YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IS YOUR INTERNAL DEFENSIVE ARMY!

Your immune system is made up of a network of processes, cells, and chemicals that attempt to stamp out invading pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins. However, sometimes the initial battle is lost and a germ successfully invades your system and makes you sick. Thankfully it is possible to set up the trench against the imposters, boost your artillery and speed up recovery. You can optimize your diet, take specific vitamins and herbal supplements and alter your lifestyle to produce an enhanced response.

FRONTLINE!

The most effective way to improve how well you combat viruses and bacterial infections is through lifestyle choices. This is your daily routine and habits! These are the most effective strategies;

Exercise is another key component to a healthy and disease-free life. Exercise can lower pressure, reduce stress, control body weight and improve cardiovascular function. Therefore exercise, just like a healthy balanced diet, contributes to overall good health and therefore supports your immunity. One of the main ways exercise has this effect is by improving circulation, this enables active cells and chemicals of your immune system to work effectively. Additionally, exercise increases the release of endorphins, the “happy” or “pleasure” hormones, making exercise great for stress relief, which also has damaging effects on our immune system. You should aim to meet the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per day or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise. It’s also advised to do at least two strength-training sessions per week. BRING SALLY UP, BRING SALLY DOWN (youtube it!)

SOLDIERS NEED THEIR REST!!!

Sleep is a major part of a healthy lifestyle. Whilst we sleep our body recovers and regenerates, making sufficient sleep vital for our immune system function. Essential immune cells, such as white blood cells, are predominantly produced and utilized whilst sleeping. Therefore, when we don’t get enough sleep, our immune system isn't as strong, making us more susceptible to harmful invaders.

A method to increase your chances of getting a productive night’s sleep is to turn off the electronics at least 2 hours before bed. Yes, that means no scrolling through Facebook right before behind to get some shut-eye. You can naturally optimise your hormones, stress levels and increase relaxation by supplementing with ZMA MAX.

COMBAT STRESS!!!

In recent years, modern medicine has come to appreciate the mind-body connection. Emotional stress has a big effect on our immune system. When we feel low and stressed we are at a higher cardiac risk and are more likely to feel unwell physically and fall ill.

Allowing ourselves to be stressed over whether coronavirus will stop Liverpool from winning the Premier League and focusing on other uncertainties can raise cortisol levels. When cortisol levels are consistently high they block the immune system from functioning optimally, making us more susceptible to losing the battle against germs.

It is impossible to remove stressful situations from our lives, but we can control how we respond to them. Beneficial activities include meditation, mindfulness exercises, drawing, and reading. Mobile phone apps such as ‘Headspace’ and ‘Calm’ can help you have a productive mindfulness session. You should try to do one stress-reducing activity per day. Start by going for a walk in the sunshine, this will also boost vitamin D in the body, which also boosts immunity. NOW MARCH! But enjoy it.

If you struggle with stress or if stress affects your productivity there are supplements available. Nootropics are supplements that contain adaptogens, these are natural substances that help us adapt to and resist stressors. PNI Brain Fuel contains researched back ingredients that are proven to enhance mental clarity and awareness, and reduce stress.

 In no way should supplements replace a healthy lifestyle but they can assist and improve the benefits. If you are concerned for your immune system health or want to maximise your defense then check these out;

PNI Heart Health - formulated to help people live longer, healthier, more active lives and prevent heart disease, which is the largest killer in Western Europe. It works by improving blood flow and optimising blood pressure and cholesterol.

PNI Super Fish Oils - This supplement contains very high doses of both EPA and DHA, which improves cardiovascular health, enhancing cognitive function and promotes stronger bones and joints. This is also a good source of fat that promotes cell health and fights inflammation.

PNI Multi-Vitamin & Mineral - Packed with over 20 ingredients to improve the immune system and well-being. PNI multi-vitamin & mineral has a multitude of health benefits, including increased energy levels and improved muscle function.

PNI Super D3 - One of the key vitamins for a healthy immune system. It is recommended for everyone in the UK to supplement vitamin D as we spend a lot of time indoors and don’t get as much sun as other parts of the world. Vitamin D also supports bone health.

PNI Vitamin C - Vitamin C is one of the most popular immune-boosting supplements on the market, and for good reason. It has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of the common cold and speed up recovery. Vitamin C boosts white blood cell formation and fights free radicals.