This is a VERY hot topic, but I'm not sure why. Shouldn't we always be worried about our immune system? I mean, it does regulate almost every process in our bodies...
The Immune System- what is it?
The human immune response is classified with the lymphatic system. Unlike other systems such as the respiratory and circulatory systems, our immune system doesn't technically live in specific areas or organs of the body.
What's really fascinating is that the immune system is a part of every living cell in our body. That's both really exciting and really scary.
It's exciting because that means we have the ability to improve cellular health and boost our immune system while improving our overall health at the same time.
It's scary because that means the power to improve our immune response is almost entirely in our hands 🤯
Now, before you go and get all "I have a compromised system" or "I have a pre-existing condition" on me- hear me out.
I know. I understand. I hear you.
But that is just an excuse. And it's not your fault.
Whether or not you have full immune function or reduced immune function from existing conditions or other circumstances, you CAN improve the immune response you do have. It's straight up science. 🚫🦠
I don't say that to be mean or make you think you're lazy or anything of the sort. I say that because we, as a society, have been trained to believe that the power to completely alter our bodies and organ systems systems is out of our hands without the help of medications or medical intervention. Today, friend, you get to take that power back!
Stop right here and make a decision: are you going to let the fear and difficulty of this task hold you back, or are you in a space where you can acknowledge that your ability to live a healthier life is worth the effort?
If you chose the second option- keep on reading!
How To: Improve Your Immunity
Our immune system is made up of two responses- innate and adaptive.
Innate immune response is our natural response (the one we can improve) that stays on guard always and eliminates any bacteria or virus that enters the body. Innate immuity prevents you from contracting a disease even if you come in contact with it.
Adaptive immunity is the one most people are more familiar with because of the largely taught "herd immunity" concept behind vaccines. Adaptive response is a second trigger that helps you not get sick from the same infection you had before. This is the antibody portion that we've been hearing so much about lately!
We need both types of immune responses to have a healthy immune system. The key factor here, however; is that we HAVE to shift our focus. Americans currently focus on adaptive immunity (I'll get it once and be done with it, like a cold or the flu) when we SHOULD be focusing on innate immunity (what can I do to help my body eliminate diseases so I never even get sick).
Why Does it Matter Which Kind is Working?
The short answer: because I don't know about you, but I don't like feeling miserable. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually prevent yourself from contracting a highly contagious disease like the common cold, the flu, and other easily transmitted diseases...
While we do need adaptive immunity to prevent recurrence, we need innate immunty even moreso to keep ourselves in a healthy space 100% of the time.
Things adaptive immunity is great for:
pneumonia, mononucleosis, bacterial + fungal infections (things that are highly CONTRACTABLE, not necessarily highly contagious- particles are difficult for the body to discard ⬛️)
Things innate immunity is great for:
the flu, common cold, covid-19, some other viral infections (things that are highly CONTAGIOUS, not necessarily highly contractable- small enough particles for the body to discard ▪️)
***This is NOT medical advice and should not be regarded as such. Sources can be found below. This information is based on current and long-standing medical data and scientific studies. For more informtion on infectious diseases, the difference between contagion and contraction, and more, please visit www.cdc.gov and https://www.amjmed.com***
So, now that we know how important it is to improve our immune response...how do we do it?
Some basic tips include making sure you get your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D. You should also be eating a balanced diet based on acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDR values) of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that includes lots of fiber from veggies. We all know that exercise and water helps the immune system work well, too!
Are you catching on? The above tips are N O T hard to do and are fairly accessable to anyone who is willing to learn + put in the effort.
If you're ready to reclaim your health and want to know what your AMDR values are, how to get your RDI of vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body, and get a better grasp on the immune system and total body wellness, then you need to be in our Nutrition 101: Uplevel Your Immune System course!
It's just 1 week, only $10, and full of resources, outside links, exclusive recipes, and all the immune information you could desire.
$10 sounds like a pretty good starting investment in your health to me...
To register now and save your seat before they're gone:
For more details on what this program includes:
visit https://www.instagram.com/bewellhwc/ and read our last 4 posts or send us a DM.
This nutrition education course is zero pressure to purchase any wellness services- the only purpose is to help you better understand how your body works to take baby steps towards a healthier lifestyle! Aka, there is no reason not to join.
What do you have to lose...?
Join today for just $10 and get a FREE bonus Q&A session with nutritional scientist Bailey French: https://www.bewellphc.com/bookings-checkout/nutrition-101-uplevel-your-immune-syst
*References used in this piece:
Derrickson, Gerard J. Tortora; Bryan H.Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Wiley Global Education US, 2016. [Purdue University Global Bookshelf].
Loeffler, Agnes G.Introduction to Human Disease: Pathophysiology for Health Professionals. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2014. [Purdue University Global Bookshelf].
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