Boost Your Body's Defenses

You’ve heard us talk a lot about improving immunity and keeping the body functioning as it should in order to maintain optimum levels of health. If you’re still getting sick often, or you're facing bouts of flu this season and you're concerned about N1H1, boosting your immunity can help… but what can you do to boost your immune system in a hurry?

First of all, get back to a balanced meal plan. Summer means endless BBQs, ice-cream socials, picnics and very flexible eating. Getting back to the recommended 5-10 servings of fruits and veggies a day packs you full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber, and will do wonders for your immune system. You can always add a super greens powder (found at your local health food store) to a smoothie to help meet your quota.

Try 3-6 months of probiotics. Probiotics support the immune system by supporting a healthy gut. About 70% of immune cells are found in the gut; probiotics support a healthy intestinal environment and help down regulate the immune system to a balanced response. A recent study conducted in China reported that children who took probiotics over a six-month period were healthier than kids who did not.

Your gut is actually considered the “outside” of your body because it’s exposed to substances and microbes from the outside world. Taking a probiotic supplement for at least a few months helps to replenish the natural flora in the gut that can be destroyed by certain medications, poor diet, an overabundance of stress, and even chlorinated water.

Cut back on stimulants like caffeine and sugar. Excessive caffeine intake can deplete your body of vital minerals and water. Caffeine also stimulates the nervous system, and regular stimulation can be taxing on the immune system. Sugar raises insulin levels which affect hormones in the body and can depress the immune system. A sugary diet also creates an internal environment that encourages the growth of potentially harmful microbes. Sugar is a lot tougher on our bodies than we realize and limiting your intake will boost energy and immunity.