How to Boost Your Immune System

The immune system is commonly known as these organs in the image on the left. Cutting edge research has been filling in key players that have been missing to what we previously knew to be the immune system. It is called The Nervous system - Gut - Immune system triad. The image above depicts the connection. This is how chiropractic adjustments (nervous system input) supports the immune system. Research has shown chiropractic adjustments to the spine  increase IL-2, T-Cell, and  CD4+ counts. 

It also explains why what we eat impacts the immune system. Now we know that 75% of the immune system is located in the gut lining because it is the first line of defense between the outside world and our inner world - Food & Drink. If the gut lining is inflamed or damaged due to what we eat/drink/take as medication or because we are under chronic stress, it will impact the efficacy of the immune system. Please see my previous blog on how to Decrease Gut/Overall Inflammation through diet! The immune system in the gut lining is in direct relationship with the essential microbes in the gut - the gut microbiome.

THE AGE OF GERMAPHOBIA IS OVER. The "Germ theory" was hypothesized at the turn of the 1900s, when we first discovered microbes. Then came the time of sterilization of humans and pasteurization of food. However, the paradigm is changing now with the understanding of the human microbiome - showing that we are the home to 3x the amount of MICROBES/GERMS inside our bodies and on our skin than we have Human cells! We are a living ecosystem. What we have learned is that germs are NOT BAD. What's more important is that certain germs need to be in certain places. So, yes, there are germs everywhere, but that isn't necessarily bad. Sure, washing hands and keeping surfaces clean is good, but complete sterilization of germs is just not necessary. This is why there is such great danger in over-prescribing antibiotics (aka anti-microbe medication) to patients. Antibiotics wipe out ALL microbes, not just the ones we are targeting if we have an infection. This is also why we usually have constipation/diarrhea or even fall ill after taking a round of antibiotics. The damage to the microbiome in the gut lining hurts our digestion, immune system and even our nervous systems because they are all connected. If we shouldn't take antibiotics, what then should we do? A post to come about this soon!

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HOW TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM:
1. NERVOUS SYSTEM CARE - GET ADJUSTED, Maintain GREAT posture/ergonomics
2. Sleep
3. Hydrate - coffee, sodas and sugary drinks do not count. Drink 1/2 of your weight in ounces. (130 lbs = 75oz water/day)
4. Don't stress - Meditate, go for nature walks, DANCE, listen to music
5. Exercise - Gets lymph and fluids moving through body. Turns over old cells to encourage healthy new ones
6. Eat anti-inflammatory - see my blog post 
7. Eat Vitamins A, B, C, E & Zinc. Google which foods have these
8. Vaginal births & Breast feed babies - both boost baby immune systems
9. Hugs & Dirt - The era of germaphobia is OVER. We need germs We just need the right germs in the right places.

COVID19 update: Part of why this virus is causing such global concern is because its transmission and potency seems more easier & intense than other flus. Washing hands and surfaces well are showing to have great protect measures just like other flus. However, a new study in Australia is showing that healthy and strong immune systems are still successfully fighting the virus as we would any flu. It is worth boosting your immune system!
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The three key things you can do with regards to your health are:
1. Boost your immune system - Your innate defense system
2. Decrease inflammation in your body
3. Consume Anti-viral foods
4. Don't stress & Wash your hands a lot

Read more:
Follow me on instagram @Dr.Doula.Mari for more tips
https://www.farmacopia.net/blogs/articles/coronavirus-holistic-strategies-for-building-immune-resilience
https://www.diamandis.com/blog/coronavirus-fear-vs-reality?p=blog/coronavirus-fear-vs-reality