To most, fall is a beautiful time of year with its new colors, brisk morning air, and the change of the season. But these changes are usually accompanied by cold and flu bugs that usually survive throughout the wintertime months. But don’t worry, if you start preparing now and begin fortifying your immune system, your body will be able to adequately defend itself against these unwanted invaders. There is a small list of things you can do to improve your defenses against those sneezes, coughs, and fevers that you fear so much.

The first of these suggestions is to eat a diet that is high in whole foods. Our bodies require that we have a large variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, proteins, etc., so that they are able operate on a basic level. But in order to operate at an optimal level, we must have an adequate amount of these nutrients. The best way to do this is by eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and other whole foods. A large amount of evidence supporting this type of diet can be found; where as the typical American diet does not receive much support from scientists. By eating the best possible, we better our chances at avoiding cold and flu bugs.

Take food supplements because even the person who strives to eat the most complete diet still faces factors that does not allow him to receive the perfect levels of nutrients that his body needs. Food supplements can solve this problem. A high-quality multivitamin taken every day is recommended, along with an occasional trace mineral supplement which is often the nutrient most absent in today’s diet. Additionally, look for supplements that can encourage cleansing which will let your body focus on building the immune system rather than spending its resources to get rid of the undesirable toxic buildup.

Make sure to exercise. Exercise is vital a long with a good diet to maintain overall good health. When you are trying to promote good immune function, physical activity is an important part of the process. Even if the physical activity is just a walk around the neighborhood, the important thing is to just make sure you area doing something.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts to fortify ourselves against viruses and bacteria, we sometimes become a victim of their advances, but there are some herbs that can help us to win the battle against these bacteria and viruses. Goldenseal, which has been used for centuries as a natural antibiotic, stops infections and heals mucous membranes. Rose hips, on the other hand, are rich in vitamin C and stimulate the immune system while helping with inflammation. Lobelia fights many respiratory problems such as colds, coughs, and asthma. Echinacea, a wonderful herb that strengthens the immune system, not only prevents colds, flu, and other infections, but treats them as well. Lastly, olive leaf extract has many studies backing its great powers to help with the battle against cold and flu.

Sustainable Living Articles @ http://www.articlegarden.com