Immune Support Year Round
Apr 02, 2024
Hello *|FNAME|*,
The commonly held idea that there is a cold and flu season seems to have fallen apart. Maybe it was never true, but for certain the past few years, we’ve been seeing colds/flu/COVID year round.
This means tending to the health of your immune system should not be limited to the fall and winter months.
Because your immune system is not limited to one type of organ or tissue but rather is a system of functions and relationships throughout your body, everything you do to support your immune system will support whole-body health and well-being.
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Nourish and strengthen your immune system. We often associate being “run down” with getting sick, and it’s true. A well-rested body will have a stronger immune system, so prioritizing getting enough sleep is your #1 immune-boosting strategy.
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Avoid taxing your immune system. Of course the flip side of #1 - not getting enough rest - is one way you tax your immune system. So does eating sugar and sweets in all forms, including the loaded-up iced coffee drinks. Studies show that your immune system is depressed for about 4-6 hours after eating sugar, making you more susceptible to being colonized by a virus. Most of us are unwilling to swear off sweets 100%, and nor do we need to. But be mindful of when and where you indulge. Avoid sweets when you are already run down, at large indoor gatherings, when someone in your household is sick, etc.
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Cut down on your exposure to viruses. This is the basics of virus hygiene: wash your hands frequently, train yourself to not rub your eyes or nose unless your hands are just washed (use a tissue at other times), run your HEPA filters, and consider continuing to wear a mask when traveling, when at large indoor gatherings such as theaters.
And, check out Kirsten Cowan’s post from last week for what to do when you feel you are coming down with something.
Rest when you are well, and when you are sick,
Kirstin Lindquist
Owner, Acupuncturist
PS One of the many reasons participants love our Qigong classes and our 21 Days to Better Health Program is for the immune-enhancing benefits (and much more!).