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Immunity: 4 Do’s & 4 Dont’s

Immunity: 4 Do’s & 4 Dont’s As fall is upon us and with winter right around the corner, immunity and staying healthy is typically top of mind. But if you’re wanting to boost your immunity, you may wonder how to help your body stay strong and fight off illnesses. Your immune system is your body’s […]

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Immunity: 4 Do's & 4 Dont's

As fall is upon us and with winter right around the corner, immunity and staying healthy is typically top of mind. 

But if you're wanting to boost your immunity, you may wonder how to help your body stay strong and fight off illnesses.

Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense against illness. In the same way that a security system around your house would provide protection, your immune system uses a system of chemicals and proteins in your body to fight off viruses, harmful bacteria, infections and parasites. 

A stronger immune system means less chance of you getting sick.

Did you know there are ways you can boost your immune system to maximize its effects?

Unlike a security system, your immune system isn’t plugged in and fully charged all the time. Life happens. We can get run down. Your immune system is something that should be nurtured.

In this episode, we take a deeper dive into 4 Do's and 4 Dont's - little steps can you take today to help boost your immune system.

Let's dive in!

With every blog post, we like to equip you with a POWERFUL free resource that goes with the episode, providing you with additional education and empowering you to take action on what you’ve just learned.

Since in this episode we're talking about a little known bone fact, we want to give you additional information on the 6 Surprising Misconceptions About Bone Health (and why it matters).

After going through these Misconceptions, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions about your lifestyle to live the life you deserve & love!

Immunity: A Brief Overview

Put simply, your immune system defends your body against illness and disease. This complex system comprises the skin cells, blood, bone marrow, tissues, and organs that — when working the way they should — protect your body against potentially harmful pathogens (like bacteria and viruses), and limit damage from noninfectious agents - like sunburn or cancer. 

To best protect your body from harm, every component of your immune system needs to perform exactly according to plan. The best way you can ensure this happens is to practice the good-for-you behaviors your immune system thrives on every day. 

Here are 4 Do's & 4 Dont's to keep your Immunity Strong!

Immunity: 4 Do's 👍

1. Beneficial Bacteria

70% of immune function is in our gut!
Healthy "good" bacteria are essential to digest and absorb nutrients
Gut health is negatively affected by stress
FOOD: kefir, kombucha, miso, yogurt (use the FOODUCATE APP!)
SUPPLEMENT: 20 Billion/serving; must be refrigerated after opening!

2. Vitamins A & C

Powerful Antioxidants & increase White Blood Cell production necessary to detect and kill viral and bacterial invaders
Depletion occurs thru stress, lack of sleep, certain medications, and a bad diet (particularly sugar!)
FOOD: bell peppers, citrus fruits, berries, carrot, dark, leafy greens
SUPPLEMENT: best thru a very good, comprehensive Multi-Vitamin for optimal absorption and assimilation

3. Vitamin D3

Bone Health & Immunity!
SUNSHINE! But not if you are covered up or wearing sunscreen or sunblocker...
FOOD: dairy products, fatty fish (salmon), egg yolks, mushrooms
SUPPLEMENT: ‪2000-5000‬ IU/day ( look at other supplements - such as your multi-vitamin - to add up ALL supplemental Vitamin D3) ; fat-soluble vitamin so needs a "fat source" to be fully absorbed

4. Herbs

Echinacea & Elderberry boost immunity - both viral and bacterial infections
Work best when feeling under the weather, not as a daily preventative supplement
SUPPLEMENT: Nature's Sunshine brand - for both big and little people!
Found locally at Pomegranite Market, Wayne & Mary's, or online

Want more on the 4 Do's? 

Watch! ➡➡➡

Immunity: 4 Dont's 👎

1. Stress & Juggling Too Many Things

80% of Americans are negatively affected by chronic stress and anxiety
Stress affects every metabolic activity in our body & causes all micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids) to be depleted at a rapid rate
Vitamins B & C are particularly affected, followed by fat-soluble vitamins A & D
Increases cortisol & affects our gut health, which leads to further malabsorption!

2. Too Little Sleep

Sleep is the only time in our 24 hour cycle that the body repairs and rejuvenates
Cortisol is also decreased during the sleep cycle
Need at least 6 hours of good sleep, more is better (and napping doesn't count!)
Good Sleep Hygeine: no phone or tablets at least 1 hour before bed (blue light); 65-67 degrees; white noise (use a fan, gentle music or my favorite app); Epsom salt baths (magnesium to relax)

3. Sugar!

Americans average 40 TEASPOONS/day! That's 3 POUNDS of sugar/week per person
Major contributor to sugar consumption is what's not obvious (added sugars in sauces, canned foods, processed foods, and salad dressings)
Major stressor in 2 ways:
FIRST: increases blood sugar, which leads to a spike in insulin which rapidly leads to a spike in cortisol (stressor!)
SECOND: decreases the absorption of micronutrients! Affects all vitamins and minerals, but Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C are dramatically affected

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is ultimately metabolized as sugar!
Decreases pancreatic enzymes which decrease fat-soluble vitamins from being digested & absorbed, especially Vitamins A & D
Vitamin C, calcium, & B-vitamin assimilation are also affected
Affects your liver enzymes as well, which are necessary for Vitamin D conversion and assimilation

Want more on the 4 Dont's? 

Watch! ➡➡➡

In Closing...

Hopefully, this training on how to keep your immune system strong was enlightening and you see how easy just a few easy lifestyle changes can dramatically improve your overall immunity - and health! Even your bone health 😉

Always remember how important it is to keep yourself strong and healthy in all aspects of your wellness. 

On that note, don't forget to grab the 6 Surprising Misconceptions of Bone Health (and Why It Matters). 

After going through these Misconceptions, you'll be empowered to make informed decisions about your lifestyle to live the life you deserve & love! 

You can download this FREE resource by clicking the yellow button below 👇👇👇

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Also, science-nerd bestie, and women’s health expert. I’m all about making midlife wellness simple, sustainable, and joy-filled—all through my signature KISS Method™. Around here, simple > perfect, with a little humor - and always room for chocolate!

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