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Get startedProtect your immune system from stress
Unrelenting, prolonged stress is called chronic stress. It happens in situations of constant worry – about work problems, family issues, etc. – and can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. Chronic stress causes anxiety, depression and sleep problems. It can also result in life-threatening issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive problems and a weakened immune system. In this blog, we’re sharing ideas to keep your immune system strong, especially in times of stress.
A weakened immune system makes your body susceptible to disease and prolongs the time it takes to heal. Your diet also has an impact. During periods of stress, you may desire comfort foods with high fat and carbs. Instead of giving in, it’s vital to nourish your body with vitamins and nutrients.
Your body is prepared to handle stressors that come against you every day, but it can arrive at a ‘tipping point,’ when your systems become overwhelmed and sick. It order to rebuild your immune system and repair your overwhelmed body, consider the following.
Rebuild
An anti-inflammatory diet of whole foods, minimally processed and organic, will give your body the anti-inflammatory nutrients it needs to build up your immune system.
Repair
Repair your immune system with these seven ideas:
- Hydrate
- Move
- Drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar every day
- Try a teaspoon of manuka honey
- Echinacea and elderberry
- Colloidal silver
- Vitamin C
Drink half your weight in ounces of water every day to counteract deficiency and toxicity. Pure water, not tea or coffee, nourishes your joints and muscles and relieves pain. Water helps detox the body by flushing toxins out of your system.
Your body needs movement for your immune system to work at peak performance. The rise in temperature during exercise and immediately after can prevent bacteria from growing in the body. It acts as a ‘self-induced fever’ that fights off unwanted viruses and bacteria. Even a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day can help eliminate bacteria from your lungs. Physical activity also slows down the release of stress hormones.
Apple cider vinegar has probiotic bacteria that aids the immune system. It promotes a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract and contains malic acid, which is antiviral.
All honey is not equal. Manuka honey comes from bees in New Zealand and is the most healing honey in the world. Many swear by it during cold and flu season. Manuka honey has a higher enzyme level than regular honey. When buying it, look for a label that says UMF or Unique Manuka Factor, which regulates honey for medicinal elements. A 20+ UMF rating will be extremely beneficial to your health.
Echinacea stimulates white blood cells and spleen cell production, which fights off infection. Elderberry reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system. Over time, these herbs can lessen the frequency of sinus issues, colds and the flu.
Colloidal silver contains antibacterial properties that fight strep, gonorrhea and other intestinal pathogens. As superbugs become more prevalent and antibiotics are less effective, colloidal silver can help heal and protect your body and boost the strength of antibiotics when you do need to take them.
Vitamin C boosts your immune system and acts as an antioxidant to combat free radicals. It empowers your immune system to fight invading pathogens. The recommended daily allowance is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men, when healthy. In times of sickness, the dosage goes up to 1,000 mg a day.
The ideas above can improve your immune system’s ability to handle stress and keep you healthy and active. To learn more about how to properly feed your body to meet its emotional and physical needs, please contact us. Through Clinical Nutrition, we’ll answer your questions and discuss nutrition plans to manage your health.
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