By Kay Leaman, Health Architect
Last month we talked about the Microbiome system, what it is and the largest of these systems, the gut.
There are numerous signs that our gut is ‘not what it should be’ from frequent colds, fatigue, headaches or Asthma to obesity, blood sugar issues, thyroid issues or Rheumatoid Arthritis and the list goes on.
Most of us have heard ‘We are what we eat.’ But, the truth is, ‘We are what we digest, absorb and assimilate.’ There are three main reasons why we eat:
• Enjoyment
• Nourishment
• Quench hunger
However, did you know the very foods we choose to eat are changing the expression of our DNA? And this supersedes the first three. (Nutrigenomics is the relationship between nutrients, foods and how gene expression patterns are modified.)
So, what can we do to strengthen our immune system?
Obtain quality uninterrupted sleep. Sleep allows your body—including parts of your immune system—to rest, repair and refresh. Check out a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine that showed a link between adequate sleep and immune function.
Practice eating more slowly. Thoroughly chewing your food can help promote improved digestion and absorption of nutrients and can reduce digestive discomfort.
Stay hydrated. This one seems to be the most difficult for many of us but drinking 60-80 oz. of clean water every day is what the cells need to perform their thousands of daily functions.
Eat more fresh, whole foods and begin to decrease the number of processed foods you have in your pantry.
Take a quality probiotic. Consumer Labs tested 15 brands of probiotics. Out of these 13 of them failed (the bacteria wasn’t even alive.)
Get moderate exercise, which is great for many things. One study says ‘it seems to exert a protective effect.’ A 30-minute walk every day can have multiple benefits.
Reduce stress. The daily stresses of life, added up, is enough to throw our lives out of whack. Stress impacts our sleep, weight and overall wellbeing. It can also wreak havoc on our immune function. To reduce stress, we can get a massage, take a walk (2 for 1), meditate/practice deep breathing, socialize and laugh. (Laughter really might be the best medicine.)
Lastly, I recommend choosing a couple of habits you want to improve and work on those until they become routine. Then add a couple more. Improving our immune system (and our health) isn’t a sprint; it’s a process that takes intention and time.
If you have a question, email me at succeed@healthydayhealthylife.com.
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