The best way to beat Coronavirus is to boost our Immune System

5 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Our bodies have multiple ways of protecting itself. At the most superficial is the hairs in our noses that trap dust and dirt or the mucus that we produce to wash off irritants. But below the hair and mucus are the epithelial cells in our nasal passages, mouth, gut and skin. These epithelial are designed to protect us. And really are our second but more robust line of defence. And if anything happens to get through these then it has our white blood cells, or immune cells to deal with.

So, to improve our immunity – its best to keep these epithelial cells functioning well.

Eat To Feed Good Gut Bacteria

With regards to gut cells, Prof Arne Akbar, the president of the British Society for Immunology and a professor at University College, London suggests that we need to make sure to keep our gut bacteria healthy.  He says that we live in a symbiotic relationship with our gut bacteria. Its important to have the right ones around. The right ones are the ones that we evolved with.  Anything we do that alters this bacteria that is natural for us can be detrimental to our health.  This is because our gut bacteria form a protective barrier and helps program our immune systems. We keep them healthy by eating a diet with lots of high-fibre plant based foods. Being vegetarian isn’t a prerequisite but the more plant based fibre you eat the healthier your gut. . The gut bacteria thrive on fibre (cellulose), pulses and fermented foods. Eat more Sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh. Because each persons gut bacteria is unique, taking probiotic supplements may not be the solution as they could include bacteria that your gut does not respond to.  As opposed to taking supplements to increase gut bacteria, its best to eat foods that feed your good bacteria.

Take Care of Your Skin

Skin cells are important too. The skin has an acid mantle – an acidic layer that is protective. Washing with harsh chemicals, over exfoliating and scrubbing skin destroys this acid mantle and makes the epithelial cells more susceptible to infection. Use gentle organic cleansers like Active Face Cleanse Gel or Buttermilk Cleanser to cleanse skin without damaging this protective layer. Moisturisers that deeply nourish these epithelial cells are also recommended. Good skin health is paramount to protect the body against pathogens.

Regular Gentle Exercise

Exercise helps get blood moving and improves immune function, but over-exercising can weaken your immune system. Choose gentler types of exercise and low impact workouts like yoga, cycling and walking to improve your immune system.

Get Enough Sleep

Get enough sleep for your body. Our entire body is regulated by a circadian rhythm – it responds to the changes of light and dark throughout the day. Hence sleeping and rising at the appropriate times is very important to maintaining immune function.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Reduce alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking impairs our immune system too. To strengthen your immunity, reduce your alcohol consumption. This goes for alcohol-based products on your skin too.

Cleanse Your Hands and Face

And cleanse your hands and face often. We have the perfect award winning cleaners to help do this. Our Buttermilk Cleanser & Active Face Cleanse Gel are designed to clean, protect and heal your skin.