Stephanie Trevino, Nutritionist and Wellness Coach
We have all seen the news reports and the mass panic about the newest virus. Experts agree that it is not a question of IF a flu pandemic will occur, but the real question is when? Are you prepared for it? What are you doing with your day-to-day life to protect against infectious disease?
Infection and disease come through our lives in various ways and they are almost unavoidable. However, we can build our bodies in a way that provides the strongest defense known to man: our own bodies’ immune system.
What is your immune system? It is a complex network of cells that defends your body against infection. It is your first defense against disease and infections that can be serious and life-threatening.
What many people do not realize is that the health of your immune systems rests in your hands. The foods we eat can help our bodies build up strong immune systems that can fight off and kill infections. The activities we do daily can also aid in that immune system strength.
Our bodies!! They are amazing. It is sad that most people still do not equate healthy eating with healthy bodies but that is the reality. Harvard Health has described in detail many ways to ensure our immune system is operating at optimal levels.
Healthy immune systems need good and regular nourishment. Micronutrients are the vital nutrients we get from foods and in some cases vitamins. Regular exercise will improve your cardiovascular health, lower your blood pressure and help you maintain a healthy body weight and protect you against disease. “A healthy immune system can defeat invading pathogens. “The question remains, what can I do to help build my body’s defenses?
- Choose a healthy lifestyle.
- Don’t smoke.
- Eat a diet high in vegetables and fruits.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can tax the body and break your defenses down.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Get adequate sleep. The body repairs itself in deep sleep.
- Wash your hands.
- Minimize stress.
- Take your vitamins. This fills in the gaps from our diet.
Disease favors the unhealthy. Being healthy does not guarantee you will never get a disease but it does mean you are more equipped to fight off infections.
If you have questions about this topic or anything related to health and fitness, drop me a line at stephanie@strengthbodymind.com