HOW To Boost Your Immune System

Words: Abisoye Odugbesan

The immune system is your body’s natural defence system, an intricate collection of cell structures and processes that when functioning properly will detect pathogens like viruses and bacteria and eliminates them, preventing you from getting ill.

What you eat, how much you exercise and stress can all affect how well this system functions. There are many ways in which you can support your immune system from eating foods that are rich in antioxidants to ensuring you get enough sleep each night.

We asked Marie Reynolds a skin and wellness expert with over 35 years’ experience in the industry to guide us through her top tips on how to boost your immunity.

HOW does the immune system work?

The immune system is a system that fights disease within our body. It creates celled like macrophages and lymphocytes that fight free radical attacks. It can become compromised from poor diet and lifestyle as well as stress.

What would you say are the most common misunderstandings about the immune SYSTEM?

That gut health is not the main factor to immunity. 80% of our lymph nodes are found in the gut, in things called Peyers Patches. Poor diet and defecation will impact our immunity.

What are the KEY things that can impact the health of your immune system?

Stress and diet. How we think and how we deal with stress certainly impacts our wellbeing- that alone affects gut health (brain and gut link). The quality of food we are placing in our bodies can put a strain on digestion. Increasing the rate of constipation can encourage toxicity, which is the last thing you need when trying to boost immunity.

WHAT are the most important things to do to help support and strengthen our immune SYSTEMS?

First and foremost is eat clean! Remember what we put in our bodies is fundamental to our wellbeing, if you’re eating rubbish, drinking soft drinks and alcohol, then this not only places a strain on your immune system but increases toxicity and creates acidity in the body.
Secondly, increase your intake of immune boosting vitamins especially Vitamin C and probiotics.
Find supplements that will help to cleanse organs of elimination (liver, kidneys and the gut in particular). Intracellular hydration is also important – look for an ionic supplement to add to water or look for a hydrogen water device.

Can probiotics or vitamin supplements HELP?

Vitamin D like Energetix Vitamin D3-K2 supports key components in immune cells and probiotics known for providing good bacteria to the gut is also fundamental for the reasons stated. Good evacuation of the bowels supports immunity overall. My MRL Eradic8 is an all-in-one digestion and detox support supplement. It contains 15 powerful ingredients, including active herbals, probiotics and other natural cleansing and protective agents, which have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory actions.

Are there any specific foods or herbs that can help boost your immunity?

Garlic, ginger, artichoke, green tea and onions are all great to include in your diet, along with turmeric, black pepper and oregano.


DO you have any other tips on how best to support your immune system?

Dry body brushing is a simple one, the skin is the largest organ of elimination. Drinking cider vinegar and honey first thing in the morning can help to neutralise acidity in the system.
The throat is the first line of defence, you can protect the throat and nasal passages by doing salt washes. Hydrate! Staying hydrated is very important.

Look at all the simple ways you can reduce toxicity from changing to organic sanitary care to reducing how much coffee, soft drinks and alcohol you consume and how much you smoke. Also look for ways in which you can improve the quality of your meals and introduce more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.

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