by Becki Jelinek

With the flu season upon us, many people are wondering how they can boost their immune system to increase the body’s’ ability to protect itself against germs.

Immunity is something we all have and need to survive the numerous bacteria that invade our bodies as soon as we leave the womb.  There is a lot we know about how to enhance our immunity, and most importantly, how NOT to deplete it.  Here are some things you can do:

Eat a healthy diet, free of chemical additives and toxins.   Drink pure clean water and avoid sugar, refined foods, caffeine and alcohol. Eating sugar has been shown to impair the white blood cells’ ability to ingest and kill bacteria. High levels of cholesterol and other fats also impair immune function.

Breathe clean air, free of cigarette smoke and other gaseous toxins.  The choice to eliminate cigarette smoke from the air has been proven to decrease upper respiratory infections. Working in buildings that circulate clean outside air and  decreases outside air pollution have also been shown repeatedly to decrease infections and other illnesses.

Exercise sensibly!  Moderate exercise enhances immunity. Strenuous, stressful exercise depletes immunity.

Improve relationships with family and friends. Chronic anger, depression, and other negative emotions weaken immunity and the ability to resist infection. There are many ways to improve our relationships and decrease stress: talk to a trusted family member or friend about anything troubling you, see a funny movie, take a walk, read a book to a child, pursue a hobby, work at loving your job and take time to enjoy your life.