Our understanding of how food affects the immune system is constantly expanding and evolving. These five lifestyle factors are crucial and within your control while we take care of ourselves during immune challenges.
MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTHY GUT BACTERIA
You may not be aware that 80% of the body’s immune system resides in your gut, and what you feed this massive microbiome really matters. First, eat high fiber colorful foods every day. Second, consume fermented foods. Third, consume probiotic and prebiotic organisms. These are my favorite gut nourishing foods.
Glycophagen GI Wellness is our gut immune supporting powder that tastes great and mixes easily with water.
PROMOTE A NORMAL, HEALTHY INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE
For the health of the immune system, this is crucial. First, see above about taking care of the gut! Second, include omega-3 fats by using EPA and DHA. Third, stop eating inflammatory foods right now. Fourth, increase your daily intake of antioxidants from omega-3 fats, herbs, vitamins, and nutrients.
Revive and Rehydrate Antioxidant Support: loaded with antioxidants that can neutralize the five most important free radical forms.
Omega-3 fish oil: supplies a concentrated quantity of the important omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy inflammatory response.
KEEP YOUR BLOOD SUGAR STABLE
High blood sugar levels cause inflammation and weaken many immune processes, including immune system defenses. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels throughout the day is key to supporting the immune system. First, limit the sugar and processed foods. Second, include high-fiber foods, fats and protein at every meal. Third, exercise.
Carnosine Formula 5: this blend supports healthy glucose metabolism.
MANAGE STRESS
Taking care of yourself has never been more important!
Stressing out is on of the body’s biggest immune zappers. Worrying about the stock market and focusing on the uncertainties of the future can raise cortisol levels, which can negatively impact immune function. Toss in feelings of isolation and loneliness and it’s a triple whammy against your immune system.
- Stress disrupts sleep.
- Stress interferes with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. Here's All about Stress, Sleep and the Adrenals.
- Stress depletes specific nutrients the body needs to adapt.
My top adrenal-supporting product is Adreno-Lift, and I say this from personal experience!
Adaptogens are also amazing plants that promote a healthy response to stress and healthy adrenal function. Stress-Adapt Day contains adaptogens to promote a healthy response to stress and healthy adrenal function. The Day version supports mood and energy production during stressful times.
SLEEP DEEPLY AND ADEQUATELY
- A solid night’s sleep contributes to a proper functioning immune system. Here is How To Support Better Sleep Naturally.
- Restful sleep gives your neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune system an opportunity to replenish and rejuvenate overnight. This is crucial right now!
- Inadequate sleep negatively impacts immune function.
Stress-adapt Night will help you de-stress, fall asleep with ease, and wake up feeling great and rested.
According to medical professionals at the Institute for Functional Medicine, working to support immune activity and the body's overall immune response to things is critical. Here's more information about the functional medicine approach to covid-19.
Stay well,
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods
