[UPDATED Mar. 26, 2020]

Optimizing your immune system during the current COVID-19 crisis

We have entered uncharted waters and an unprecedented time.  This Covid-19 crisis has and will impact our lives forever. Things are definitely going to change, but not necessarily negatively,  as there will be a lot of positive outcomes stemming from this.

Now, more than ever, people are prioritizing their health and taking preventive measures to stay healthy. This will be a big long-term win for humanity. Increased awareness of health and hygiene practices will now become common practice paving a way for a significantly healthier general population.

Optimizing your immune system is one of the best places to start. It is your bodies main line of defence against contracting contagions such as viruses. This couldn’t be more relevant than it is now. Focusing on your immune system health isn’t only important for you, but also others you come into contact with. By doing your part to stay healthy also helps stop the spread of this pandemic and benefits everyone.

If you are interested in improving your immune system now please keep reading…

What is your immune system?

Your immune system is essential for survival and is your bodies natural firewall against pathogens like viruses and bacteria.  When functioning properly, it can distinguish between the “good guys” from the “bad guys” (remember there are a lot of beneficial bacterias as well aka probiotics) and launch an appropriate response. This complex system is made up of many biological structures and processes.

• white blood cells
• antibodies
• complement system
• lymphatic system
• spleen
• bone marrow
• thymus.

As well as the immune system, the body has several other ways to defend itself against microbes, including:

• skin – a waterproof barrier that secretes oil with bacteria-killing properties
• lungs – mucous in the lungs (phlegm) traps foreign particles, and small hairs (cilia) wave the mucous upwards so it can be coughed out
• digestive tract – the mucous lining contains antibodies, and the acid in the stomach can kill most microbes
• other defences – body fluids like skin oil, saliva and tears contain anti-bacterial enzymes that help reduce the risk of infection. The constant flushing of the urinary tract and the bowel also helps.

80% of your immune system is actually in your gut!

What else can you do?

Other important factors to consider when optimizing your immune system:

Get restful sleep – getting regenerative sleep is critical to your overall physical and mental health 

Eat mindfully – eat a balanced diet of mainly unprocessed foods and eat them mindfully 

Try supplements – try supplementing your diet with health supplements to help fortify your defences. 

• Since most are staying indoors these days Vitamin D seem like a logical choice as it normally produced by the body during exposure to sunlight. 
• Vitamin C has been recommended by health professionals for years as an inexpensive way to boost your immune system specially during cold and flu season.
• Zinc is a crucial mineral for your body. It is involved with thousands of functions within your body including regulating your immune system.
• Humic and fulvic acids are naturally occurring substances found in nature. They contain over 80 nutrients, most of which are no longer found in todays modern foods. These health boosting powerhouses have been for centuries to support immune system, improve gut health and reduce inflammation.  

Stay safe, healthy and diligent.VI