~Your immune system - your body's natural defence system ~

Think for a minute. When you cut yourself, do you worry that it will keep bleeding out and not heal? Usually, the answer to that will be no-we know that in a healthy body, the blood will clot and the cut will heal.
When you break a bone, sometimes you need to have it "set" so it heals properly. The doctor will align the bone to make sure it knits together optimally, but the body does the healing. If you leave the bone misaligned, it will still knit together and heal. 
The trick is to know when you need to give your body a bit of help.
Some of the times when you need to help your body are:

• Pregnancy
• If you cannot eat a healthy balanced diet
• When you are vulnerable to viruses and bacterial infections

In this post, I would like to focus on strengthening the immune system right now as winter is here, and we have some "little critters" around.
In a nutshell, what happens is whenever you get some kind of attack your immune system kicks in to defend you. It has three lines of defence (soldiers) that keep your body safe. Your body is very clever. 

1. The first line are the protectors - your skin and mucous membrane that runs throughout your body, and your tears, sweat, saliva are all part of the first line. They are the foot soldiers, the infantry. They sound the alarm and often defeat the enemy. 
2. The second line is your innate immune response -these cells are different, they identify and destroy the attacker if they get past the foot soldiers. They are the jet fighters and paratroopers - the big guns. If the enemy is overwhelming, they will send an SOS for more help. They often defeat the enemy and send a message to mount a strategic defence against further attacks. 
3. The third line is your adaptive immune response - this is where it gets interesting. They are the generals - building a solid defence. These cells are specific to the attackers (adapted). This is your inbuilt defence strategy. It takes time to develop and to build immunity. They help your body to build a defence that can quickly and effectively attack the invader next time. They develop your long- term defence/immunity. 

So, how can you help maintain a strong immune system?

• Breathe. Yes, you would not be walking around if you were not breathing; however, conscious, focused breathing is fundamental for a healthy body and immune system.  
• Redress your stress. Stress is healthy, yes you heard me correctly. However, chronic or long-term stress compromises your immune system and leaves you open to attack. By identifying and redressing your daily stressors, you will improve your immune health. 
• Get enough sleep. When you are asleep your body is regenerating, self-healing, and excreting toxins. Lack of sleep can cause the body's stress response to remain activated leading to chronic stress. 
• Stay hydrated. 
• Eat nutritious food. Your body needs energy and nutrition to do its work. A balanced diet is important at any time in your life. 
• Use supplements wisely. 

***** Please remember that we are all very different. We all have different lifestyles and diets. A healthy, balanced diet is always preferable to taking supplements, and just because a supplement is right for your friend does not mean it is right for you. The best thing is to speak to a nutritionist and have a full assessment done. This does not take long. ****

​Here are some supplements that help strengthen your immune system. 
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and also an essential nutrient. It boosts immunity, strengthens the skin´s defence system, and helps wounds heal quicker.
Foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, papaya, red, green, or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Vitamin D helps maintain strong bones and aids the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.
Foods that provide vitamin D include fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereal, Beef liver, Cheese, Egg yolks.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and aids in fat absorption.
Foods rich in vitamin E include Sunflower seeds, Almonds, Avocados, Spinach, vegetable oils, meat, eggs.

Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in the health of the nervous system.
Vitamin B6 is in a wide variety of foods including pork, poultry, fish, bread, wholegrain cereals, wheat germ, and brown rice.

Zinc helps the immune system to fight bacteria and viruses

• helps to heal the body
• important for taste and smell

Foods rich in zinc include red meat, nuts, dairy, eggs, whole grains, seeds, and legumes.

Garlic
has been shown to:

• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
•  act as a natural antibiotic
• as an anti-inflammatory
• strengthen the immune system

Echinacea is a herb. It has been identified as having anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties as well as strengthening the immune system.
 
Supplements are a HUGE subject, and I would not even try to go into too much detail; however, as I always say,
Keep It Super Simple. 

#FreeFloLiving  #KISS #ImmuneHealth