Your immune system is your greatest health asset, protecting you from an increasing number of new viruses, antibiotic resistant bacteria, fungi and parasites. The immune system is the protector of the body, and is itself worthy of protection and support, as it deals with the challenges of pathological invaders.
Many people suffer with immune system degradation and inexplicable afflictions brought on by disease-causing microorganisms. An increasing number of these microorganisms have become resistant to the drugs we have relied upon for years and it has become vitally important to harness the antibiotic properties of the powerful herbs and foods that we find in our natural environment.

There are several practical strategies that you can use to support the healthy function of your immune system.

• Raw juicing is a powerful way to boost your immune function and reduce inflammation.

A juice recipe to achieve this is-
½ cup chopped purple cabbage
1 large carrot
¼ beetroot
2 oranges (peel off the skin first, but leave the white pith as it contains bioflavonoids)
1 slice of red onion
1 clove garlic (optional)
1 cm slice ginger
2 red apples (you can use more if the taste is too strong)

Wash, chop and pass through the juicer and drink immediately

• Increase your intake of vitamin C as it is essential for the healthy function of white blood cells. Ideally use a vitamin C powder that combines vitamin C with rutin, zinc, vitamin E and beta-carotene

• Ensure that you are getting enough of the mineral selenium. It is best to take a selenium supplement containing the organic form of selenium, which is called selenomethionine. Selenium is vital for a healthy immune system and unfortunately is often deficient in Australian and New Zealand soils. Selenium can reduce inflammation and the incidence of infections from viruses and parasites. Selenium has been dubbed “the viral birth control pill” for its proven ability to reduce the ability of viruses to replicate themselves. The mineral zinc helps selenium to work more efficiently and can also reduce the incidence of infections and allergies.

• Use natural antibiotics such as garlic, horseradish, red radish, ginger, chili, turmeric, fenugreek and red onion; these things can be used in cooking, salads or raw juices. Foods high in organic sulphur compounds act as natural antiseptic cleansers and consist of vegetables from the cruciferous family such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, bok choy and cauliflower.

Olive leaf extract has been used as a natural antibiotic for thousands of years. It is only over the last 30 years that scientific research has shown that its active ingredient oleuropein has healing properties and can inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that have the potential to cause infections.
Olive leaf extract works to reduce the severity of colds, influenza and a broad range of other viruses, yeast, fungal and mould infestations, bacterial infections and parasites.
Research into olive leaf extract done in Hungary has shown such positive results against a broad range of infections that the Hungarian Government has adopted olive leaf extract as an official anti-infectious disease agent on its Medicare system.

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic and if you suffer with recurrent respiratory infections such as sinusitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis, steam inhalations using 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil in a large bowl of hot water can reduce infection and discomfort
If you think your immune system is not functioning well see your doctor for some tests. Useful and inexpensive tests for the immune system consist of –

A blood test to check –
•    A full blood count to check the red and white blood cells
•    ESR and CRP – these are markers of excess inflammation in the body
•    The proteins called Immunoglobulin – if these proteins are elevated this is a sign of excess inflammation or infection
•    Liver and kidney function and urine microscopy

If you have frequent respiratory infections associated with large amounts of excess mucus try substituting dairy products with other milks such as coconut, unsweetened soy, almond, rice or oat milk. In some people this works wonders!
Healthy fats are also important for the immune system and can be found in oily fish (salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel), salmon oil, cold pressed olive oil and raw nuts and seeds.
If you want to know more information about vaccination against the regular flu or the swine flu, google Dr. Russell Blaylock and influenza vaccination.

It is important to look after your liver, as the liver is the protector of the immune system. Liver herbs such as St Mary’s Thistle, globe artichoke and dandelion can improve liver function. The 8-week Liver Cleansing Diet is also helpful if you have a fatty or sluggish liver.