It is no secret that it is your immune system that fights off pathogens. The process is fairly simple yet can quickly go awry if your immune system isn’t functioning optimally.
think of a human army. If the enemy suddenly shows up and your army is asleep, you need to be able to quickly wake them up. But what if you couldn’t wake them all? Or, what if they were awake but very sluggish? The answer is they can’t effectively do their job, which is to fight off the enemy.
So how do you optimize your internal army? There are three main factors: nutrition, toxicity, and stress.
NUTRITION
nutrition seems like a no-brainer but is far more complicated. With modern-day food depleted of nutrients due to soil depletion and time-to-table, it is nearly impossible to meet daily nutritional needs without supplementation.
However, with oral supplementation, you will only receive 10 to 20 percent of what is actually in the bottle due to the type of ingredients used, as well as the digestive process. With intravenous (IV) therapy, however, all the nutrients are delivered to your bloodstream. A healthy diet is important. But supplementing will help to optimize your immune system.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, “A deficiency of single nutrients can alter the body’s immune response.” The primary nutrients needed for optimal immune response are zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E.
TOXICITY
Toxicity occurs through what we consume — air, water, and food. Toxins always have been and will be part of our environment. Fortunately, our lungs, liver, kidneys, and skin help protect us and filter toxic substances. Unfortunately, there is an overwhelming amount circulating in our modern world.
Our liver takes the brunt of the burden of detoxification, which is why it is helpful to take supplements that support the liver, like milk thistle, dandelion, and glutathione, which is a master antioxidant. Another great supplement for liver support is acetylcysteine, which is often purchased in the form of NAC (N-acetylcysteine). A natural antioxidant found in onions, NAC is a precursor to the aforementioned glutathione, which will help support your liver and optimize immune function.
STRESS
Stress is another factor that can weaken the immune system. Too much can reduce the number of white blood cells needed to destroy pathogens. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, ginseng, and holy basil, and mushrooms like cordyceps, lion’s mane, and reishi, among others, can help the body manage stress.
Taking action is simple. Pick one to two ways you can optimize your immune system and start today.
Discover what a properly re-hydrated body can do for you. Prime IV Hydration & Wellness, Red Mountain is located at 2025 N. Power Road, Suite 106, in Mesa. You can reach the office at (480) 992-4202 or visit their website at www.prime ivhydration.com/locations/arizona/northeast-mesa-85215.