Boost Your Immune System for the War on Infections

In a time of uncertainty, is it possible to boost our immune system to lower our risk of infection?  While there is no guarantee and nothing can substitute following the common-sense recommendations of the CDC and WHO regarding hand washing, social distancing, and limited exposure, there are a few things we can do to boost our immune systems.

The immune system is the body’s gateway!  It either protects us or leaves us vulnerable to illness or infection.  When our immune system is weak, we are much more susceptible to acquiring infections and illnesses caused by germs we encounter. The good news is that most germs only make us ill the first time we encounter them because our body has a “memory” mechanism built in for fighting them in the future.  Our bodies have a multi-layered defense system and have several naturally designed ways to stop germs from getting in!

• Skin: provides a strong barrier, in the absence of cuts and abrasions
• Nose: germs entering through the nose will trigger the production of more protective mucus
• Sneezing and Coughing: force the invading germs out
• Stomach Acid: destroys any germs/pathogens that we swallow
• Gut Lining: Our guts have a whole mucosal defense team working for us all the time
• Cilia: tiny hairs in the airways that keep mucus moving to remove infectious germs

There are several lifestyle tips to boost your immune system, including quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, minimizing stress, getting adequate sleep, and proper diet.  There are also some key nutrients our immune systems need for extra support. Although the best way to get these is from your diet, most people don’t get adequate amounts to provide the support needed to fight infections.  Vitamin supplements (and their recommended dosage) vital to strengthening the immune system are :

Vitamin D – 1000-4000 I/U per day – Vitamin D isn’t just for maintaining healthy bones and teeth!  It plays an important role in supporting the immune system, brain, nervous system, lung function, and cardiovascular health.

Vitamin C – 1000 mg per 25 lbs. of body weight – Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system boosters of all! In fact, a lack of Vitamin C can make you more prone to getting sick. This supplement is essential because your body doesn’t produce it naturally.

Vitamin B – (500-1000mcg) – Vitamin B is vital to supporting the biochemical reactions in the immune system.

For more information on these vital supplements and how we can help you boost your immune system, call us today at 832-789-4989 or visit our website www.edgeweightloss.com.

Sources:

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/guide/a31611649/immune-system/

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-vitamins-best-boosting-immunity/

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements