Category

immune system

Boosting Your Immune System

By immune system, Insomnia, nutrition, stress No Comments

Reports from various sources suggest that over half of Americans are
walking around with a suppressed immune system. A suppressed immune system does more than make you a target for colds and the flue; it sets the state for various forms of cancer as well. Experts suggest, based on many findings, that there are three primary reasons for a suppressed
immune system: 1) Stress, 2) Poor sleep habits (insomnia) and 3) Poor
dietary habits). This sounds like the entire American population!
Research now proves, without a doubt, that the stress hormone, Cortisol, destroys white blood cells, after it does all it’s other
“fight or flight” responsibilities (increasing blood sugars and blood lipids for energy production). Stress is also a precursor for insomnia (over half of the insomnia cases report chronic stress as the reason for repeated poor sleep habits). One of the primary purposes of sleep is restoration. The inability to “restore” the body during 7-8 hours of sleep certainly affects all aspects of physiology including the maintaining the integrity of the immune system. Finally, the immune system requires the constant replenishment of vitamins and minerals (and proteins) to do its job effectively. Fast foods, processed foods,
junk foods and comfort foods are called “empty calories” because, by and large, they contain few, if any, vitamins and minerals. Some findings even suggest that sugar destroys white blood cells as well. It’s time to honor your immune system by treating it better.

Stress Tip for the Day:
At the start of this week, consider pulling in the reins on some less than desirable behaviors. Gravitate toward healthy foods, get in the habit of going to bed (without any tech gadgets) to ensure 7-8 hours, and now that spring is officially here, get outside for some daily exercise.
Your immune system will thank you.

Links/Books/ Movies Worth Noting:
There are many books to recommend for today’s blog theme, but the book The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan is a great place to start. I also would recommend his sequel, In Defense of Food. Michael was also interviewed for the documentary, Food, Inc., which I also highly recommend.

Quote for the Day:
“Eat at least one meal a day for your immune system.” — Brian Luke Seaward

Photo for the Day:
Today’s photo is a picture taken of Norman Island, part of the British Virgin
Island’s (the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Treasure Island). Enjoy…. and Relax.

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.