Our First Line of Health Defense Is Our Immunity

Our body’s first line defense against foreign invaders is our immune system. It is the body’s natural defense against foreign invaders. Without it, we would be unable to fight microorganisms like fungus, viruses and parasites.

These intruders can cause serious health problems and are hidden all around us. Our immune system works round the clock to create protective barriers that prevent them from getting into our bodies.

If one does manage to sneak in, the immune system will kick in and send out a variety of chemicals and proteins, along with a host white blood cells, to attack and destroy the foreign antigen.

Strong immune systems are essential for keeping all health issues at bay, from serious diseases to common colds. It recognizes millions of antigens and produces what is needed to eliminate them when it’s at its peak performance.

Dr. Bruce Polsky MD St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, N.Y. states that “we have a great immune system which evolutionarily keeps us healthy.” 

Our immune system is weakened when we engage in unhealthy lifestyles and habits. These dangerous behaviors can lead to foreign invaders, and we end up getting sick.

We can prevent getting sick by using simple, healthy strategies like washing our hands frequently and avoiding contact with people who are sick.

Taking an active stance to improve our immune system is one thing.

Here are some tips to keep your immune system in top shape.

Nutrient dense diet –

The natural substances called phytochemicals, which are found in vegetables and fruits, give plants their color and flavor. These phytochemicals are powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing damage. They are also soldiers that support the immune system, the death of damaged cells and create new healthy cells.

All illnesses, diseases and infections are harder to ward off if the body is lacking nutrients/malnourished. It is best to eat a variety of foods, including protein, with each meal and snack.

Proper Exercise –

Exercise is a great way to boost your immune system. It is the second pillar that supports overall good health and strong immunity. It activates the sympathetic nerve system, which increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. This makes us feel happier and more energetic.

It improves circulation, reduces stress and anxiety, and slows down the aging process. This helps us live longer and more comfortably.

Recent research from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has shown that exercise can provide our bodies with anti-inflammatory effects, which in turn boost immunity.

Avoid stress and reduce your stress –

Your mental state can have a significant impact on your health. Chronic, long-term stress can increase the risk of developing illness. It depresses our immune system. This kind of mental and emotional wear and tear can cause damage to our immune system and affect our health.

Meditation, deep breathing, and exercise can all be used to reduce stress.

Have a healthy attitude –

Although we cannot control all events in our lives, we can control our feeling/attitude/response towards them. A positive, good attitude (seeing the glass half-full rather than half-empty), expressing gratitude every day in all situations works to strengthen our immune system and increases all chances for a positive outcome.

Laughter heals –

Laughter has more power than we realize. Laughter boosts immunity as it can lower stress hormones, increase anti-infective antibodies, and trigger “happy” endorphins.

It also improves your health by strengthening your abs, lowering blood pressure, and boosting T-cells. It is truly “the best medicine.”

Dr. Lee Berk (PH), Pro Loma Linda School of Medicine says “The best clinicians understand that there’s an intrinsic physiological intervention caused by positive emotions like optimism, mirthful laughter and hope.” Laugh often. It’s free for everyone.

Quality Sleep –

Being healthy is dependent on your sleep. It is the time that the body needs to rest and rebuild. It is the downtime that your immune system uses to rebuild and restore itself. There are many reasons for this. A major problem is the low production of cytokines. Cytokines, proteins that are released in sleep to target inflammation and infection and create an immune response.

Studies continue to show that people with chronic sleep loss are more susceptible to getting sick from viruses.

If you are unable to sleep due to interruptions in your sleep cycle, you can take a short nap to make up the difference. A nap, which should not exceed 30 minutes in duration, can be taken twice daily to reduce stress and counter any effects of sleep deprivation.

Step into The Sun –

Vitamin D is primarily obtained from the sun/natural light.

Low levels of Vitamin D, for example, can be a major cause of respiratory problems.

Sunshine and fresh air are good for our health.

Although a strong immune system does not make us invincible, it can help to increase our chances of success. A healthy lifestyle is our first line defense against many of life’s health problems.

When we have an “attitude to gratitude”, wear our fitness gear, share good laughs and focus on eating healthy foods, our immune system is boosted.

It is a true fighter when it comes down to our chance of getting sick and gives us the extra strength to defeat any invaders that find their way through. It’s a great thing.

Carolyn Hansen -Your Go To Health & Fitness Specialist

“I help clients to take control of their health before circumstances remove the possibility.” I will put you in control of your journey to a life that is truly physical and mentally well-being.

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