Natural Alternatives to Destructive Antibiotics
By NaturalGuidance Staff

Every day, our body is attacked by millions of hostile microbes - bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other pathogens. Without our knowledge, our body instinctively fights back. Tiny platoons of highly disciplined troops called antibodies spring into action, without ever troubling us with the details. When it is working correctly, the immune system is so amazingly effective at protecting us from disease that we hardly ever think about it - that is, until we get sick or fall victim to an allergy attack.

Therein lies the problem. So automatic is this response to infection that we tend to notice only when it fails. By then, of course, it is too late to prevent illness; we are already sick. The majority of the population rarely considers what is required to maintain the army of antibodies guarding our living borders until the invasion breaks through our defenses.

The holistic medicine community realizes that illness is caused more by depleted immune systems than the actual bacteria that carry the viruses. So, by taking preventative measures, you can ensure that your immune system remains strong to ward off viruses, instead of using traditional antibiotics that can deplete your immune system over time.



Top Supplements for Immune System Support

Diet Strategies for a Stong Immune System

1.) Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
      - Eat foods high in nutrients.
      - Avoid processed foods, pesticides, and preservatives.

2.) Avoid Sugars & High Fructose Corn Syrup
      - An abundance of sugar in the bloodstream weakes white blood cells -         they can't attack bacteria effectively and become susceptible to         bacterial infections.
      - The average person normally has about 1 teaspoon of sugar in their         bloodstream at a given time. One serving of soda or ice cream         contains between 10-15 teaspoons of sugar.
      - Look for foods sweetened with rice syrup, barley malt, or agave nectar.

3.) Drink Plenty of Water
      - Choose fresh, spring water when possible.
      - Avoid regular consumption of sugary drinks.

4.) Avoid Raw Foods
      - Sushi, rare meat, raw shellfish and undercooked eggs contain bacteria         that can weaken the immune system.

5.) Eat a "Detox" Diet
      - Detoxify your body by eating a high fiber diet.

      - Eat plenty of fiber-rich whole grains, such as: quinoa, millet, Salba         seed, brown rice, oats, and barley.

6.) Get Plenty of Protein in Every Meal
      - Protein helps to repair cells that support the immune system.
      - We recommend at least 2-3 servings of cold water fish every week.        Fish is also packed with Omega-3s that help to strengthen the body's         immune response.



Lifestyle Ideas for Immune System Strength

1.) Get Plenty of Rest
      - Regular insomnia can cripple the immune system.
      - Try to maintain a regular sleep pattern and achieve deep, consistent         periods of sleep.

2.) Reduce Stress
      - Stress causes the body to release cortisol - a hormone that depletes         the immune system.
      - Make lifestyle changes to combat stress or seek therapy at your         discretion.

3.) Take Probiotics
      - Probiotics are "good bacteria" that fight bad bacteria throughout the         body, making the immune system's job easier.

4.) Get a Massage
      - Massage therapy has been shown to lower cortisol levels.