6 Easy Ways to Boost your Immune System
What would our health as a nation look like if we each spent the next month building our immune system?
This is the question I’ve been asking since the beginning of this whole COVID thing. It’s been proven now that those with underlying diseases are most at risk of dying from this illness. There’s been a lot of discussion lately on the concept of terrain theory (the idea that our bodies can fight infectious disease on their own with proper health). While I don’t deny that germs exist I think it’s downright silly to say that a strong immune system (or stronger terrain) is not beneficial in fighting disease.
So back to the question, what happens if we all do what we can to boost our immune systems? Would the impact this virus has be reduced? If we had started this from the beginning instead of just staying inside and baking bread would that have helped? I think so. There have been a number of experts have also been saying it, but it doesn’t appear the mainstream has picked up the concept. I believed that’s because it’s assumed that people are lazy and they don’t want to try.
But I think there are more people out there trying than we all think. I also think that we have been given a lot of half-truths and warped information that prevents us from reaching our true potential, but that’s really a conversation for another day. Let’s get back to the point. What can we do to improve our immune system right now?
As part of the health & wellness community I hear a lot of conversation about supplements. And how taking this or that supplement can cure this or fix that, but truth be told, you can out supplement a bad lifestyle. It’s our lifestyles that can give us the biggest immune boost. I’m not saying you need to throw everything out and become a health guru minimalist, but a few small changes to your daily routine can have a huge impact in your immune function and overall well-being.
Seriously, these things aren’t huge, and I’m sure they are all thing you have heard before, but its stuff that especially when all done together and kept up with consistently will have a huge, rippling effect.
I can’t fully explain the impact of combining these handful of lifestyle change will have. It’s just something you start to feel.
6 EASY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
1. STOP DRINKING SUGAR!
You’ve heard it a millions times I know, but it’s the truth. Sugary drinks harm your metabolism and your gut microbiome in so many different ways. Even if you are eating a low carb diet one Chai Latte can destroy that with the amount of sugar it has. Swap those sugary drinks for water, throw an orange or lemon slice in it if you have to. But drink water, and lots of it. Tea is also a good option, because you know, we have lots of it.
2. SWEAT FOR 30ISH MINUTES 3X A WEEK
This one probably takes the most effort of all of them, but its so worth it. Working out causes your body to release numerous different chemicals that help improve mood, excrete waste & toxins on top of building muscle. As far as your immune system goes, removing waste is super important.
3. STOP EATING PROCESSED FOOD
Another one you have heard a million times at least, I know. But the main thing here is seed oils. They are in just about all processed foods, including most bread. Not going to lie this one is hard, but seed oils are so bad for you. Here’s why: they have an imbalanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acid profile causing them to be inflammatory in the body. Additionally, the polyunsaturated fatty acids in industrial seed oils are highly unstable and oxidize easily with exposure to heat, light and other inputs. When this happens they create trans fats, and peroxides, which can cause cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and even damage DNA.
Read more on seed oils here.
4. GET 8-9 HOURS OF SLEEP EACH NIGHT
When we sleep our body does the majority of it’s repair work. It may feel like you have a lot to do, but you can be so much more productive if you are feeling your best, and a good nights sleep will help with that.
5. GET 20 MINUTES OF SUNLIGHT A DAY
Sure, you can take a vitamin D suppliment, but being out in the actual sun does so much more for your body than just Vitamin D. Maybe you could do this while you are working out. Or read the morning paper on the deck. It’s getting colder now so throw on an extra layer and get out there.
6. LET IT GO
Chronic stress puts your body in chronic flight or flight mode. This can cause hormone fluctuations and cause immune system function to go down. Try to make a practice of forgiveness and letting go of little things. It will make a huge different not just in your day, but in your overall health.
Conclusion
If we take 1 month and make all these changes your immune system will get a HUGE boost. Even just making a few of these changes will help you see results. It could be as simple as you “feel” better, but maybe just maybe your allergies will be reduced, or your regular headaches will go away, or you could even lose weight! You never know till you give it a shot.
