Immunity System Health

Vitamin D supports immunity. Our ancestors were hunter-gatherers; they were outside all day with no sunscreen and were physically active. Now we spend most of our time indoors in offices and houses which goes against our human nature to be inside all day. When we lived and worked outside, the sunshine was our natural Vitamin D source.

Unlike other vitamins and nutrients, Vitamin D is actually made inside our bodies in response to sunlight. Our mood, health, and potential risk for major diseases may be a result of our Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, weaker bones, higher risk of heart attacks, increased asthma risk, increased chances of developing the metabolic syndrome and increased risk for certain cancers, particularly breast and colon. Vitamin D intake has been shown to positively affect our cognitive performance. Everyday aches and pains are oftentimes symptoms of inadequate Vitamin D levels.

Another way to maintain a healthy immune system is by drinking tea. The active components of green tea are potent antioxidants: polyphenols (or catechins) and flavonols. These compounds give tea not just its color and flavor, but also its antioxidant disease-fighting properties.*&nbsp. The specific polyphenol that appears to be the most protective is EGCG, an antioxidant that is twenty-five to one hundred times more potent than vitamins E or C. Catechins support immune system health by priming it to respond to invading bacteria.*A single cup of green tea provides more antioxidant protection than a serving of strawberries, carrots, or even broccoli. In theory, this should make green tea a great tool for supporting mental clarity, healthy energy levels, and a healthy mind.* 

To further support a healthy immune system, feed your gut flora. Whether from probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut or kombucha or supplementing, the health benefits of probiotics have been shown to help lower the risk of infections, improve digestion and even a reduce the risk for some chronic diseases.*