Ever listen to the saying “You are what you eat”? Well, that’s not exactly accurate. We prefer to say, “You are what you absorb, digest, and assimilate.” How to boost your immune system?
The digestive system supports the body by Two essential functions:
- Absorption of nutrients and
- The elimination of damaging bacteria.
A healthy digestive system maintains a strong line of defense against pathogens that we breathe in, consume in our foods, and pick up through personal contact.
When our digestive system becomes weakened, we become much more susceptible to being exposed to bacterial and viral infections. So, when it comes down to it, you’re only as strong as your immune system.
How to Boost Your Immune System
Speaking of our immune system, the holiday season is once again upon us. You know: colder weather, holiday stressors, lots of sugary immune-suppressing treats—and who can forget about the flu in all of its viral forms?
As usual, mainstream media coverage would have you believe that we are on the brink of the most savage flu season in human history, from which we must take offense.
While last year’s “pandemic” seems to have been a bit overinflated, there is obviously an increase in flu and flu-like illnesses that come with the change in the climate.
Hence the need for some serious immune system boosting. This means keeping your immune system healthy and strong.
Foods That Boost Your Immune System
The key to strong immunity rests in the optimal functioning of our digestive system and how we eat, sleep, and supplement our way through the holidays.
Minimize Sugar
Yeah, seriously! That includes marshmallows and whipped cream in your jello dish. Opt instead for fruit. The more physically active you are, the more fruit you can afford to eat.
For the majority of you who are planning on eating half of a pumpkin pie, then at least earn your sweets through lots of physical activity.
Avoid Grains
All flour, all grains (whole or otherwise),. We’ve been over this multiple times.
Grain consumption results in elevated insulin levels, increased body fat, and the destruction of the healthy immune system barrier in the digestive system.
Not to mention a plethora of other unpleasant side effects, all of which increase the risk of sickness and disease throughout your body.
Eat Good Fats
Seek out fats in properly raised animal products and other fats humans have consumed for thousands of years.
These omega-3′s and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) help us regulate blood sugar levels, aid cell repair, and enhance immune system function.
Great fats include avocado, beef, egg yolks, chicken skin, olive oil, coconut oil, and real butter.
These are from animals that live a happy, healthy, hormone-free, grass-fed, pastured, organic, active, and stress-free life! That’s right, fat is not the enemy—sugar is! (More on that in another newsletter.)
Avoid Bad Fats
Don’t consume polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils, and moderate your intake of seeds and nuts, as they too are rich in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids.
If you do eat nuts, then try shelling them yourself. It will take a hell of a lot longer to shovel them down.
As one of my teachers likes to say, “You should know the difference between your mouth and a vacuum.”
Boost Your Immune System Through Sleep
Sleep is the biggest immunological defense mechanism that exists. It defends us from potentially harmful environmental organisms and ensures optimal physical growth and mental repair.
The National Institutes of Health confirms that sleep is a scientific given and that light and dark cycles:
- Turn hormone production on and off, especially the hormones that regulate blood sugar and burn body fat. (See how to get a natural night's sleep.)
- Activate your immune system.
- Neurotransmitters are released daily, especially seasonally. This means keeping us emotionally happy, energized, and motivated.
Until 75 years ago, we spent up to 14 hours a night, depending on the season, in the dark. Take advantage of the time off work to rest, relax, spend with family, and catch up on much-needed sleep.
Supplements to Boost Your Immune System
While real food will always prevail over supplements, several herbs can give you that little extra support that just may be the difference between a night of restful sleep and one spent hugging the porcelain god.
1. Ammunition
This is the immune system-boosting, viral-fighting powerhouse of a supplement containing echinacea and Andrographis, both shown to shorten the duration and severity of infections but best taken before they occur.
It also contains elderberry, which has been shown to fight against the spread of viruses like influenza.
2. Olive Leaf Extract
This is an effective anti-viral herb and can be used preventatively as an immune system booster. It has antimicrobial properties and improves resistance to intestinal and respiratory infections.
3. Immunity Take Care
This is a virus killer! This helps eliminate the reproductive capabilities of the virus. This is a great-tasting lozenge from the elderberry, which is also great for those who have a hard time swallowing pills.
4. Bee Propolis
Strengthens our natural immune capabilities. Bees gather propolis from trees, flowers, and shrubs, and they use it in a variety of ways to safeguard the hive's immune system as well as the health of the bees themselves.
Bee propolis is thought to enhance the body’s resistance to illness and speed recovery and healing. that boost your immunity.
These supplements are best taken before the onset of infection or virus; however, they can still be used beneficially to shorten the duration and severity of a cold and/or flu when taken in the earlier stages of sickness.
Conclusion
Remember, “it’s not the germ, but the terrain," meaning you create the type of internal environment for bacteria and viruses to flourish through your nutrition and lifestyle.
The healthier you are, the stronger your immune system will be, which will boost your immune system, and make you less likely to get sick.
Or, if you do get sick, the less severe your symptoms will be. Take the steps necessary to strengthen your immune system through quality food intake, lots of sleep, and immune-boosting supplements.
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