How to boost the immune system? I love the concept of healthy smoothies. You can add healthy immune system supplements to create all different types of smoothies that improve your health. Let's create tasty smoothies that boost your immune system at the same time!
Does it seem like you are sick way too much? Viruses and bacteria spread throughout our communities like wild fire. What really can we do to protect our family?
Is eating a balanced diet enough? Well, in my herbalist studies... I see the importance of adding effective immune boosters that are simple to incorporate in our busy schedule. One of the best immune system supplements known throughout history is astragalus root.
You may be surprised that astragalus may also assist in reducing the following: common cold, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chemotherapy side effects, HIV, and AIDS. Tests have shown that astragalus may actually further suppress cancerous tumors. But astragalus is mainly known for its ability to build the immune system.
According to drugs.com, astragalus has no known adverse side effects. People should know that astragalus should not be taken while consuming immunosuppressive medication. The immune system is stimulated and may cause the medication to not be as effective. Also, astragalus should not be ingested during a fever.
There are many different ways to take astragalus. The root is usually created into a decoction by simmering the root in water for a couple minutes. Then you drink the decoction as you would tea. You can also purchase the extract or capsulated versions.
If you are looking to save money while boosting your immune system, purchase astragalus powder in bulk form. You can encapsulate it yourself, add the powder to your food as you cook, or blend it in your smoothies.
You should always follow the advice of a medical professional when determining the dosage for your body. Each variety of astragalus product may suggest different amounts depending on its strength. Follow the directions listed on the label.
Drugs.com says that the average recommended dose for an adult is 2-6 grams of astragalus powder. 4 grams of powder is equivalent to approximately 1 teaspoon for an adult. Since astragalus powder is for the most part tasteless, 1 teaspoon of astragalus powder can be easily hidden in a variety of foods, like soups, sauces, or smoothies. You can also easily hide the strained decoction in foods.
Smoothies are super easy to make and many people, young and old, love them. It is usually easier to get your kids to drink an immune building smoothie than to swallow the capsules.
You have two main forms of astragalus to choose from when adding astragalus into your smoothies. The quickest option is to use the bulk powder. The second option is to create a decoction or tea as the liquid for the smoothie. For your convenience, the recipes below use astragalus powder.
Vanilla Macadamia Astragalus Shake
1/4 cup macadamia nuts, raw
1 cup water
8 dates, pitted
1/4 tsp stevia
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp astragalus powder
12 ice cubes
Blend the nuts, water, and dates until completely smooth. Add all of the rest of the ingredients and blend again. Makes 2 - 1 cup servings
Banana Strawberry Smoothie
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup fresh fruit juice
2 tablespoons honey or 1/2 tsp stevia powder
1 tsp astragalus powder
8 ice cubes
Place the fresh ingredients under the frozen ingredients into the blender and blend until completely smooth. Makes 2 - 1 cup servings
Don't forget to share how you boost your immune system ! I love publishing your tips and smoothie recipes!
Happy Blending!
DaNae
Resources:
http://www.drugs.com/npc/astragalus.html
http://www.smart-publications.com/the_common_cold/astragalus.php
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16421421?dopt=Citation
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69128.cfm
http://www.raisingchildrennaturally.com/articles/7/1/Astragalus-the-Immune-and-Energy-Herb-for-Children/Page1.html
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