In treating various ailments today, it is very hard to counteract the harmful effects of diseases without use of artificial chemicals in form of medication. Generally speaking, medications are chemicals made to minimize or regress toxicity from germs or viruses that affect our health.

In the past, antibiotics were the commonest form of medications available to treat infections and other body challenges but evolution of medicine has come-up with a wide range of medications.

However, there are some controversies brought about by increasing infection rate that prompts medical practitioners to prescribe antibiotics too often even for problems that can be treated less aggressively.

Regular antibiotic use has been discouraged due to new forms of antibiotic-resistant super bugs. Resistant strains have affect people and can lead to the rise of recurrent infections since antibiotics can also weaken our body immune system.

Maintaining Health vs Treating Sickness

As a result, more and more emphasis is being placed on things that people can do to make their bodies much healthier in order to strengthen their immune systems and reduce on the need to visit hospitals.

To date, we have reached a stage where we aim to treat health challenges by use of psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments without use of medications.

It is well known that simple dietary and lifestyle changes can strengthen the natural body defense to illnesses. Here are a few simple health habits you can adopt to keep your body in top shape.

Fruits and veggies good for you

There are a number of ways to eat a fresh or whole food diet which includes at least five portions of washed fruit and vegetables a day. These contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can boost our immune system and protect the body against illnesses.

Take Green tea

Instead of coffee, drink green tea. It is rich in the antioxidants and catechins which can prevent bacterial and viral infection.

Variety is key

Eat a wide variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need, eating little and often for the maximum absorption.

Spice it up

Add herbs and spices to foods to build immunity. For example, garlic is a natural antibiotic, cinnamon helps dispel colds and flu, ginger prevents stomach upsets, basil in antibacterial and anti-parasitic, and oregano is antibacterial and antifungal.

Do exercise

Exercise for at least 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week. Moderate exercise has been shown to increase the levels of the body’s natural defender cells. Avoid excessive exercise which reduces immune activity.

Relax

Stress depletes levels of protective vitamins and makes you more susceptible to an infection. Relaxation techniques, regular massage or a relaxing hobby can seriously reduce stress levels.

Use good food supplements Take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement every day, especially if you are prone to recurrent infections. The average diet is unlikely to provide the quantity and variety of nutrients needed for healthy immune function.

Sleep well

Make sure that you sleep well. Having too little sleep inhibits the body’s restorative and repair mechanism and reduces the immunity to infection. About 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily are ideal for an adult.

Lose that excess weight

For overweight or obese people, this is particularly important. This is because overweight or obesity can minimize the production of some anti-bodies and white blood cells that help to fight off infections.

Eat regularly

It is important to remember that even healthy people fall ill occasionally. Food provides us with body strength and energy to stay alive, so don’t put of that meal because you are too busy with work or other things.

Feeding regularly is very important. Shortages in some micronutrients like vitamins and minerals required by the body in tiny quantities can deprive the body strength to cause constant low levels of fatigue or tiredness that has been seen in some individuals.

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AVOID

Alcohol, cigarettes and sugary, fried or fatty food as they have been shown to depress immune system activity and reduce levels of vital vitamins and minerals.