Keeping Your Immune System in High Gear
Staying well is not always easy, but there are supplements and herbs on the market that can help boost your immune system; or can they? If they can, are they safe? Can they cause harm? Of course anything we introduce into our bodies can cause harm if done in large amounts.
If we don’t take care of ourselves, our immune system suffers thus we suffer as well. So in addition to eating right, washing our hand frequently, exercising and getting plenty of rest lets look at some of the herbs available to us.
Lets look into Echinacea, Garlic, Ginger and Soy just to name a few, but keep in mind that just because they are from nature they are not always safe. Most things in moderation are all right, it is when we abuse or over use a substance that causes problems. In today’s world a lot of people are looking toward natural remedies to help them with illnesses and health; sometimes we can be very successful, other times we may do more harm than good.
Lets look at some of the few “natural” products, on the market. Echinacea is used to keep the immune system strong, not yet proven but for many it is considered a miracle substance. They have studied the effects of Echinacea, and the studies were inconclusive and require further testing, but if it work for you, great! Keep in mind like I said earlier, most things are good in moderation. Echinacea can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, if this occurs try taking the herb with your meals.
Garlic is another herb from nature that is believed to be a cure for all. Many people take garlic daily for cholesterol and blood pressure, while others take it at the onset of a cold. Since garlic has blood thinning properties it is understandable how it may help blood pressure and cholesterol, but keep in mind if you are currently taking a prescribed blood thinner. It is believe that garlic is natures antibiotic, and helps kill bacteria to avoid an infections, such as a sinus infection; while other believe that just by taking it when getting sick helps to fight off the germs. There is a study being preformed and people are taking more and more garlic daily, with the belief that it helps to prevent different types of cancers. This herb is considered safe, but many also suffer gastrointestinal discomfort so it suggested taking this supplement with your meals.
Ginger is a rather strong herb, and should not be taken in large quantities. It is great for nausea and stomachaches, some believe it helps with constipation, while other feel is work for diarrhea; this is a matter of individuality. Ginger is an anti- inflammatory substance and works well with individuals in the beginning stages of (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Taken in large quantities ginger can cause heartburn and bloating. If you suffer from these conditions it is best to avoid this herb, especially on an empty stomach.
Soy is a very healthy food to eat, and drink; and can be found in tofu as well as soymilk. People are finding that soy helps control their cholesterol, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure, while woman find it helpful during menopause. Many woman report that eating or drink soy daily has helped with mood swings, and has made a big difference in the amount of hot flashes the get. Soy is considered very safe, but most people don’t like the taste of tofu or soymilk, and so there are supplement available. Soy is definitely something we need to research more, since it seems to have so many health benefits; if we can find a way to treat some of our illnesses without drugs, it is worth looking in to.
As with exercise, always check with your health care provider or doctor before changing your diet; and never stop taking your prescribed medication without informing the doctors. Always let your doctors know of any supplement you are taking, just as one drug can interact with other drugs; herbs too can have an affect on certain drugs.
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