02: 5 Keys to Healthy Immune System Function

As we’re amid this coronavirus pandemic, many people want to know what they can do to support their health and immune system. As a functional doctor, it’s frustrating to see people scrambling around to wear masks and social distance while completely ignoring the important lifestyle factors that significantly impact immunity. 

For us, there has been a lot more peace and ease around this entire pandemic because of what we’re already doing from a lifestyle perspective to support ourselves. We’re taking a proactive approach to holistic health and well-being, and today, we’re going to explain how. 

In today’s podcast, we’re going to talk about how to boost immunity naturally, and the 5 keys to a healthy immune system function. You’ll learn how to maximize your internal environment and epigenetic triggers to boost your body’s immune pathways. 

NUTRITION 

Eating foods that are out of alignment with the body and cause food sensitivities will create ongoing inflammation that wreaks havoc on your body. So maybe you eat healthy good but still have weak immunity. It’s not so much about eating healthy foods but more so about eating healthy foods aligned with your body. Everyone’s body is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all diet. 

To build a strong gut, which will, in turn, build immunity, you need a good foundation. If you’re consuming conventional grains, dairy, bad fats, and ultra-processed foods, you are compromising your gut’s integrity. The first thing when it comes to nutrition is to eliminate the over-processed foods and to become aware of what you’re eating and how you’re feeling. Look at the foods you eat every day and take note of fatigue, brain fog, bloating, headaches, etc. and then eliminate little by little to see how you feel. 

Experiment with yourself to find what works best for you so that your immune system can function at its best.

STRESS 

When the stress hormone cortisol increases, it produces inflammation in the body, which dampens the immune system and cell response to bacteria and viruses. That’s why we must reduce stress as much as possible. So how? Get into nature! Increase your uptake of Vitamin D, listen to the birds, put your bare feet on the ground. All of this will help increase dopamine and serotonin in the brain. 

But don’t just get out in nature once in a while. Do it often and begin to practice de-stressing and being in the present moment as a habit. Make a habit of being in the present, and you will increase immune system function immensely. 

SLEEP 

You may be getting 8 hours of sleep, but it may not be quality. To get good quality sleep, reduce light pollution and blue light a couple of hours before bed. The light from our computers, cities, cell-phones, and televisions, all interfere with melatonin secretion a.k.a the hormone in charge of regulating the circadian rhythm. Melatonin is the hormone that helps you get to sleep and then enables you to get into that deep delta wave sleep for a seriously rejuvenating sleep. Check out our favorite blue light blocking glasses we talk about in the show below. Having a good bedtime routine is crucial for a strong immune system. 

NUTRIENTS 

There are some essential nutrients that are powerful for boosting immune system function. Most Americans are deficient in both vitamin D and zinc– both of which are powerful supplements for immune system function. Consider hyper dosing Zinc with Quercetin and ECGC (found in green tea extract) to boost immunity and anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. And of course, don’t forget about a high-dose vitamin C to stimulate the immune system to fight off germs and viruses. 

ESSENTIAL OILS 

Oils are potent plant extracts that can work amazing wonders on the body. When we’re talking about therapeutically how they can help to support immune system function, we’re talking about Frankincense essential oil- a family-friendly oil. It’s very unique because it works at the cellular level. That’s crucial because it can help the body function at its highest level, including immune system function. 

Featured in this episode…

Superfood Supplements Collection: Organic Immunity Greens 

MD Anderson Cancer Center- Cancer Study 

Where to find a functional health doctor  

F.lux 

Bucky Sleep Mask and Ear Plugs 

Susan Humphries protocol for high dose vitamin C 

Green Tea Powder