Here
are my top recommendations to boost and support your body's
immune function naturally.
Vitamin C: When you need extra immune support, I recommend
you take 500 to 1,000 milligrams every 2 hours. Even without
the onset of a flu or cold, I personally take 2,000 mg of C
each day, along with bioflavonoids and other synergistic nutrients
like vitamin E. When Vitamin C is taken with zinc, propolis
and elderberry extract, a good daily maintenance dose is 100
mg.
Zinc: Promotes immune function. One 23-mg zinc gluconate
lozenge every two wakeful hours after an initial double dose,
has been found to provide symptom relief. While the only side
effect associated with zinc is its bad taste, this routine shouldn't
be continued any longer than a week. Excessive zinc can eventually
create a copper deficiency and weaken the immune system. The
recommended daily dose for zinc when taken with vitamin C, propolis
and elderberry extract is 10 mg.
Bee Propolis: Research shows that this waxy resin used
by bees to waterproof their hives has immune enhancing properties.
The recommended daily dose when taken with elderberry extract,
zinc and vitamin C is 75 mg.
Elderberry Extract: The active ingredients in elderberries
have been found to protect your cells from harmful invaders.
I recommend a remarkable elderberry extract, developed by Israeli
scientists, called Sambucol (which comes from the Latin name
for elderberry, Sambucus nigra).
Research shows that this patented elderberry extract will provide
relief within 24 to 48 hours. I've been so impressed with this
extract that I've worked with the researcher who developed it
to incorporate it in my own formula.
Whatever product you use, I recommend taking 4 g daily of elderberry
extract in conjunction with the vitamin C, propolis and zinc.
Vitamin A: Initial doses as high as 100,000 units daily
can be very beneficial. The dose should then be dropped back
to 10,000 to 25,000 IU daily to avoid problems with toxicity.
Turmeric (from root): Has been used for centuries in
India and China for a variety of health concerns, including
boosting the immune system. To support immune health I recommend
taking 200 mg per day.
Garlic: Helps to fortify the immune system. For overall
health, I recommend that you consume at least a clove of garlic
each day. Studies suggest that you can get similar benefits
from cooked garlic—if you first let it sit out a while after
peeling. When garlic is peeled an enzyme called allinase begins
a series of chemical reactions that create beneficial health
effects.
If you take garlic extract in liquid form, a recommended serving
is 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mixed with fruit or vegetable juice,
twice daily with meals. As for garlic capsules, take 1 to 3
capsules daily, depending on your level of free-radical exposure.
Grapefruit Seed Extract: Drinking three to four drops
per 8 oz of water per day helps maintain immune system function.
This extract is also a good remedy for cleansing your sinuses:
| 1. |
First, in a clean sink
or large saucer add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of salt to a quart
of fairly hot water. Once the salt has dissolved, immerse
your face in the water for five to 10 seconds; repeat
this three or four times. Allow the water to run into
your nose, but keep your mouth and eyes closed. |
| 2. |
Follow the facial with
a quick nasal rinse by adding a few drops of grapefruit
seed extract to 1/2 cup of warm water. Cup a small amount
of the water in the palm of your hand, and then lean over
and gently "inhale" the water into your nasal
passages. Do this two or three times before bed and first
thing in the morning. You may momentarily feel a very
slight tingling or burning sensation as the extract coats
the nasal and sinus passages. Once it gets to these hard-to-reach
areas, it can begin to eliminate the harmful irritants.
|
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea
angustifolia): helps increase certain responses of the immune
system. Powdered echinacea capsules can be found in most health
food stores (recommended dosages are given on the product labels).
You can obtain some of the best results with echinacea by using
the liquid plant extracts—for adults five to 10 drops in 1/4
cup of water taken five times daily is generally recommended.
Note: Certain individuals don't seem to benefit from echinacea,
including hyperactive persons, those who are extremely sensitive
to environmental pollutants and chemicals, and AIDS patients.
Tea Tree Honey: For years
I've recommended using tea tree oil from Australia for a variety
of health concerns (see the April 1992 ALTERNATIVES, vol.
4, number 10). To help boost your immune system, I also encourage
you to take 250 mg a day of tea tree honey (also known as Manuka
honey). This sweet alternative is from New Zealand and has been
shown to have natural immune-supporting properties.
Shark
Cartilage:
Long-time ALTERNATIVES readers know that I've written about
the benefits of shark cartilage for years. Among its many beneficial
properties, shark cartilage helps support your overall healthy
immune system function. I recommend 100 mg daily.
Slippery Elm: This herb has mucus-eliminating properties
and helps promote respiratory health. 20 mg daily is recommended.
Peppermint Powder: Helps support immune function. 17 mg
a day is recommended.
Eucalyptus Oil: I wrote about the advantages of the immune-boosting
properties of eucalyptus in the October 1999 ALTERNATIVES.
For best results, I recommed taking 2 mg daily along with the
other herbal immune boosters mentioned here.
Balance
your life
Physical and emotional stress, poor diet and chronic illness can
suppress your immune system. Yet another great reason to eat right,
exercise, cultivate a positive outlook and take care!
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