Simply put, naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to wellness. It supports a person to live a healthy lifestyle. Naturopathic medicine focuses on the importance of a nutritious diet, clean fresh water, sunlight, exercise and stress management. It also aims to educate the person to look after their own health and the health of their family, minimizing symptoms of illness, supporting the body’s capacity to heal, and bringing about balance in the body, thus making illness less likely to occur in the future.
A natural immune system booster program, as advised by your naturopathic doctor in Canada, may include nutritional medicine, herbs to boost the immune system, diet advice, homeopathy, lifestyle advice, and tactile therapies, such as massage, and acupressure.
Strengthen Your Body’s Defenses with Naturopathic Approaches
In today’s day and age, modern medicine offers solutions for several health issues. However, the body’s own intrinsic power to heal itself is often forgotten. The body’s immune system is nature’s defense mechanism. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes natural remedies to boost the immune system and the body’s self-healing process. It focuses on natural immunity boosters. Naturopathic approaches activate your natural immune system booster and promote healing from within.
The body’s innate immunity fights off pathogens using physical barriers like skin and internal fighters like white blood cells. Your naturopath will offer guidance on naturopathic approaches and natural immunity boosters to trigger your natural immune system booster and strengthen your body’s defences. This could include:
Dietary assistance
Naturopathy advises the consumption of whole foods to build the immune system. As processed foods often lack essential nutrients, they can suppress the immune system. Instead, the focus should be on eating vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean proteins. Probiotic-rich foods are also recommended as they boost gut health, which is linked to immunity. Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi help boost beneficial gut flora. As the immune system is hampered by chronic inflammation, anti-inflammatory foods to build the immune system are recommended. These include natural immunity boosters such as omega-3-rich foods like fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, as well as spices like turmeric and ginger.
Herbal supplements
Naturopathic practitioners may also recommend immune-boosting herbs such as Echinacea which boosts white blood cell function; astragalus which improves resistance to stress and disease; and elderberry which is rich in antioxidants and used to keep away colds and flu.
Hydrotherapy
One of the natural remedies to boost the immune system, hydrotherapy uses water to revitalize, maintain, and restore health. Circulation is stimulated and immune function is enhanced by techniques such as contrast showers which alternate between hot and cold water.
Physical exercise
White blood cell activity is boosted by regular, moderate exercise. This results in enhanced circulation and better function of white blood cells.
Stress reduction
Naturopathy emphasises techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises and journaling to manage stress, which can weaken the immune system.
Good quality sleep
Poor sleep impairs the body’s immunity. Seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night is recommended as the body restores and heals itself during sleep.
Supplements
Immune function can be boosted by consuming certain supplements such as vitamin C and zinc, vitamin D, and probiotics.
Holistic care
The body’s systems can be balanced and immune function optimized by techniques such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Reduce toxins
Immunity can be enhanced by reducing exposure to toxins by choosing organic foods whenever possible. Natural household cleaners are recommended. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided.
Also Read: Natural Approaches to Enhance Reproductive Health
Diet and Supplements for a Healthier Immune System
There exist several foods and supplements to boost the immune system. It is recommended to eat a variety of nutritious, immunity-boosting whole foods including herb to boost your immune system. These natural remedies to boost the immune system can provide the body with sufficient vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for a healthy immune system and to support optimal wellness. These include:
Garlic – It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help maintain gut health. High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it can support the immune system and protect the body against pathogens.
Ginger – Among the key foods to build the immune system, ginger is a strong anti-inflammatory with antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also helps stimulate digestive juices and stomach acid secretions, to support immune health.
Turmeric – It contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps protect immune cells from damage and blocks the action of inflammatory molecules. It also balances an overstimulated immune system.
Foods to build the immune system include vegetables and fruit such as brassica vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts), blueberries, sweet potato, and mushrooms.
Clinical deficiencies of certain nutrients in the body weaken immunity and can increase susceptibility to infections. Consuming the right amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, selenium, and zinc, helps proper immune function. Along with foods and supplements to boost the immune system, botanicals and probiotics can also improve immune function. Your naturopathic practitioner may recommend herb to boost the immune system.
Natural Lifestyle Habits for a Stronger Immune System
Your naturopathic practitioner will recommend a few simple ways to keep your immune system working properly:
- Cut out smoking
- Consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Get adequate, good quality sleep
- If you drink alcohol, drink only moderately
- Reduce stress
- Avoid infection by washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly
Fight Off Illness Naturally: Naturopaths Expert Advice
Naturopathic strategies draw on the body’s innate ability to defend and heal itself. These approaches promote a synergy of mind, body, and environment. Naturopaths can help you embrace a more holistic approach to well-being. You will be guided on foods and supplements to boost the immune system. When you consult a naturopathic doctor for expert advice on fighting off illness naturally, you will be treated as an individual and offered treatments that work specifically for you.
(Sources: Moonstonenaturopathic.com, Naturopathy-UK.com, nih.gov, health.harvard.edu, betterhealth.vic.gov.au)