Immune System boosting foods

[jenniepaige]

I am trying to scratch my brain for some good immune system boosting meals other than bone broth. I used to NEVER get sick-like maybe one or two times a year but I have been finding myself sick way too frequently lately. I'm not sure if it's having 2 kids in school rather than just one this year or what (it's really just ME getting sick though) but I am not doing so hot. This time I got struck with a very nasty something that has proven resistant to regular anti-biotics and I am having to get stronger ones.

I was a very sick kid but as an adult I really have stayed pretty healthy until last several months or so. My family is taking a pretty hard hit with it and my poor husband is having a really time keeping up with the stuff that I normally do plus his job. I need to be better!

If anyone has any suggestions that they can share I would really appreciate it. I am really having a tough time.

[sunnygir1]

Lots of ginger, onions, and garlic.

Raw garlic is supposed to be better (but not as easy to eat imo).  I love raw garlic in home made guacamole and hummus.

You could try making congee, I've never made it, but it is supposed to be very good for the immune system.

Not a food, but we have been enjoying a tonic of ginger tea, local honey, lemon juice, and water.  My kids and I love it, and it's great for the immune system.

I hope you feel better and stop getting sick!

[sunnygir1]

Oh, and for the antibiotics thing -- start taking probiotics and eating fermented foods right away.

Also, you can make garlic honey, which is a powerful anti-viral:  peel and slice several cloves of garlic, cover with honey (preferably locally produced) and start taking a spoonful a couple times a day after letting it rest a few days.  It smells very strongly of garlic, but does wonders for illness, allergies, and infection.

[Sativarain1]

great ideas!

[rainbow_mandala]

I'm sorry you've been feeling so ill   You might want to take a look at your diet as a whole as well as your exercise routine, if you want long term results.  Cut out the processed foods, sugar and anything that your digestive system feels is too heavy for it.  Stick with fresh fruits and vegetables, lots of soup, plain toast (sprouted is best), nuts, seeds and whole grains.  Drink lots and lots of water, preferably with fresh squeezed lemon juice, take probiotics and a good quality multivitamin, like this one: http://www.phytovitamins.com/website-phytovitamins/natural-multivitamin-with-iron.html  This one is great because it's natural, raw (derived from whole foods) and contains live enzymes.  

When it comes to exercise, make sure you're moving your body regularly, even if it's as simple as going for a short walk.  Some people think they need to steer clear from exercise when they haven't been feeling well, but the body needs to move in order to get rid of toxins by taking in fresh oxygen, circulating the blood and waking up your muscles.  Exercising outdoors is best because of the fresh oxygen.  Something gentle like water aerobics, yoga or tai chi can be VERY beneficial when we've been feeling under the weather because you get the movement your body needs while ensuring you don't over exert yourself, and doing any of these three is very soothing for the soul as well (which can often be a source of physical malaise).  

I hope I haven't overwhelmed you!  You might already be doing a lot of this, but, if not, start slow, gradually build up to eating better and exercising regularly.  Slow is always best because it creates a new habit.

[Wildflower]

"Garlic is as good as ten mothers," the saying goes!