Your immune system's main job is to protect your body against disease and infection. There are several factors that can affect your immune system's ability to fight infection, including stress, poor nutrition, a deficiency in vitamins and minerals, and a poorly functioning nervous system. If your goal is to reach optimal health, then an immune system that functions well is a must. Here are our tips to strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off illness to achieve true health.
1. Start Taking Probiotics. You've probably already heard of probiotics, which are the good bacteria found in yogurt and other supplements. They help the body to properly digest food and studies have found links between the amount of probiotics in an individual's stomach and the strength of their immune system. To increase the amount of healthy bacteria in your belly, start by adding more yogurt to your diet or a probiotic supplement.
2. Say No To Sugar! Sugar is what we like to call the anti-nutrient. Refined simple sugars contain zero nutritional value, and actually take nutrients away that are stored in your body to be metabolized later. Once those storehouses are depleted, your immune system will have a more challenging time fighting off infections.
3. Practice Stress Management. It is impossible to avoid all stresses in life, but it is possible for you to practice stress management skills to reduce the negative effects stress has on the body. When your stress levels rise, your immune system's strength decreases. When under stress, our bodies produce higher amounts of cortisol. Cortisol, which is a stress hormone, increases both blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which leads to a weakened immune system. In order to keep your stress levels controlled and reach optimal health, find a release for your stress that works for your lifestyle, whether it is writing, yoga, or boxing.
4. Let Us Check Your Nervous System. Your nervous system, which is comprised of the brain and spine, is what controls every organ system, organ, tissue, and cell in your body. On your journey to true health, you will want to get your nervous system checked to be sure that your spine is in proper alignment. A properly aligned spine provides your body's messenger system with the solid foundation needed to send clear signals throughout your body. Contact us to schedule an appointment so we can get you (and your spine) in great health!
