Really Weird Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Are you looking to keep a cold at bay, or just to give your immune system a bit of a boost? There are countless over the counter and under the radar remedies out there. Here are six tips for staying healthy.

Eat the “Three G’s”

Raw Garlic, ginger and the Chinese herb ginseng all have immune system-boosting properties. They’re also really pungent. It’s probably not the smelliness that does the trick, though, so don’t bother with the blue cheese.

Quaff a Pint

Drinking alcohol in moderation has been shown to decrease your risk of death and to boost your positive response to vaccinations. Well, since studies say!

Trigger Your Immunoglobulin (IGA)

The antibody immunoglobulin naturally helps to prevent colds and flus. The best part of this tip is the best way to boost your IGA —regular physical touch, best of all while having sex. Science says!

Boost Those Bacteria

Your stomach is the battleground of your immune system. Nearly three-quarters of your immunity processes occur there in the form of bacteria that fight microorganisms. You can back up those good bacteria by eating probiotics like kefir, yogurt, and the fermented drink kombucha.

Go Outside

You’ve heard of the importance of Vitamin C, but don’t stop there. Vitamin D is important to your bones and teeth, but also encourages proper immune system function. The best way to get it? Go outside in the sun. Your skin produces Vitamin D naturally from being exposed to the sun. Studies have shown that Vitamin D can help ward off multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and the flu. A beer or kombucha outside on a sunny day? Yes, please!

Walk It Off

Have you heard of forest therapy? It’s the Japanese principle Shinrin-Yoku and is sometimes called forest bathing. Some Japanese practitioners prescribe hiking as a way to boost your immune system. Even six hours of hiking over a couple of days have been shown to boost the immune system.