Summer is almost over. That raises images of Fall, back to school, and of course, the inevitable spike in flu and other ailments. Your immune system is still the first line of defense, and this is the perfect time to put a plan in place to help your body strengthen its ability to stay healthy.
How your immune system works
Your immune system has two sections – the innate and the adaptive. Innate is the part that responds to all nonspecific types of foreign invaders and fights back to keep you healthy. The adaptive part responds to specific things that the body recognizes, such as illnesses you’ve had before or been vaccinated against.
Signs of a Weakened Immune System
Fatigue – your body requires a lot of energy to fight off an infection. Make sure you get enough restful sleep and that you eat nutritious, whole food that can give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Stress – it’s a known fact that stress weakens the immune response. Examine your life for areas that could be causing you stress and figure out a routine that gives you a regular time to relax and unwind. Find an activity that makes you feel good and relieves the stress. For some that is exercise, for others soaking in a hot bath listening to music. Find what works for you.
Aging and the Immune System
Recent studies show that as we age, our immune systems become less able to fight infections and less responsive to vaccines. An aging immune system is also linked to chronic inflammation, which can lead to a host of health issues. For example, Metabolic syndrome (MS) is linked to chronic inflammation. MS is a collection of risk factors that increase the possibility of suffering from heart disease and diabetes. People over 60 have a much higher likelihood of being obese and having signs of MS, so they should pay extra attention to strengthening their immune system,
Create a plan to strengthen your immune system
The very best plan is to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
- Don’t smoke.
- Improve your diet – eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables of all colors and types.
- Avoid foods with added sugar.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- If you drink alcohol at all, take it in moderation.
- Wash your hands regularly and sanitize your space. Stay away from people who are or who have recently been ill.
For best results, find a qualified Nutrition Response Testing® practitioner near you and get tested. That way you will know exactly what your body needs to strengthen your immune system and stay healthy.
