Some of these can be surprising, but using a combination is the way to go. Especially when cold and flue season come around.

1.Echinacea- A herbal remedy that acts as an immune system stimulator. Mostly known to increase resistance to infection and impurities to the blood such as boils, erysipelas, septicemia, cancer, and syphilis. This can be found at GNC or your local drug store. You can buy it in capsule,liquid, or tea form. Do not take these if you take any immunosuppressants¹.

2.Astragalus- Increases production of immune cells and in turn, improves immune function. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine with ginseng. The root is used in teas,extracts, or capsules². Check here for side effects and cautions.

3.Laughter- It is known that laughing benefits your immune system by increasing the number and activity of natural killer T-cells, the first line of defense against viruses and damaged cells³. Go ahead, have a good laugh!

4.Ginseng- Plants known to increase the body’s resistance to stress. There are 11 types of Ginseng, but Panax ginseng is best known. There have been claims that ginseng increases libido and even inhibited cancer in animal models⁴.

5.Mushrooms- Specifically mythical griffin. Also known as Maitake,Sheep’s Head, Ram’s Head and Hen of the Woods. It has been used in traditional Asian medicine to enhance the immune system. You can get these off your own oak trees :).

6.Vitamin C- A highly effective antioxidant found in oranges,blueberries,apples,bananas, and many other fruits. The recommended intake for men is 90mg a day and for women, 75mg a day⁵.

7.Aloe Vera- Stimulates the immune system by increasing T-cells. Many new studies have been showing up supporting aloe vera’s role in helping the immune system. Some Notes on Aloe Vera here.

8.Vitamin E- Antioxidants such as vitamin E protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism.Commonly found in Vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals. The recommended intake is 15mg for men and women⁶.

9.Exercise- During moderate exercise immune cells circulate through the body more quickly, and are better able to kill bacteria and viruses. Regular exercise show that these effects become long lasting. However, too much exercise has proven otherwise⁷.

10.Meditation- People who meditate end up happier and in turn, producing more antibodies than those who don’t meditate. The best way to take control of your life and mind. This is another free one, and if your having trouble getting started, check out How to Meditate : 4 Ways to Help you get Started

A combination of these almost guarantees optimal health and most definitely increases resistance to colds and other viruses. Be sure to research side effects and interactions before taking Astragalus,Ginseng, and Echinacea.

1. http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/158/20/2200 [↩]
2. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus/ [↩]
3. http://www.thevegetariansite.com/health_stress.htm [↩]
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10880039 [↩]
5. http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/959704173.html [↩]
6. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamine.asp#h3 [↩]
7. http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/injuryprevention/a/aa011502a.htm [↩]