What is the Immune System? It is a balanced network of organs and cells in your body that work to defend your system against disease.

This powerful “search and destroy” task force, sends out immune cells to stop threats like bacteria and viruses from entering your body. Basically put, your immune system is responsible for getting rid of unwanted intruders from invading your body and making you sick.

Your body makes these proteins called antibodies, which destroy the abnormal or foreign cells. These antibodies can help ward off common illnesses such as a cold or the flu or help protect you against something as serious as cancer or heart disease.

With the advent of this novel COVID-19 aka coronavirus, it is highly imperative that our immune system must be fortified at all costs. The virus has proven deadly and its spreading like wildfire. How do we use natural ways to boost the immune system in a bid to fight COVID-19?
It is common knowledge that we should wash (sorry, LATHER) our hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water as often as possible. When soap and water isn’t accessible, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used in the time being. Secondly, maintain social distancing and avoid crowds.

If possible, stay at home for as long as possible.  Drink plenty of water, a minimum of 2 liters daily to hydrate the throat and help loosen out mucous, so it’s easier to cough out.

Now let’s talk about natural herbs, foods and supplements that help both prevent colds and reduce the severity of the flu or cold. One thing I really like and has worked countless number of times when western medicine failed is to use garlic, clove, ginger, lemon and honey. I prefer to blend or mash everything together and mix everything in honey.

Take one tablespoon 4 to 6 times a day. These ingredients contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which help to boost the immune system and fight colds and flu.

Research also shows that spices like thyme, cinnamon, cumin and oregano, contain antimicrobial Furthermore, supplement such as zinc, folate, iron, selenium, copper, and vitamins A, C, E, B6, and B12 you get from the food you eat, are the nutrients your immune system needs to do its job, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Each one plays a unique role in supporting immune function.
One major immune system booster that we keep forgetting are antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants include vitamin C, glutathione, vitamin A &E.

Research suggests that deficiency in antioxidants may increase your chances of developing an infection such as the flu. Our bodies do not produce these vitamins, so we must get it by ingestion foods such as citrus fruits, zobo drink that has tons of antioxidants, dark green vegetables such as Ewedu, Efo leaves and red pepper (tatashe).

Additional supplements to consider highly are zinc, vitamin D3 and elderberry. These supplements are specialized in dampening the effects of any flu-like virus.

In conclusion, drink a lot of water, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, wash your hands frequently, get enough sleep and let’s hope for the best. Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe week!