Immunity and You
Your immune system is your bodies first line of defense from outside invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins (chemicals produced by microbes). It’s your bodies rapid response system.
Your immune system works hard to protect and support you every day in every way—it is your personal defense system designed to work exclusively on your behalf, patrolling and protecting at all times,
Studies have shown that the immune system is one complex entity. It not only attacks foreign invaders that it identifies to be problematic, but it also affects your overall well-being, from your energy levels to the complexion of your skin. This means that feeling great each day relies on a well-balanced and strong immune system.
Parts of The Immune System…
The immune system is made up of a number of different body parts. Seventy percent of the immune system is located in your intestines, in what’s called Peyer’s Patches That’s why the condition of your intestines has such an effect on the state of your health. Other parts of the body that affect the immune system are the bone marrow, lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, Spleen, Thymus, tonsils, and skin just for starters. Our immune systems work largely unnoticed, that is, until it fails for some reason. Like we get a cold, or flu or an infection of some kind. Then, we notice!
A body in balance…
If the immune system is in balance and is functioning up to par, invaders don’t stand a chance. If an immune system is out of balance, it will do a poor job of battling an intruding enemy. Some factors that don’t support a healthy immune system are not controllable, many are. As you’ll see from the list below, the majority of these issues are controllable.
What negatively affects your immune system?
- Aging process
- Chronic issues: infections, antibiotic use, exposure to chemicals, stress, lack of sleep, Allergies
- Chronic health conditions: autoimmune disease, diabetes, obesity to name a few
- Chemotherapy, Radiation, Surgery
- Exposure to Chemicals, pesticide, herbicides, multiple prescription drugs
- Unhealthy diet & lifestyle: one of the biggest factors: a diet high in fat, sugar refined carbs, low antioxidants, unhealthy fats, lack of exercise,
Malnutrition, low vitamin D - Poor mental health: low self-esteem, emotional distress, loneliness, depression
- Many stressors: inadequate, or unrestful sleep, lack of physical activity, long working hours, long commute, excess plane travel
Any one of these can deplete the energy and strength of your immune system. In combination, which is the way the majority of us encounter them, makes us even more vulnerable to attack. If you think you may have a weakened immune system, then the next step for you is to systematically strengthen it.
Prepare to Strengthen Your Immune System…here’s how to enhance it.
With the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, many people are concerned about staying healthy and maintaining a strong immune system. Doing this well, will absolutely boost your bodies defenses against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Here are some top immunity boosters to help you stay strong.
- Simplify: Minimize or eliminate unnecessary activities. In a crisis, it’s best to focus on what is needed and to realize you can let less important things take a backseat; for example, letting slide cleaning the house or weeding the garden. Letting go of things that can really wait until the crisis passes gives you more time to focus on what is important.
- Win Over Stress: Combat stress with strategies like deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and relaxation. Adding things that relax you can be really beneficial when life is extra challenging. Play relaxing or uplifting music, light candles, or watch a movie that makes you laugh. Also seek out activities that increase your internal sense of calm, such as yoga, meditation, or prayer. Consider using a popular app for creative visualizations, like Headspace, Calm, or Ten
- Nurture Yourself: Eating well is still one of the most important basic things humans can do to manage stress. If your schedule is being disrupted by a crisis, then eat healthy and nutrient-dense meals whenever you can. Keep foods like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, protein shakes, and energy bars on hand for when you can’t really stop for a meal.Cook foods that will feed you for more than one meal – like a large pot of stew or a casserole. Take a multi-vitamin/mineral to ensure you’re getting vital micronutrients*.
- Sex it Up: Enjoying sex up to a couple of times per week seems to be the sweet spot for promoting optimal IgA levels, (a first line defense of the immune system, found in the gut). No joke! The benefits of sex range from slashing stress levels to lowering your risk of cancer and heart attacks.
- Walk the Dog: Dog owners may enjoy improved heart health in part because they are more likely to engage in physical activity because they walk their dogs regularly. Pet your dog, horse, cat, or whatever pet you have. Animals have a way of draining our stress from the day.
- Get Outside: Being outdoors is a great form of stress relief. Sit on your porch or balcony, take a walk, a run, or a bike ride. If you can’t get outside, then sit by an open window to get some fresh air and light.
- Get Connected: Our social connections and family connections can be extra important in a time of crisis. Because spending too much time on social media can negatively impact mood, staying in contact with friends and family is truly good for you. Even if you can’t physically be with your loved ones, then exchange regular phone calls, text message, Skype, or FaceTime often enough to keep your support system up and running.
- Sleep it Off: Sleep is crucial for managing stress. A crisis usually makes it difficult to get good quality sleep. If you are unable to get a full night’s sleep, then adding one or two short naps (even just 10-30 minutes) is a good strategy. Nutritional supplements like melatonin and magnesium can support restful sleep if you need extra support*.
- Nutritional Support: Crisis-level stress puts a serious strain on your physical and mental well-being and your bodies nutrient reserves. If eating is compromised, additional nutrients, such as a quality multi/min is necessary. Nutritional supplements like the B vitamins, NAC, GABA, Glycine, CBD (for calm), vitamin D, and mitochondria supportive nutrients, can support your body and mind when stress is higher than normal.* Often times, good things can come from a crisis. Let’s use this as an opportunity for some awesome things to come out of this!
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Laugh it up!: Belly laughs are good for you. Watch funny movies, tell lots of jokes, read funny stories…laugh it up!Crisis-level stress puts a serious strain on your physical and mental well-being and your bodies nutrient reserves. If eating is compromised, additional nutrients, such as a quality multi/min is necessary. Often times, good things can come from a crisis. Let’s use this as an opportunity for some awesome things to come out of this!
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Attitude is everything. Be positive to boost your immune response. Optimism doesn’t just boost your mood. According to new research, a glass-half-full attitude also strengthens the immune system. A study by researcher Suzanne Segerstrom showed that – “a single person-with the same personality and genes – has different immune function when he or she feels more or less optimistic. And this provides a strong link between optimism and and the immune system. So, get those positive thoughts moving early in the day!
Bottom Line
The truth is that a balanced immune system is the key to maintaining health as nature intended. Intense stress as we are experiencing right now, puts a serious strain on our physical and mental well-being and our bodies nutrient digestion, absorption, and utilization. And if we consciously care for our complex bodies by taking the right steps and include a diet rich in whole foods, manage stress by using appropriate coping skills and include some movement daily, we can expect our bodies to function optimally. Now is the right time to do your best to support and protect yourself through strengthening your immune system.
During this time when everyone can help with whatever we have to offer, I am taking appointments for nutritional coaching for immune enhancement or other nutritional need, and distance energy healing for a “donation from the heart”. Please call or email me if you would like to set up an appointment with me.
*These statments have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.