Your immune system is a dynamic network that works tirelessly to protect your body from harmful invaders. Strengthening it requires consistent effort, involving proper nutrition, lifestyle habits, and understanding its functions.
Building a Resilient Immune System: Tips for Everyday Wellness
Support it with a good eating pattern over time. The immune system never rests! It’s on full time, constantly alert, monitoring for harmful invading microbes and pathogens.
It is pretty complex too, involving many different tissues and cell types distributed throughout the body (but most are around the gut or digestive tract). These cells help us to mediate our immune responses. Some are involved directly in defence or attack modes, while others have a regulatory role, switching on and off inflammation and the immune response.
The Role of the Immune System
To run smoothly and work optimally, the immune system must:
1. Be able to distinguish self (human cells) from non-self.
2. Provide good defence against harmful microbes, by identifying and eliminating them and by maintaining a memory of immunological encounters.
3. Tolerate innocuous nutrients and food components broken down in the gastrointestinal tract and allow them to enter the body to nourish us. If this doesn’t happen common foods like peanuts and milk can be mistakenly seen as harmful and we can develop and allergy to that food.
4. Tolerate non-threatening microbes which live in the colon. This collection of microbes is called the microbiome. We live in a symbiotic relationship with these microbes. We need them and they need us.
Nutrition for a Stronger Immune System
A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is the cornerstone of immune health. Key nutrients like Vitamin C , Vitamin D3 , Beta-Glucans , and Selenium contribute to optimal immune function. For example:
- Vitamin C aids in the production of white blood cells.
- Vitamin D3 supports cellular immunity.
- Beta-Glucans from yeast or mushrooms enhance immune defense mechanisms.
- Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant, reducing inflammation.
Consistency is key when it comes to immune health. Incorporate nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits and whole grains into your diet. Complement this with quality supplements to bridge any nutritional gaps and support your body's defences.
*The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. As with any nutritional supplement please consult your qualified healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, if you have a known medical condition or are taking medication. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
The Revive Active Wellness Team
