Maximizing the immune system
Some of the health benefits of gratitude are reduction in depression symptoms, reduced blood pressure, better sleep, increased exercise frequency, and better health overall. Since several of these benefit the immune system, I thought they deserved a repeat!
The immune system is the system that fights infections and since infections cause so many uncomfortable symptoms, both acute (fevers, runny noses, etc) and chronic (joint pain, fatigue, etc), keeping a strong immune system is key for health. Things like viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungus can all instigate an immune response in our bodies. When we come in contact with them from breathing, ingesting or touching our immune system will kick into action to protect us. Many symptoms people experience are immune systems in action. Fevers and sneezes are two great examples of our immune systems fighting off invaders.
Some key things to keep the immune system strong are basic health practices like hydration, good nutrition, quality sleep and exercise. I feel like those are the common sense ones, so let’s get into the less obvious ones.
A healthy gut! About 80% of the immune system is located in the gut and healthy gut flora is super important to keep this functioning well. If you’ve ever taken antibiotics, your gut has been impacted along with your immune system. Food and water additives like chlorine, fluoride, artificial colors and sweeteners, sugar, corn syrup and trans fats also have a negative effect on gut health. I know lots of people take probiotics to counteract the ill effects of antibiotics, but there are a couple of problems with those: quality is hard to determine, and if your gut is overpopulated by bad bacteria it’s hard to get the good ones to take hold (I can help solve this!)
Exposure. The immune system is similar to a muscle in that it needs to work to stay healthy. One of the ways it gets exercise is by being around other people. In the past couple of years, between isolation and mask wearing, our immune systems have not had as much work to do, so they have gotten weaker. I see the effects of this every day in my work. People are struggling with infections and their immune systems can’t keep up, so they’re being inundated with more and more symptoms.
According to the Cleveland Clinic hugging releases hormones that improve your immune health…the longer the hug the better. I posit, that part of this boost is in part to exposure also. So, as we head into winter, boost your immune system with lots of hugs and nutritious food.
If you feel like your immune system could use some extra support, I’d love to help.
