Stay Healthy This Fall With Some Immune Support

When seasons begin to change so does the weather. Falling into cooler autumn months after the warm summer months, many people tend to find themselves a little under the weather. During this yearly transition, it is important to take care of the body and supply the system with foods and supplements that will provide immune support to help fight infection from viruses or bacteria.

Food & Immune Support

Nutrition plays a major role in keeping the immune system healthy. If the body is deficient in certain nutrients, the immune system may not respond as quickly or as effectively to invaders. Being malnourished has a negative impact on the immune system. This can include being over-nourished (overfed), and under-nourished (underfed). If the body is under-nourished, it does not have enough vitamins and minerals to build immunity, which prevents the immune system from functioning at its best. If the body is over-nourished, it won’t be able to function optimally because it's constantly working on breaking down food instead of building defense mechanisms for immune support. 

Foods That Do Not Support The Immune System: 

Recently, research has discovered that excessive intake of certain nutrients can negatively influence the immune system. Some of these include:

• Sugar: Eating too much of this sweet substance can reduce immune cells’ abilities to eliminate harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Frequent alcohol intake can deplete nutrients from the body and reduce white blood cell count, making it more difficult to fight off disease.
• Unhealthy Fat: Certain types of dietary fats can increase or decrease inflammation impeding the immune system. Unhealthy saturated fats have a tendency to trigger inflammation, whereas polyunsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, do not.

Foods That Do Support The Immune System: 

Antioxidants are said to have a hand in preventing certain diseases and boosting the body’s immunity, as they play a fundamental role in protecting cells from free radicals and keeping them functioning normally. Some antioxidant-rich vitamins and minerals that help maintain a healthy immune system include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, and beta-carotene. All of these vitamins and minerals can easily be found in different foods. Use this handy chart below to see some antioxidant-rich, immune boosting foods: 

Here are some weight loss friendly recipes that include some of the foods listed above, so you can work them into your upcoming meal plans and provide your body with proper immune support: 

• Citrus Kale Salad
• Maple Sweet Potatoes
• Almond Crusted Chicken
• Pineapple Chicken Salad

Given that so many different nutrients are involved in immune function, the best way to ensure the body has proper immune support is to eat a varied and balanced diet. Include different brightly colored fruits and vegetables on a daily basis in order to get your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The chart above is a great starting point. We recommend including at least 3 of the foods listed above into your daily meals. However, sometimes food doesn't give you enough of the vitamins and minerals you need to properly support your immune system, and that's where supplements come in. 

Supplements & Immune Support

Supplements play a pivotal role in supporting the immune system, which serves as our body's defense against infections and illnesses. While a balanced diet is the foundation for a robust immune response, certain supplements can provide targeted support to bolster immunity, especially during times of increased vulnerability.

Benefits Of Supplements For The Immune System:

• Nutrient Enhancement: Supplements offer a concentrated source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for immune function. They can fill potential nutrient gaps in our diet, ensuring our immune cells function optimally.

• Quick Support: In situations where our dietary intake may not suffice, supplements provide a convenient and efficient way to bolster immune defenses swiftly.

• Stress Management: During times of stress, our immune system can weaken. Supplements like adaptogens and B-vitamins can help mitigate the impact of stress on immunity.

• Targeted Nutrients: Some nutrients are particularly potent in supporting immunity. Supplements allow us to ensure we get adequate amounts of these key players.

Four Herbal Magic Immune-Boosting Supplements:

1. Foundation Multi: Our Foundation Multi is a multi-vitamin/mineral formulated with a blend of vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene, Vitamin E, and zinc, to help maintain good health, regulate the metabolism, and assist all biochemical processes in the body. 

2. Lean Extreme: Our Lean Extreme includes a significant amount of green tea leaf extract, which helps boosts the immune system with its rich antioxidants, like catechins, promoting immune cell activity, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing overall immune response.
3. XanthaLean: Our XanthaLean contains brown seaweed extract and pomegranate seed oil extract, which help enhance the immune system through their potent antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, supporting immune cell activity and inflammation reduction. 
4. Omega 3 Fish Oils: Our Omega 3 Fish Oils bolster the immune system by reducing inflammation, enhancing immune cell function, and promoting optimal response to infections.

While supplements can be beneficial in boosting the immune system, it's essential to use them judiciously and as part of a well-rounded approach to health. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management are equally crucial components of supporting immune function. Remember, a holistic approach to well-being yields the most substantial immune-boosting results.

We hope everyone in our community stays healthy and happy this coming season!