As the weather changes from Summer to Fall, and the temperature drops, do you tend to get sick often? Do you get frequent colds and flus? Do you tend to catch everything that goes around at work?

If yes, your immune system function may not be optimal. This can happen due to various factors, such as lack of sleep, constant stress and fatigue, lifestyle and dietary factors.

Here are some ways to improve your immune system naturally.

• Try to supplement your body with the right kinds of nutrients and diet.A diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables with whole, unprocessed food is one was to ensure this.  A higher dose of Vitamin C – 1000 mg up to three times a day may be beneficial in some cases.
• Not getting enough rest / sleep over a period of time weakens the body’s defense system in general, not to mention the fatigue that follows. Its very important to make sure you get at least 7 – 8 hours of sleep per night. If you are having sleeping problems, talk to your naturopathic doctor.
• Stress is a huge factor when it comes to having sob optimal immune function. When the body is under stress for a prolonged period of time, it affected the adrenal glands, which help the body adapt to stress. The adrenal glands get burned out eventually and this is when you experience you new symptoms you might not have had before such as immune suppression / dysfunction, new allergies, weight gain in the waist , not waking up well rested and fatigue. It is important to try to reduce your stress levels or manage your stress better using diet, exercise and natural supplements.
• It is important as well to avoid substances that stress the body out – Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, as well, processed and high salt foods.
• Exercise is great for the mind and the body. It helps with circulation and is great overall as it gets the adrenaline flowing through the system, which in turn helps release various hormones in the body , which help you feel better in general as well, those white blood cells which are a huge part of your immune defense circulating. I generally recommend to exercise regularly at least 3 – 4 times a week for at least 30 – 40 minutes.

Other factors that might influence your immune function may be certain diseases or drugs that suppress the immune function. Always talk to your naturopathic doctor before starting in any health or lifestyle regimen change as they will be able to guide you in the right direction when it comes to healing your body naturally.

BY: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopath, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.