Boost Your Immune System

Build a Strong Defense against Herpes

Here is a nice article that shows you how to boost your immune system to prevent herpes and other diseases. Herpes often uses other diseases as an opportunity to reinfect the skin and cause cold sores or genital herpes blisters. That's why boosting your immune system is so important to prevent herpes simplex recurrences. The first line of defense when it comes to combating herpes or any disease is to keep the immune system functioning properly. If given the opportunity and the right environment, the body will heal itself naturally. However, if the immune system is weak we are less likely to have the ability to defend ourselves from invaders which cause ill health and herpes infections.

There is a strong relationship between the mind and body with regards to the immune system. Psychological factors have a direct affect on immune health. When under stress, depressed or during times of emotional change or emotional turmoil the immune function can become severely weakened. Herpes outbreaks and cold sores are more frequent and severe if the immune system is weakened. Actually, herpes is usually benign. But it can become lethal to newborn babies who haven't had the time to develop their immune systems and people with an impaired immune system like people with AIDS or lupus.

Some factors that will aid in strengthening the immune system are as simple as exercise, and a nutritious diet high in complex carbohydrates, low in fat, and free of preservatives and chemicals. Another step towards a strong defense is to reduce stress through meditation, relaxation, laughter or whatever method works best for you.

Herbs, which are known to enhance the immune system, may be taken along with a healthy diet. Some herbs which are beneficial to the immune system are Echinacea (not for herpes), Siberian Ginseng, Garlic, Usnea, Elderberry, Astragalus, and Oregon Grape just to name a few. Essential oils are also pivotal in maintaining a beneficial environment, which is free from disease. Because of their antibacterial and anti-microbial properties, essential oils may be applied to the skin to help defend against herpes, bacterial or viral infections.

Vitamins/Mineral Supplements should certainly never replace a healthy diet, however, they may help to build up the body when the diet is lacking. All vitamins and minerals are essential to good health. Without the proper nutrients the body becomes depleted and the immune system becomes compromised. Environmental pollutants, radiation, chemicals, etc produce free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms, which create oxidation in the body and have the ability to damage normal cells. The body can deal with some free radicals, however, when they become excessive and there are no antioxidants present, damage to cells can occur. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical or unstable molecule. Vitamins C and E are important antioxidants that help keep the immune system in check. Zinc and vitamin A are effective in increasing T cell activity. If the body is deficient in selenium antibody response is lowered. It is important to understand that vitamins and minerals work synergistically together and one without the other is of very little benefit. It is important to supplement the body when diet is lacking and when under additional emotional or physical stress.

By combining herbs, vitamins, and essential oils with a nutritious diet, and exercise and by learning to reduce stress, not only will you build a strong immune system, but you will also be building a strong foundation, which is free from disease and from herpes symptoms. Keep in mind that a healthy psychological balance is also crucial in supporting immune function. It is important to have strong relationships as well as a positive attitude. -The mind and body working together as a whole to help prevent disease.

My comments:

I completely agree with this article as it applies to herpes really well. Taking certain vitamins and minerals can reduce the severity of herpes symptoms and even help preventing further herpes outbreaks. This is my experience as well as the ones of many readers. Learning relaxation techniques, a good diet and appropriate vitamin and mineral and herbal supplementation is extremely helpful if you want to prevent herpes naturally or without herpes drugs like Zovirax and Valtrex. For example, zinc is an important mineral for people with herpes. Siberian Ginseng is wonderful for preventing stress, herpes outbreaks and cold sores. For further information on how to get rid of herpes fast and prevent it naturally read Herpes Wise.

Author : Natalie Vickery, a Certified Family Herbalist and a doctoral student in Naturopathy. You can find her on the web at http://thefamilyherbalist.com

Comments by Nathalie Foy:
Author or Herpes Wise - Get Rid of Genital Herpes Fast
http://www.herpes-wise.com

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