Nothing says "Fall" like cooler weather ... chunky sweaters ... wrapping up in a scarf ... and trendy boots. Fall is watching leaves change color from green to burnt orange, reds, and yellows as they slowly float to the ground. Fall is listening to the "crunch" beneath your feet and smelling that fresh, "Fall" air. And, let's not forget about the romantic ambience of sitting next to a cozy fire.
One thing is for sure ... Fall leads into Winter. So, now is the time to give your immune system some love so your body's defense can be prepared for the barrage of sniffles, colds, and viruses that are destined to come.
First, let's address some "myths" that we have probably all heard.
Myth #1: Dressing warmly avoids colds, viruses, and flu
Bottom line: you can't get sick without the presence of germs. However, studies have shown that "colder temperatures" weaken the first line of defense in your nose. This indicates a more "sluggish" immune response and "greater susceptibility" to infection. Good reason to strengthen and maintain your immune system. Dressing warmly still has it's benefits, however, as it will help prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
Myth #2: Most heat is lost through your head
Bottom line: body heat is lost from any exposed part of your body. Even if your head is being exposed to the cold, other factors will determine how much heat is lost:
- the amount of hair (bald vs abundant, think ... short vs long)
- how much energy YOU use in the cold
- exposed body surface area size (the surface area of a child's head relative to the child's body surface area is much greater than that of an adult ... proportionately, children will lose more heat through their uncovered heads)
Myth #3: Dress in layers to stay warm
Bottom line: one warm garment that is well made will do the trick. When exercising or enjoying a fun activity outdoors, however, layers provide the flexibility to adjust to different levels of activity and changes in body temperature.
Myth #4: Drinking alcohol will keep you warm
You are probably hearing from all directions the importance of "boosting" your immune system. The thing is ... allergies and autoimmune disorders can be the result of too much immune reaction. Whereas, illnesses and infections are the result of too little immune response. Bottom line: balance is the key to a healthy immune system.
Natural ways to balance your immune system
I know I am going to sound like a broken record when I mention these ... however, these basic principles and lifestyle habits is what keeps us all healthy.
- drink plenty of water: up to 60% of the adult body is composed of water. Water is the main component of your lymph system which carries your immune system cells to various parts of the body. Without enough water your body becomes dehydrated, the lymph system becomes sluggish causing your immune system to be less than effective. The amount of water each person requires is different based on individual weight. Use this calculator to determine how much water you should be drinking daily.
- exercise: helps maintain the normal function of the immune system's 3 main lines of defense at the basic level......
- #1 physical barriers/skin: wound healing is faster in those who exercise reducing the risk of pathogens (viruses/bacteria) from entering the body compared to those who are sedentary.
- #2 innate or natural immunity: first-responder immune cells to arrive at an infection are neutrophils and natural killer cells. Exercise induces the natural killer cells to flock to the bloodstream in droves where they navigate to areas of inflammation seeking out pathogens and damaged cells. Cancer cells may even be detected during this process.
- #3 adaptive or memory immunity: mainly comprised of T and B lymphocytes. We cannot survive without lymphocytes. Every exposure to pathogens (viruses, bacteria and fungi) could be life-threatening. T cells can wipe out infected or cancerous cells and help B lymphocytes to eliminate invading pathogens. B lymphocytes create antibodies that attach to pathogens or foreign substances to neutralize them. Lifelong regular exercise may help maintain healthy numbers of young T lymphocytes which may enable the immune system to better identify pathogens and cancer.
- eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables and maintain a healthy weight: diet quality is a huge factor in how effective your immune system is. An unhealthy diet cannot provide the body and it's systems with the micronutrients it needs to function on a healthy level. There is a direct relationship between malnutrition and immune system dysfunction. An unhealthy diet may also lead to overweight and obesity which has a negative effect on the immune system. Being overweight .....
- reduces the power and effectiveness of your lymphatic system
- stresses your body's tissues and systems so your immune system will not always receive the resources or rest it needs
- causes immune system to be less effective at fighting off infections
- increases likely-hood of suffering from chronic tissue inflammation increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease
- 70% of your immune system is in your gut
- what you eat affects the diversity and composition of the gut bacteria which affect immune cells. Eating a diet high in fiber creates healthy gut bugs that will support healthy immunity and reduce inflammation
- reduce stress: reduces the immune system's ability to fight off antigens
- get adequate sleep
- healthy mitochondria: the powerhouse of your cells generate your body's cellular energy currency, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). We cannot live without this. Restoring ATP levels is similar to "recharging batteries" restoring youthful energy and providing relief from fatigue. A new report from the CDC found the strongest risk factors for Covid-19 deaths were obesity and anxiety/fear-related disorders. As stated in this report, a consistent state of fear can cripple your immune system, disrupt cellular communication, and dramatically increase your risk of disease.
Stress Management
70% of your immune system is in your gut
There is a lot of talk about the gut microbiome and with good reason. It actually contains 10,000 different species of microbes giving a total bacteria count of 100 trillion. Just look at everything it does:
A good gut microbiome requires a balance of good and bad bacteria (85:15 ratio). With antibiotics, smoking, diet and other environmental factors there it is always a struggle to maintain this balance. One of the 4-R's of gut health is "reinoculate" with a good probiotic such as Life 9.
- 9 different friendly bacteria strains
- 17 billion live cultures
- promotes healthy digestion
- supports gut health
- supports a healthy immune system
- helps maintain normal intestinal function
MightyPro is especially formulated for ages 2 and up. Over 7 million U.S. students miss 15 or more school days every year. John Hopkins Medicine notes that a child will have at least 6-8 colds every school year.
contains both pre- and pro-biotics
contains both pre- and pro-biotics
- contains 8 billion active live cultures
- supports gastrointestinal and immune health in children
- promotes general health for children
- promotes healthy bacteria in the gut
- helps maintain a healthy digestive system
- successfully colonizes the GI tract
- may help with occasional bouts of constipation
- provides support against occasional digestive discomfort
- helps with diarrhea, gas, and bloating
- easy for on-the-go or traveling (even for adults)
- taste like "pixy stix"
Because we don't always get the nutrients we need: Master Formula
- food is lacking nutrients
- soil is depleted due to over farming
- lives are stressful and busy
Keep Your Immune System Strong With A Full-Spectrum Supplement
Kids need these nutrients for a healthy immune system too: MightyVites
- kids are busy too
- kids can be picky eaters
- MightyVites is the kid's version of Master Formula
- typical vitamin supplements for kids have "glucose syrup and water" listed as the first ingredients
- chewable (wild berry flavor)
- for ages 4-12
- contains "folate" (not synthetic folic acid) from lemon peel which is the equivalent of eating a cup of cooked broccoli
Try these 3 tips to encourage healthful eating ....
Keep Your Immune System Strong By Recharging Your "Mitochondria"
The top 5 most therapeutic, mitochondria boosting nutrients are:
- Antioxidants (think colorful fruits and vegetables)
- B vitamins
- Sulfur
- Fats
- Magnesium
Greens are a phenomenal food source for antioxidants ... especially for alpha lipoic acid and Coenzyme Q10 ... that protect the mitochondria and their "biogenesis" process. They are also a source of the much needed magnesium (mitochondria cannot make ATP without it) that most of us are deficient in. They are also an excellent source of sulfur (broccoli, kale, collard greens). Greens contain "chlorophyll" which helps coenzyme Q10 increase ATP production which will increase your energy.
Fats, such as olive oil, butter, salmon, are also an excellent source of antioxidants. Fats help create and mend the protective membrane that surrounds the mitochondria. Olive oil contains "hydroxytyrosol" which is a very powerful antioxidant. This study shows how it supports mitochondria and ATP production in Alzheimer's disease.
All individual products have been bundled together here to easily find and select just the products you would like.
