Categories: Cognitive HealthNutrition and performance

7 Ways To Strengthen Your Immune System

Article At A Glance:

COVID-19 is not only taking a toll on us globally and economically; it’s also taxing our immune systems with stress and anxiety
In addition to basic precautions to slow the spread, here are 7 actionable ways to increase immunity

Fears about the Coronavirus are running rampant, and as we experience a global pandemic in response to this crisis, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Worry about the virus can wreak havoc on our mental health, which can then simultaneously weaken our bodies, so it’s all too easy to spiral into a vicious cycle of negativity. What’s especially alarming is that there is no playbook for what we are experiencing: definitive answers are hard to come by, and it’s often hard to discern actual science from myths and rumors swirling in the media. And while there are many things out of our control, this is as good as a time as any to take inventory in our personal health, and our immune systems in particular.

Whether or not you or your loved ones are ever exposed to COVID-19 (and we pray that you are not), there are actionable steps you can take today to boost your own health. And while the news media touts common guidelines to slow the spread (including social distancing, vigorously washing our hands, and the temporary closure of schools, libraries, and certain businesses), what’s perhaps not being talked about quite as much are overall ways to strengthen our bodies to both prevent certain diseases and stave off any illnesses we do contract. Research on COVID-19 consistently shows that those who succumb to the virus were immunocompromised and/ or had other existing medical conditions, With that in mind, here are 7 ways to improve your immune system

Start & Maintain A Healthy Nutrition Plan

Food is perhaps the single biggest factor for our health that we can control, and the mainstream medical community is only beginning to realize the way that nutrition (or lack thereof) affects us physically and mentally. Having a consistent way of life that supports healthy eating can do wonders for our long-term immunity. It’s not a quick fix; it can be a total life change in feeding our bodies what they need to thrive.

Avoid Certain Foods

A key part of a healthy nutrition plan is cutting out certain foods and products that don’t strengthen our bodies and can actually hinder us. Packaged foods and pesticides can wreak havoc on our immune systems. Additionally, staying away from sugar, wheat, and dairy can help strengthen our bodies.

Improve Your Gut Health

Did you know that 70% of your immunity is in your gut? That’s a LOT! By removing the bad foods as well as enriching your diet with the right foods, you’ll improve the balance in your gut so that the healthy bacteria can flourish and keep things in order. Read here for more about why gut health matters.

Get Better Quality Sleep

With the 24/7 news cycle, it’s easy to keep scrolling our phones and never shut off our screens. But one of the best things you can do for your health and your family is to get quality shut-eye. That means things like no phones in bed, giving yourself an hour of no-screen time before turning in for the night, and keeping your bedroom dark and fairly cool to facilitate good sleep hygiene.

Be Physically Active & Soak Up Sunshine

Your local gym is likely closed for the time, but getting outside to go for a run or even a walk around the neighborhood with your family helps with immunity. Also, there are plenty of exercises that don’t require equipment (push-ups, jump squats, sit-ups, air squats, burpees, etc), so don’t use the quarantine as an excuse. Kids especially need the Vitamin D from the sun, so get outside together!

Take Immunity-Supporting Health Supplements

Nutrition is our first line of defense in keeping our bodies strong, but the truth is that even the most healthy of eaters are likely missing something with food alone. Quality supplements can help you fill in the gaps where your diet may be lacking, and probiotics in particular are the most effective in improving the gut. In addition to our Bio-Heal supplement (which currently has over 600 5 star reviews), other powerful supplements to improve immunity are Monolaurin and Virattack. As someone who has experienced multiple immune disorders and used these products myself, I can personally attest that they help build resiliency and strong immunity.

Reduce Stress

This one may seem impossible in a time of global fear. However, we can do our best, as stress hormones working overtime can tax our bodies and weaken our immunity. Children in particular do not have the emotional coping mechanisms to manage stress well, so be sure to help calm their fears and limit their exposure to the news. Help them keep things in perspective and you will help their immune system.

Final Thoughts

COVID-19 is bringing a lot of anxiety and fear to our world, and while we cannot magically “fix” anything, we can take proactive steps to care for ourselves and our families.
One of the best things we can is to boost our own immunity, which serves as the body’s first line of defense in the case of a disease.
Simple steps (like getting quality sleep, reducing stress, and focusing on optimal nutrition & supplementation) can help our bodies be healthy and stave off illness.

*This website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by a healthcare professional.

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