Immune

        It's that time of year, kids are back in school and the weather is getting colder which means immune systems fighting off colds, flus, viruses and more allergies! YUCK! Before I tell you a few  ways to boost your immune system, do you know how it works? A massive but very delicate system that fights and aides in keeping the peace in your body. Keeping you alive and well is its only job, but are you aware of everything else that can occur in the body due to the immune system being attacked? Inflammation. Skin irritations. Intestinal and bowel issues. This amazing defense mechanism inside of us does so much daily to keep us going. This amazing little system often times goes unnoticed though it works around the clock, I guess you could say it's as "busy as a bee". However when we wake up feeling sluggish and under the weather we drastically take notice and immediately blame our immune system. But should we? Or should we blame ourselves for not giving proper aide to the immune system to remain strong? 

What is the immune system?
           Let's start at the beginning, the immune system is a network inside the body made up of cells, tissues and organs that all work together to keep your body safe from ailments, disease, and toxins. White blood cells are the big players in this system, also known as leukocytes. There are two types of leukocytes, they come together to find and destroy substances and disease-causing organisms inside the body. The immune system is made up and comprised of so many things in the body, right down to your skin. Your skin is much like plastic wrap protecting food from bacteria and germs, it acts as a barrier to protect your organs and blood from viruses, bacteria, and toxins in our daily lives. 
       **Did you know that your skin secretes an antibacterial substance that kills germs as they land on your skin? This keeps you from growths or an "extra layer" when you wake in the morning after a nights rest. 
           Going inside the body is a bigger, more complicated story. The immune system is huge, it contains the thymus, spleen, lymph system, bone marrow, white blood cells, antibodies, and even hormones. That is a lot working together to keep you healthy and alive! 

HOW CAN I AIDE IN KEEPING MY IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG?
                I get asked this question often given the industry I work in. There are so many ways that you can strengthen your immune system, the real question is; Are you willing to put in the work? You can't just eat an orange and expect to be a superhero and immune to sickness suddenly. No, I am sorry, it takes real work to keep from getting sick. But don't worry, eventually it will just be a part of your daily life and you will notice allergies lessen, days of work missed are also lowered, and your mood has increased to be more positive. 

1. Probiotics. To me, this is one of the most vital pieces in creating a stronger immune system. Without probiotics our intestines are open to an attack. Gut bacteria is important in the aide of a strong immune system. There are several ways to get more probiotics into your system. 
   1. Take a supplement. You can go down to your local supplement shop and purchase a supplemental probiotic. The best to take are vegetarian, as the capsule will breakdown almost instantly allowing those little soldiers to get to work faster. Going for brands like Garden of Life, or Renew Life, are some of your best bang for your buck. 
   2. Drink more apple cider vinegar. Recently we had a discussion about making ACV a part of daily life. ACV is fermented and has naturally occuring strains of probiotics. Drinking this daily will strengthen not only the digestive system but the immune system as well. It will even lessen the duration of a current cold or flu. 
   3. Eat more veggies. I know this is hard one given that our society has been shifting in many directions and one being the convenience of fast "food". The more processed food you eat, the more you kill probiotics. Eating cruciferous vegetables naturally provides more probiotics to your gut when they are broken down inside the stomach and small intestine.
2. Vitamin C. Okay we talked about this recently as well. Vitamin C is not only for fighting off a cold or the flu when you get sick, it is something that you should take daily. Not only will it help with maintaining or gaining muscle mass, but it keeps you from getting scurvy. That is still a thing! There are a couple of ways to get more C in your life as well! 
   1. Supplement that stuff! Whatever vitamin shop is near you more than likely has some for of Vitamin C. Chewable, drinkable, or pill form. Whatever the case it really can't hurt to add more, the worst that happens is this little water-soluable letter gets flushed with your urine when you have reached your absorption level. 
   2. Eat more fruit! There once was a time when we had ads for eating a few servings of fruits and vegetables everyday. Now I see nothing but signs for the newest Big Mac or McRib being brought back. Berries are a great source of Vitamin C, along with avocados, and even broccoli ( I know that isn't fruit but it still counts
3. Get active. Here it is, the slap in the face. If you really want a healthy, strong immune system you need to be active and exercise! (1)
   1. ​​Getting active helps flush out bacteria and toxins from our blood and lungs. Keeping them clearer and more open, this helps prevent allergies and the chance of sickness. 
   2. Exercise also changes the antibodies and white blood cells, helping them to move and circulate more quickly in the blood stream. Moving more rapidly gives them a chance to detect and catch unwanted invaders. 
   3. Feel super warm or hot after your workout? GOOD! The rise in body temperature makes it difficult for bacteria, toxins and viruses to grow. 
4. Mushrooms. Oh yes I said mushrooms, and every time that I do I get the craziest looks. Regardless of whether you like to eat them or not, many different mushroom species offer pretty amazing benefits to the body especially the immune system. 
   1. Maitake- These little guys are from Northern Japan and are recognized by the  American Cancer Society due to their ability to boost the immune system and even reverse tumor growth in patience. (2) This little fungus is also high in beta glucan, ​(3) which alter white blood cells and have been used for more than boosting the immune system, such as therapy for cancer, HIV/AIDS, high cholesterol, and even diabetes. 
   2. Shiitake- These are probably some of my most favorite mushrooms for taste, but the benefits they bring to the body are even better! While Shiitake mushrooms also contain inflammation fighting beta glucans, they also attack bad fungus in the body along with fighting off bad bacteria and virus. They also contain B vitamins such as B2, B5, and even B6 giving the body an energy boost AND a small boost to your metabolism as well. Oh! One last thing, they are amazing at combating oxidative stress, so if you are an active being or weekend warrior even, you may want to think about adding these powerful little guys into your supplement plan. 
   3. Reishi- These wonderful little fungus hail from the East and are generally associated with heart health, however they are really best at combating and targeting flu and colds in the body. They are great for those who have asthma, allergies, even bronchitis. Reishi is also recognized in the Japanese culture as a cancer treating technique for prostate cancer patients. 

        While there are many other ways to boost the immune system these are a great starting point for those looking to better their health and immune system in the beginning. But all in all, the best thing you can do is to just plain and simple take care of yourself, eat accordingly to your body and lifestyle and drink plenty of water.   

**Reishi mushrooms in the raw. 

Immune System Infographic Credit