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Volume 10, Issue 3

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Page 20 | Abby's Magazine | www.AbbysMag.com 3-Steps to a Healthier Immune System Although having some basic nutritional necessities on hand such as Vitamin C, and Vitamin D3 is a great idea, there are also many lifestyle-based actions you can make to support your immune system. Many lifestyle factors play into the resiliency of your immune system and a firm understanding of how to support your immune system to keep it strong is beneficial. Immune System and the GI Tract Your immune system consists of a collection of lymph tissues and immune cells that perform 24-hour cellular surveillance in an effort to protect you from the elements and foreign bodies. Although the skin plays this rather obvious role as a barrier between the external world and the internal environment of your body, it is not your body's primary interface with the external world—that is the role of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). Stretching from the mouth to the anus, the GI tract is one long and contiguous convoluted tube. Since the "tube" connects the entrance to the exit, the lumen of the GI tract is considered a part of the external environment like a tunnel through a mountain. It is here in the GI tract where we interface with the external world to the greatest extent. The GI tract has the surface area equal to approximately 30-40 square meters, or the size of an average studio apartment. That's a lot of surface area upon which the body must manage 24-hour surveillance and it is for this reason that roughly 70-80% of the body's immune system is found in the gut. TOP 3 LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT INCREASE YOUR RISK OF ILLNESS FACTOR #1: GUT HEALTH The GI Tract is ground zero for much of the body's immune activity. The first line of defense is the acidic environment of the stomach. The acidity of the stomach not only helps to digest foods but it is also responsible for disinfecting foods before they move lower in the GI tract. A diet high in processed foods combined with poor eating habits (such as eating on the run) often leads to weak digestion and insufficient production of stomach acid. Low acid levels can allow pathogens to pass through into the lower GI tract where the immune system is stimulated causing some uncomfortable GI experiences. Furthermore, these same conditions deplete the good bacteria in the gut and promote the growth of "bad" bacteria leading to change in the ratio of good bacteria to bad bacteria which further stresses the imbalances in the immune system. FACTOR #2: CONTINUOUS STRESS Continuous stress causes the frequent release of the stress hormone cortisol. In short-bursts, cortisol acts as an anti- inflammatory, and can boost immune function; however, as acute stress turns to continuous stress, the immune system becomes resistant to cortisol and much of the short- term benefits that come with cortisol are lost. Physiological and psychological stress have been implicated in altering immune function. Altered immune function can lead to a worsening of both physical and psychological health. In a nutshell, continuous stress can significantly disrupt the healthy functioning of the immune system as well as other biological systems in the body. Like most physiological imbalances, the consequences are not beneficial to your overall health. FACTOR #3: SLEEP DEPRIVATION & SLEEP RHYTHM Sleep and the circadian rhythm exert a strong influence over immune function. In fact, many immune functions synchronize with the regular 24-hour sleep-wake cycle reflecting the synergistic actions of sleep and circadian rhythm on immune function. A healthy circadian rhythm is characterized by low cortisol and elevated melatonin levels during sleep. Under the influence of this biochemical environment, the body dives deep into restorative activities which involve the repair and regeneration of tissues as well as immune cells going to work throughout the body. Without a healthy circadian rhythm, sleep is compromised which causes an imbalance in overall immune function. 3-S T E P S TO A H E A LT H I E R I M M U N E S Y S T E M STEP # 1 RESTORE THE GUT It should be noted that 70-80% of the immune system is in the gut and as a result, correcting GI imbalances can have a profound effect on the immune system. Adopting a healthy diet and practicing good eating habits can go a long way in restoring balance to the gut. My two most basic rules of dietary guidance are: 1) avoid eating foods that come in a box or a bag; and 2) take time to sit, relax and connect with your food

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