04/12/2018
Keep your Immune System Healthy and Strong !
Winter is a challenging time for our body’s immune system, but the way we approach the arrival of winter presents even more challenges.
Viruses and germs are more likely to spread during the winter, increasing our chances of contracting a cold or flu.
London has just plunged into colder, shorter days, which means our immune system is working harder at this time of the year.
Let’s analyse how we can protect ourself from illness by taking care of our immune system.
How Our Immune System Works..
Your immune system is your body’s line of defense against illness and disease. You can only do so much to minimize your risks of coming into contact with harmful bacteria and viruses, so your body’s immune system takes over when you are exposed to these dangerous germs and helps to protect you from illness.
Your immune system produces white blood cells, which fight off infectious disease and foreign materials. When your immune system isn’t functioning properly or is depressed, it can’t produce enough white blood cells to fight off infection and you become sick. White blood cells fight off bacteria and infectious disease.
Another important element of your immune system is antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial peptides fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi – even to the point of battling cancerous cells. Your body naturally produces antimicrobial peptides, but you can take supplements to stimulate your body’s production of these little warriors. Antimicrobial peptides also have other immunomodulatory benefits.
Protect your Immune!
Nutrition Planning..
One of the easiest things you can do to ensure that your immune system is functioning at its best is to make sure your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs. Healthy eating habits are essential in winter as unhealthy habits can lead to depressed immune system responses.
You hear year-round that eating healthy is important. Eating healthy always is important, but it is a vital function to ensure that your immune system is functioning properly. Try to eat plenty of vegetables and protein, and reduce your carbohydrate and processed food intake. You don’t have to eat perfectly all of the time, but improving your eating habits meal-by-meal can produce direct results in how well your immune system deals with the challenges of winter.
Protect your Immune System!
Stress Management.
Stress makes it more difficult for your immune system to function properly, thus increasing your risk during the cold winter months when you are more likely to contract an illness. Stress produces the hormone cortisol, which weakens your white blood cells’ ability to fight viruses. Cortisol also increases blood pressure and blood sugar, increasing your body’s risk for other medical complications in addition to repressed immune function.
Reduce your stress levels to reduce your body’s production of cortisol, and boost your immune responses. Try to get a full night of sleep every night, and practice relaxation techniques to lower your overall stress levels. Take a magnesium supplement in conjunction with exercise to reduce cortisol levels. Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin C can also reduce the negative impact of cortisol, making it easier for your body to fight off illness and lowering your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
To help lower your stress levels a regular massage is essential. So, treat yourself!
Call or message me to book yourself an appointment to help reduce your stress and cortisol levels.
Finally, Your body responds to emotions.
Reducing direct stress is only one part of the equation to keeping your body healthy and happy. Nurture yourself, spend quality time with friends and enjoy relaxing activities that make you happy. Keeping your mental state elevated has a direct impact on your stress and cortisol levels, which has a direct impact on how well your body’s immune system functions!
Be blessed with all that makes you
happy and healthy today and everyday !
