balancing blood pressure
• Getting a better night's sleep
• Helping to alleviate chronic pain
• Reducing weight
• Improving flexibility and strength 

Tai Chi

Tai Chi promotes movement in the body through slow, determined motions that can resemble a dance. Like yoga but perhaps with greater, more focused intent, Tai Chi also incorporates breathing techniques and meditation.

Beyond assisting with the immune system, many people begin Tai Chi to help with:

• Better overall balance (physically and spiritually)
• Invigoration of internal organs
• Promotion of awareness and stress relief
• Bolstering digestion
• Assists with gas exchange in the lungs

Embrace a Positive Attitude

While it may seem strange to some, there is a large body of research that shows that there is a clear connection between the Central Nervous System (the part of the nervous system in charge of emotions and thinking) and immune response.

In other words, a positive attitude could help to improve your body’s response to a threat and will be more likely to fight off the illness and recover faster.

But what can help you embrace more positivity in your life?

• Begin to disassociate yourself from negative people
• Be kind to others and enjoy the effects of Karma
• Learn to celebrate the little things
• Awake each day with positive intentions and goals
• Focus your bedtime thoughts on the positives of each day

Take Natural Supporting Supplements

Natural herbs like Eleuthero, Cordyceps, Astragalus, Reishi, Gynostemma and Ledebouriella Root that have been used for generations in Chinese Traditional Medicine can naturally increase immune system response. In the TCM model, these herbs can lift QI, warm the spleen and support the immune system response.

Balance Blends offers a capsule called Force Field that contains these and other herbs from TCM in an effective combination that can help to support your immune system. The all-natural formula combines several complementary TCM herbs that can help to keep your immune system strong.

A stronger immune system can not only keep us from becoming ill more often, but it can also:

• Speed up recovery times
• Combat fatigue and exhaustion
• Provide more energy
• Help with insomnia and sleeplessness
• Provide better mental awareness
• Reduce stress

If you'd like to also add stress relief to your daily to-do list, you'll definitely want to explore the benefits of Just Breathe - also from Balance Blends.