2021 Immune System Reboot
Is your immune system neglected or in need of repair?
With Covid all around us in our communities, and being in the peak of cold and flu season, NOW is the time to fortify your immune system.
We know that certain medications and other lifestyle measures can unknowingly damage our immune system, but in our fast paced lives, we often take our immune systems for granted. Commonly prescribed medications, too little sleep, and high levels of stress impact our natural defenses.
Medications such as antibiotics and NSAID’s disturb the normal healthy bacteria in the gut, which can then lead to malfunctioning of the immune system. Inadequate sleep–especially between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.–can diminish your immunity because this is when the body is making new white blood cells which help to destroy the Corona virus and other viruses.
It seems like a Catch 22, but stress can also adversely affect the immune system. Our bodies are hard-wired to react to stress as a survival mechanism. But in modern day society, most of us have constant, multiple stressors heaped on us, and the Covid pandemic has added even more stress. When we’re stressed, the body pumps up production of 2 key stress hormones–adrenaline and cortisol–and cortisol dampens the immune system. And when our defenses are down, we’re more likely to get sick, adding even more stress.
Dr. Wes Youngberg, PhD, an internationally known researcher and expert in chronic disease management recently stated that “[while we’re waiting for a Covid vaccine] our only salvation right now is a strong immune system.” And he strongly advocates for lifestyle measures to help fortify our defenses.
He recommends two fairly simple changes that can make a huge difference within 3–4 days!!
–Switching to an anti-inflammatory diet. Essentially this means reducing sugar, refined carbohydrates (white flour, regular pasta) and processed foods, and adding more whole foods (unprocessed), lean protein and 4–5 servings of fruits and vegetables/day.
–Adding a vitamin D supplement during the winter months if you live in the Midwest and/or don’t get adequate vitamin D from being outdoors.
So, as we start the New Year, NOW is the time to take advantage of a lifestyle change expert: Karen Radtke is a Holistic Nurse Practitioner and Board Certified Health Coach who will take you from wanting better health to actually achieving it.
Click here to schedule your FREE 20 minute phone consult.