Infection Protection: 10 Fun Ways to Boost Immunity

We understand that colds and flu are caused by viruses -- but we're still no closer to a cure. The only defense is a good offense. But who says it has to be a drag?
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Several million years ago, it is hypothesized, the first Stone Age human caught the first cold. Ever since then, doctors, nurses, herbalists, shaman and healers of every sort have been confounded by colds and flu. Over the years, these devilish pathogens have been treated with cold baths, wet feet, chili peppers, tobacco, and the application of blood-sucking leeches.

Now we understand that colds and flu are caused by viruses -- but we're still no closer to a cure. The only defense is a good offense. But who says it has to be a drag?

Besides eating right, washing your hands regularly and getting enough sleep, you can maximize your pathogen-fighting potential with a handful of entertaining activities.

Steam A Pan Of Oysters

Fun Ways To Boost Immunity

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9. Sanmartín C, Plano D, Font M, Palop JA. "Selenium and Clinical Trials: New Therapeutic Evidence for Multiple Diseases." Curr Med Chem. 2011 Aug 25. [Epub ahead of print]

10. Barrett B, Hayney MS, Muller D, Rakel D, Ward A, Obasi CN, Brown R, Zhang Z, Zgierska A, Gern J, West R, Ewers T, Barlow S, Gassman M, Coe CL. "Meditation or exercise for preventing acute respiratory infection: a randomized controlled trial." Ann Fam Med. 2012 Jul-Aug;10(4):337-46.

11. Swanson D, Block R, Mousa SA. "Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: health benefits throughout life." Adv Nutr. 2012 Jan;3(1):1-7. Epub 2012 Jan 5. Review.

12. Chang JS, Wang KC, Yeh CF, Shieh DE, Chiang LC. "Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines." J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Nov 1. pii: S0378-8741(12)00740-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043. [Epub ahead of print]

13. Yan F, Polk DB. "Probiotics and immune health." Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2011 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print]

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16.Hernandez-Reif. "Breast cancer patients have improved immune functions following massage therapy." Journal of Psychosomatic Research, (2003). 57, 45-52.

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