Allergies are NOT Forever

 

Our Immune System

Our immune system is very important. It helps us ward off 'bacteria, toxic chemicals, and viruses that cause conditions like the common cold and flu.' (from altmedicine.about.com see reference below)
We can support out immune system by paying particular attention to out diet, exercise, the stressors in our life, sleep and hygiene. We can also support our immune system by taking herbal supplements, flower essences and homeopathy. 

Diet

A diet rich in antioxidants will help our immune system These antioxidants kill off free radicals. Free radicals damage our DNA and suppress our immune system. Antioxidants are found in fruit and vegetables.

Drink lots of water to flush out the waste from your system. Keep away from sugary foods or drinks.

Exercise

When we exercise it stimulates the T cells in our blood. These guard against infections. Walking regularly is a great exercise.

Stress

Prolonged stress wears down the immune system. Meditation, Tai chi or Qi Gong are good ways to relieve stress.

Tip: When learning Tai Chi or Qi Gong, find a teacher who will teach you step by step. This way you will remember the movements and be able to replicate them on your own wherever you are in life. When people attend 'Follow the leader' classes, that is just what they are doing. When they get home after the class, very often they cannot remember the movements on their own.

Sleep

Our body and mind needs to rejuvenate and process the events of the day. We need about 8 hours of sleep to do this properly. Go easy on the caffeine. This is in coffee, milk coffee drinks, colas and chocolate.

Tip: Herbs like Valerian and Kava can help with this.

Hygiene

Keeping our hands clean is very important. We tend to neglect this because things around us appear clean. However we cannot see the germs lurking on our skin.

Tip: Good times to wash your hands are

before preparing food
after coughing or sneezing
after wiping your child's nose
after going to the toilet
after changing your child's nappy

Natural remedies

Magnesium is a natural sedative. It is found in legumes, seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat bran, almonds and cashews. It is also good to take as a supplement.

We only have one body for our lifetime. If we look after it by following the steps above we will improve our immune system and banish those niggling allergies.
Tell us your secret to good health.