The immune system is a system of many biological structures and processes within an organism designed to protect against and fight disease. To function properly, an immune system must detect a wide variety of agents, known as pathogens, from viruses to parasitic worms to cancer cells to foreign objects, and distinguish them from the organism’s own healthy tissue.
Dr. Gary Null, Ph.D. has spent over 27 years of his career investigating health issues and has linked almost every disease to a weakened or malfunctioning nerve system. Dr. Null is also New York Times best-selling author, the host of the talk radio program, “The Gary Null Show,” and a producer of documentary films, DVDs and PBS television programs.
When it comes to naturally boosting the immune system, Dr. Null is considered an evidence based specialist – reviewing countless articles and published studies. Here are his (and my) recommendations to naturally boost your immune system for lasting health. These are listed in order of effectiveness
Step 1: Support Your Brains Lymphatic System
Until May of 2015, the brain was never thought to have its own lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a vital component to your body’s immune system and it carries a clear liquid called “lymph,” which is filled with active immune system cells and molecules. This discovery is important because it now connects your brain & spinal cord directly to your immune system! Interferences in your brain/spinal cord can come from spinal misalignment (subluxation), disc herniation or degenerative spinal disease. Detecting, reducing or eliminating all of these will naturally boost your immune system. In addition to spinal adjustments, your lymph system is stimulated by rebounding (jumping up and down quickly or on a rebounder/trampoline).
Step 2: Avoid Sugar
Sugar decreases the function of your immune system almost immediately. It is particularly imperative to avoid sugar if you feel you are coming down with something, but keeping sugar out of your diet for the long haul will do wonders for your health and make your body stronger. Be aware that sugar is present in foods you may not suspect, like ketchup and fruit juice.
Step 3: Get Enough Rest
Just like it becomes harder for you to get your daily tasks done if you’re tired, if your body is overly fatigued it will be harder for it to fight off disease. Regular rest will keep you strong and ensure that your body has the strength to fight off any potential invaders. If you have difficulty sleeping, consider taking 1 teaspoon of liquid magnesium citrate 15 minutes before sleeping. You will be amazed at how well it works!
Step 4: Eat Garlic & Coconut Oil Regularly
Garlic and coconut oil offer a triple-whammy: they are antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. Together they are foods that you should be eating every day. It is important to note that the garlic must be fresh to give you optimal health benefits. The active ingredient is destroyed within one hour of smashing the garlic, so garlic pills are virtually worthless and should not be used. When you use the garlic, compress it with a spoon prior to swallowing it, or put it through your juicer to add to your vegetable juice. If you swallow the clove intact you will not convert the active ingredient, allicin, to its active form. Coconut oil should be consumed daily in approximately 1-2 TBSP servings for full effects.
Step 5: Exercise
When you exercise you increase your circulation and your blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system has a better chance of finding an illness before it has a chance to spread. In a sense, exercising helps your immune system to be more efficient in weeding out and acting upon viruses and diseases.
Step 6: Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Challenge
Your immune system benefits from its own kind of exercise. Don’t be so quick to disinfect everything or take antibiotics anytime you get the sniffles. Don’t be afraid of dirt, mud or nature. Let your body and your immune system interact with the world. It makes it stronger if it stays in use.
Step 7: Learn More About Your Immune System
The immune system is one of the most detailed systems in your body. Why not learn more you can do daily to keep it in tip top shape. If you’re interested in learning how, for example, 80 percent of your immune system is in your gut and how you can use that to your advantage, join me at my Microbiome and Gut Health Summit here in Charlotte on Saturday, November 19th. CLICK HERE to register and use “AskDrErnst” as a promo code for free tickets.