Netural ways to Fighting Illness
February 07, 2014 
Using natural methods to fight common illnesses may be easier than you suspect. Some foods and dietary supplements can boost your immune system and reduce the time you spend sick with the flu or a common cold. For instance, vitamin C is one of the most well-known immune system boosters today. Vitamin C can naturally be found in citrus fruits and in some lesser known products such as rose hips. Rose hips are packed with antioxidants and can be steeped in hot water to make a tea that promotes health and wellness. A diet rich in antioxidants is very important to protecting heart health and preventing some types of diseases.
Green tea, for instance, is a natural antioxidant that has been shown to prevent or reduce the risk of some types of cancer when used on a regular basis. Seaweed and other sea vegetables are also superfoods. Superfoods such as Fucoidan are packed with vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system. It is typically recommended to eat fresh ingredients for maximum benefits but there are some products that pack an antioxidant punch even when dried. You can find dried rose hips in vitamin C tablets or probiotics, which are the immune system boosters found in fermented foods like yogurt, in capsule form for convenience. Naturally boosting your immune system with foods and supplements is one of the easiest ways to ensure you feel your best throughout the year.
Stress is also an important factor to consider when you want to avoid common illnesses. Stress can lower your immune system and leave you vulnerable to a wide variety of conditions. Try beginning an activity that you find relaxing to combat the negative health effects that occur when cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is released in your body. Some activities that have been show to reduce the effects of cortisol include gardening, spending time in nature and yoga. The key is to find an activity that you truly enjoy.
Any type of athletic activity can reduce cortisol levels and increase the amount of endorphins your body releases. Endorphins are called the feel-good hormones because they encourage feelings of wellness and relieve stress. Combining activities to reduce stress with healthy, natural immune system boosters is one of the easiest ways to stay fit and healthy even during the cold and flu season.
