With the weather getting warmer, it’s time to get outside! We all want to get on our bikes, or go for a hike and explore what nature has to offer. Does that sound about right?
At the same time, we’re all thinking about what we can do to stay extra healthy…right again?
Did you know there are steps that YOU can take TODAY to help boost your body’s immune system?
Of all the steps, this is probably the easiest. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be more susceptible to illnesses. I know what you’re thinking, “It’s hard for me to fall asleep.” Question for you, are you on your phone or computer right before bed? What about watching TV? Well, the blue light being emitted from those may be disrupting your circadian rhythm. Huh? (That’s your body’s natural wake-sleep cycle.) Now you’re saying, “I’m not doing any of those, and I still can’t get to sleep.” Have you tried sleeping in a completely dark room? Using a sleep mask? Going to bed at the same time every night? And lastly, are you exercising regularly? Give one, or all of them, a try, and your body will thank you for it!
If you’ve walked down the aisle at the grocery store, or health food store, you know there is bottle upon bottle of supplements. From vitamins to oils, and everything in between, it can be confusing on which bottle (or bottles) to are best for you. First of all, save yourself the trip to the store. You can save the time and confusion by checking out our Super V & M, which has been formulated to deliver all the key minerals and vitamins to help maintain a healthy lifestyle and boost your immune system! Our Super V & M is great for both men and women, as dosage can be adjusted based on your weight and nutritional needs.
Another component in boosting your immune system is what you’re eating. When you eat whole plants like fruits, vegetable, nuts, seed, and legumes, the nutrients and antioxidants will give you an upper hand in fighting off any potential illness. The antioxidants in these foods will help decrease inflammation by combating unstable compounds called free radicals, which can cause inflammation when they build up in your body in high levels. So what does all that mean? Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers. Pair that with the fiber in plant foods, and fruits that are rich in nutrients, and you’ve got a great arsenal to help your immune system!
Wait; is there such a thing as a healthy fat? Yes! Healthy fats, like those found in olive oil and salmon, may actually boost your body’s immune response. Olive oil, for example, is highly anti-inflammatory, which helps decrease the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those in salmon and chia seeds, fight inflammation as well overall contributing to a better functioning immune system.
By now, we all know that added sugars and refined carbs may contribute disproportionately to overweight and obesity. This in turn, increases your likeliness of getting sick, and potentially lead to other health issues. By curbing your sugar intake, you can decrease inflammation and aid weight loss. By doing so, you will lessen the risk of chronic health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. What is suggested sugar intake? You should strive to limit your sugar intake to less than 5% of your daily calories. This is the equivalent of about two tablespoons of sugar for someone on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Moderate exercise can include brisk walking, steady bicycling, jogging, swimming, and light hiking. If you are thinking, “but I don’t have time,” try starting with 20 mins of moderate exercise 2-3 days per week. Exchange some of that time watching TV or Netflix binging for getting moving! If you need a extra boost, try our delicious pre-workouts! Start with a low dosage to test your sensitivity and work up as needed. Engaging in consistent moderate exercise will assist in reducing inflammation, and help your immune cells regenerate regularly. (Exercise outdoors and get some Vitamin D from the sun in the process!)
While taking these steps won’t guarantee you from getting sick, they can definitely help your immune system put up a better fight against it. So, try these, and find out what works best for you! Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
