Boost Your Immune System Part 4

1. TAKE PROBIOTICS - 70-80% of your immune system resides within the gut. A good quality probiotic is a sure way to help build up the immune system by ensuring adequate gut flora to maintain a barrier against pathogenic microbes. Probiotics also regulate the immune system by alleviating excessive inflammation in your gut, which boosts immune function. In addition, taking high-quality supplements and eating raw fermented and cultured foods ie. sauerkraut, kimchi, natto, will help add prebiotics to your diet.
   
2. WALK DAILY - Regular exercise such as walking for 60 minutes daily is found to increase the number of immune system cells present in the body. It releases an influx of antibodies as well as neutrophils—a form of white blood cells that help kill invading organisms—and natural killer cells, another type of white blood cell, which help to boost the body’s natural defences.
   
3. GET FRUITY - Eating a balanced daily diet abundant in fruits (papaya, strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, citrus fruits) and vegetables (broccoli, kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach) rich in antioxidants, carotenoids and fibre are essential to supporting your immune system. Antioxidants help to combat free radicals—chemical byproducts known to damage DNA and suppress the immune system.
   

Sea moss Banana Smoothie

Seamoss, also known as Irish moss, contains 92 of a total 102 minerals that our human body requires, including selenium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and many more. Its antimicrobial and antiviral agents are proven to prevent respiratory ailments such as pneumonia, colds, bronchitis, flu and even tuberculosis. Low in saturated fat and cholesterol, it is also a good source of dietary fibre. This moss can be cooked, made into drinks or beverages, and even eaten raw or dried.

• 1 cup of almond milk
  
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  
• 1 cup of ice
  
• 1 frozen banana
  
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey
  
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  
• 1-2 tablespoons of Sea Moss Gel (see below)
  

Blend well and drink cold.

TO MAKE SEA MOSS GEL

• 1-2 cups of Sea Moss
  
• 4-5 cups of spring water
  

1. Rinse sea moss thoroughly in cold water to remove unwanted materials i.e. sand.
   
2. Soak in spring water to re-hydrate for 6-12 hours at room temperature. The sea moss will double in size and become softer after some time. Drain and rinse well. Place sea moss into the blender with water and blend well to a gel like the consistency. Pour into a mason jar, and refrigerate. Allow up to an hour to thicken. Sea moss gel can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
   

Rebounding is often suggested as a detoxifying and immune boosting activity, and its ability to kick the lymphatic system into gear. Rebounding stimulates the one-way valves in your lymphatic system to remove toxins without stressing joints, affects each cell in the body, as well as, increasing cell energy and mitochondrial function. Rebounding for 5-15 minutes is a fun activity for overall wellness for the entire family.