by Dr Josh Axe

Step 1 – Eat Real Food!

Real food is the most natural food found in nature with the least amount of processing involved before it reaches your table.

Foods like apples, carrots, raw nuts and seeds are not loaded with hormones, pesticides and other unnatural chemicals. Eating a variety of real foods provides your body with many of the nutrients it needs to function and stay healthy.

Step 2 – Exercise 

According to researcher Michael Flynn who studies the impact of exercise on the immune system at Purdue University, 30 minutes of exercise, three or four times a week is the best way to boost your immune system. Any more may actually begin to have the reverse effect!

Step 3 – Plenty of Sleep

When you are sick you need plenty of rest, but you can’t really ‘catch up’ on sleep or make up for weeks or months of too little sleep.

Getting enough sleep on a regular basis is paramount to maintaining good health. Studies show that lack of sleep is associated with health problems and the inability to lose weight. According to the Harvard Women’s Health Watch, one adverse effect of not getting enough sleep is a compromised immune system

Step 4 – Enjoy Life

There’s nothing like stress to bring on all sorts of physical aliments including colds and flu. One of the best ways to beat stress is to balance your life with fun. Take time to enjoy life and build joy into every day. Whether it’s taking time to listen to your favourite music, going to the movies or spending time with family and friends, it is vital to include fun in your day – especially when it is the last thing you feel like doing.

Step 5 – Vitamin D

More and more is being revealed lately about the vast health benefits of vitamin D. Previously known to impact bone health, vitamin D deficiency is now implicated in many health issues. According to long-time vitamin D researcher, Dr Michael Holick, vitamin D is best obtained through safe sun exposure.

Step 6 – Multi-vitamin

Taking a multi-vitamin is a great step towards protecting your health. But not all multi-vitamins are good for you. It’s vital that you choose a whole food multi-vitamin, not a synthetic one. Whole food multi-vitamins are as close to the real source of the vitamins and minerals you can get. Your body will be better able to recognise it, digest it and absorb the nutrients in it. Be sure the multi-vitamin you choose has the Australian Licence number on the pack.

Step 7 – Avoid Sugar

Sugars weaken the immune system and help bacteria grow. Avoiding sugars is paramount to staying healthy, particularly when you are under stress or have a cold or flu. There are great, all-natural sweeteners on the market so you don’t have to go without. Try stevia or raw honey in moderation (avoid artificial sweeteners). Be sure to check labels of the foods you are eating and avoid sugars here too.

When you take the above 7 steps to stay healthy you can help protect your immune system from colds, flu and more serious chronic diseases.

Take care and stay well.

Read more about health ideas on Dr Josh Axe’s website. He has written books on the subject as well.