Monday, June 22, 2009

Question [sugar] : What is the best food to give a child to help boost there immune system?


I know that fruits and vegetables are good but what are the best kinds?

My seven year old has a rash and the doctor said that only her immune system can fight it off. So I bought her vitamins, but I want to know what else I can do to help. What are the best foods to buy to boost her immune system? Please help!
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Answer:

Natural remedy Echinacea : Medicinal properties & benefits

Echinacea angustifolia: This well-known herb is often used to help the immune system overcome infection.

In homeopathic form, it sometimes helps a person with recurring boils. People who need this remedy typically feel sickly, lethargic, achy, and chilly.

Echinacea Medicinal Properties & Benefits

Properties: Antibacterial* Anti-inflammatory* Immunostimulant* AntiViral*.

Parts Used: Most often roots, stems and flowers are also used but are weaker.

Constituents: Essential oil (including humulene and caryophylene), glycoside, polysaccharide, polyacetylenes, isobutylalklamines, resin, betain, inulin, sesquiterpene.

Herbalists do not agree on which species is best, E.purpurea,, E. pallida, or E.angustifolia, but all variants have phytochemicals that improve the immune system. There are dozens of dozens of biochemical compounds that act in therapeutic synergy in this complex plant that support disease resistance in several ways. However, taking echinacea when a cold or infection has already become serious may be fighting a losing battle. Echinacea is most effect when taken at the first onset of cold or infection symptoms. When fighting an established virus, combining echinacea with antiseptic herbs such as goldenseal or Oregon grape will enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

8 FOODS THAT BOOST IMMUNITY = http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t042500...

Your immune system is your body's natural defence system. It protects your body against infection from bacteria and viruses. When you're ill, it also fights infection, and helps you to get better.

If you're feeling under the weather, or if you keep getting colds or other illnesses, there are many ways you can give your immune system a boost:

* Swap junk foods and microwave meals in favour of fresh fruit and vegetables, and wholegrain foods. Fruit, veg, and wholegrain food contain lots of immune boosting vitamins and minerals.

* Cut down on caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee, and cola. Instead, drink lots of water, unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas. Water will flush out your system, and fruit juice is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Herbal teas make a refreshing alternative to tea and coffee.

* If you smoke, it's best to quit. Smoking damages your immune system and puts you at risk of many serious health conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. Passive smoking can also affect the people around you. If you have to smoke, do it away from other people, especially children.

* Get plenty of immune boosting exercise. As well as lowering your risk of getting long-term health conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis, exercising for 30 minutes five times a week will improve circulation and keep your body's defences on top form. The exercise you do doesn't have to be too taxing - anything that gets you out of breath and sweaty can count towards your 30 minutes.

* If you're always tired, get more sleep. Sleeping is your body's way of repairing your defences so you're ready to fight infections. Aim for around 7-8 hours every night, and keep to a regular bedtime, even at weekends.

* Make sure you don't get stressed, as your heart beats faster and your immune system slows down. Take time to relax whenever you feel the pressure, and get loads of sunshine and fresh air to keep your spirits high.

* Avoid recreational drugs, which will damage your immune system. Becoming reliant on some types of medication can also affect your immunity, so only take medication when you really need to.

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