6 ways to Support a Strong Immune System:

1- Get those ZZZZ’s – Make Sleep a priority 

2 – Make water your friend –  Stay hydrated – 

3 – Eat well – Wholesome whole foods in a reasonable quantity

4 – Limit Libations – Alcohol can 

5 – Get a sweat on ! -Move your body regularly

6 – Manage Stress – You’ll notice I didn’t say slay stress! It is impossible to get rid of stress all together but learning to manage stress is what matters!

 

1- During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, or when you’re under stress. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines.Researchers from Germany have found that sound sleep improves immune cells known as T cells. “T cells are a type of… immune cells that fight against pathogens like virus-infected cells such as flu, HIV, herpes, and cancer cells,” (Stoyan Dimitrov, PhD, a researcher at the University of Tübingen)

 

2- Our immune system is dependent on the nutrients in our blood, and our blood stream is made mostly of water! If we don’t have enough water, we cannot properly transport nutrients to each organ system. Staying well hydrated is also very important for detox pathways, increasing lymphatic drainage and making sure we are clearing out any foreign invaders and other waste materials. 

 

3- The best foods to support the immune system are those that are high in antioxidants. These antioxidants protect our bodies from cell damage and harmful levels of inflammation. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E can be found in many foods but are especially plentiful in fruits and vegetables.

 

4- Alcohol impairs immune cells in key organs. This can hinder the body’s ability to fight off  infection, can contribute to organ damage, and impede recovery from tissue injury. Alcohol can trigger inflammation in the gut and destroy the microorganisms that live in the intestines and help to maintain a healthy immune system.

 

5 –  We all know moving is important however when you move enough to sweat, your body reacts much like it does when you have a fever. Your body temperature raises and in turn, you are helping your body kill pathogens. 

 

6- Stress occurs when life events surpass your abilities to cope. It causes your body to produce greater levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Over time having too much cortisol in your bloodstream opens the door for inflammation. High levels of inflammation can lead to an over-tired immune system that can’t properly protect you. In addition, stress decreases the body’s lymphocytes — the white blood cells that help fight off infection. The lower your lymphocyte level, the more at risk you are for viruses, including the common cold and cold sores.