We have heard the word immune system more times in the past two years than in our whole life. They all talk about how strong the virus can damage your immune system. A virus we have had going on for over 700 days already, but one thing that is rare to see in Mainstream Media is how to support your immune system or take care of it.
What is the immune system?. The National Cancer Institute refers to it, "A complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and other diseases. The immune system includes white blood cells and organs and tissues of the lymph system, such as the thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and bone marrow."
It is like having a massive army within yourself. But that army needs to be protected and supported by daily basis habits.
Here are some simple tips to can incorporate into your life. Remember, consistency is the key when it comes to new lifestyle habits.
BEAUTY SLEEP. I will never get tired of emphasizing the importance of sleep on your health, mental health, emotional health, and yes, your immune system needs to rest by getting good and enough sleep quality. I wrote a whole entire blog about SLEEP and what you can do to have better sleep hygiene. https://www.anamedina.info/post/how-can-i-get-better-sleep-at-night-naturally
WHOLE FOODS. Nourishing your body with healthy meals and whole foods is essential for your immune system. Avoiding sugar, alcohol, and junk food is the best way to strengthen your immune system.
SUPPLEMENTS. Supplements are also a great option, along with a healthy diet. You should consider a good source of probiotics for a healthy and happy gut; since it all starts (diseases) in the stomach, you want to feed it with good bacteria. Also, vitamin D, C, and Zinc are great for supporting your immune system, especially in the winter months.
MOVE YOUR BODY. Exercising at least three or four times per week for at least 20 minutes. It doesn't matter what type of exercise you practice. You don't have to kill yourself at the gym or perform intense workouts to get the benefits of moving your body. Exercising is a great tool to help your immune system against any virus. The benefits go beyond building muscle or losing weight. Many studies have shown that regular exercise improves your immune system's well-being.
MANAGE STRESS. You and I know that lately, we have been living in a survival mode non-stop. From the moment you wake up to bedtime, and sometimes you carry that stress to your bed. Ans I also know it's hard to stay calm or relaxed in certain situations. One of the best ways to manage stress is focusing on breathing and being mindful. If you have in your practice meditation, it's beautiful.
Meditation has endless benefits: Boost your immune system, Increase Energy, Increase memory, Increase creativity, Increase Focus, Improve sleep, reduce anxiety, Reduces Pain, and of course, reduce stress. I encourage you to try meditation (It has nothing to do with religion). It is a beautiful practice, and you can start small. Five minutes per day will make such a significant difference in your day. Remeber, you can always
go back to it anywhere and anytime.
So, are you taking good care of your immune system? If you are hesitant, I hope these tips can help you start.
Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions at the bottom below.
Much love and light,
-Ana.
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