Tips to improve the immune system

Our immunity is a dynamic system designed to defend us and to destroy what it perceives as harmful or not belonging.

The function of our immune system is tied into every aspect of our life and function. Due to this complexity, there are many ways to improve it and weaken it. Unfortunately, most of us recognise that something is wrong once the symptoms of illness have arrived and they prevent us from going on with our life as we would like.

In order to improve our immune system, we must perform an audit to evaluate what we can improve in terms of our nutrition, environment, movement, breathing, sleep, psychology, pain, and medication. Firstly, try to eliminate the obvious factors which may be weakening your system. Remember that it takes time to weaken it and it will take time to fix it.

Below are some general guidelines which we can follow:

Nutrition:

· Eat a well-balanced diet that is nutritious. It should be easy to digest and not aggravate your digestive system or create an immune response. An immune response can often manifest as a running nose, bloating or exacerbation of pain after a meal. Before using supplements, work on improving the diet and make sure to eat regularly.

Vitamins and minerals that can help boost immune function:

– Vitamins: C, D, K2, A

– Zinc, Glycine, Lysine

Movement:

· Be sure to get outside for a walk daily for at least 30 min. Focus on building a consistent sustainable routine instead of an irregular intensive one. An exercise that is overexerting can suppress immune function.

Environment:

· Try to use household and care products that have ingredients that you recognize and are as natural as possible. If unwell, practice social distancing to avoid spreading germs or catching new ones. Wash your hands regularly

Breathing:

· Try to breathe with your nose. This will improve the body’s ability to filtrate germs you may come in contact with.

Sleep:

· Try to have a routine and stay regular. Avoiding blue light from screens before bed, using red light and not going to bed hungry helps to have a good night’s sleep.

Psychology:

· This one usually comes as a result of the steps from above. However, do not underestimate the power of well-functioning relationships, a meditative technique or speaking to someone.

Pain:

· Acute or Chronic pain can interfere with any of the above. Take the necessary steps to identify the source of the pain and improve the methods for managing it.

Medication:

· Some medication can have an immune suppressive side effect. It may be a good idea to have your medication assessed by your prescribing medical doctor. We do not suggest coming off medication without the advice of a qualified prescribing medical doctor.

Feel free to get in touch with us and book an appointment to discuss these ideas in greater detail.