Stay Healthy this Winter!

Blood sugar control is so important 🙌

It’s still cold & flu season, and we know that diabetes makes people more susceptible to developing serious lung problems from common viruses.

A new study just published in Nature tells us WHY but also gives hope and actionable info.

The study found that elevated blood sugar levels disrupted immune cells in the lungs and prevented them from activating the immune response.

But the good news is….

Tight control of blood sugar levels prompted those immune cells to regain their function and mount a protective response.

This is more evidence that metabolic health affects overall health.

It’s also evidence that we are not powerless.

Reference

Nobs SP, Kolodziejczyk AA, Adler L, et al. Lung dendritic-cell metabolism underlies susceptibility to viral infection in diabetes. Nature. 2023;624(7992):645-652. [link]

Insider Immune Hack

Immune hack most people never try 💥

Ever noticed that you’re more likely to get sick when you’re burning the candle at both ends and pushing the limits of your stress?

That’s because stress triggers cortisol.

While cortisol suppresses inflammation in the short term, over time it weakens the immune system to be less effective at fighting off invaders.

That’s where adaptogens come in!

Adaptogens are herbs that strengthen the body’s resilience on many levels—from stress to hormones to immune function.

You may have heard of…

🌱 Tulsi (Holy Basil)

🌱 Ashwagandha

🌱 Rhodiola

🌱 Reishi

Sometimes adaptogens can interact with medications or health conditions, so please consult with a practitioner knowledgeable about herbs before taking supplements or even teas.

This is what we do best in functional medicine!

Immune Prep for Holidays

Immune Prep for the Holidays 👇

The holidays come with their fair share of gatherings, sugar, and stress—all challenging our immune systems a bit more than at other times of year! 

For immune support, consider…

1️⃣ Daily Movement

Moving your body gets your circulation and lymphatics flowing, relieves stress, and decreases your susceptibility to falling sick. 

2️⃣ Probiotic-Rich Foods

Remember that 70% of your immune cells are in your gut! Probiotic-rich foods (think yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut) support the gut microbiome. 

3️⃣ Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, and bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C as well as other antioxidants to support immune health. 

4️⃣ Immune-Supportive Supplements

Consider taking a multivitamin or some extra nutrients like vitamin D or zinc through the cold and flu season. 

5️⃣ Sleep

One of the best things you can do for your immune system is to give your body time to rest and restore!

There are no guarantees when it comes to staying healthy through the winter months, but there are always ways to support your body’s resilience. 

📌Save this post for later!

Popping the Vitamin C? Read This.

5 things you wish wouldn’t affect your immune system—but DO!

People love to pop their vitamin C this time of year, but I hate to be the bearer of bad news…

Vitamin C isn’t going to do much if your immune system is being squashed by other forces.

Like…

❌ Stress

❌ Short Sleep

❌ Not Exercising

❌ Staying Indoors

❌ Sugar Sugar Sugar!!

It’s tempting to look for a miracle pill to keep us healthy, but the truth is that our bodies are complex beings that respond to cues from everywhere.

The best thing you can do to support your immunity right now?

Look for the weakest link in your health and your habits.

Fix that first 🛠️

📲Tag a friend in the comments who might want to hear this!

Misconceptions About Immune Health!

Let’s bust some immunity myths 💥

Myth 1️⃣: If I sanitize everything, I won’t get sick.

Aside from the fact that it’s impossible to completely avoid germs, the truth is we need a healthy microbiome for a healthy immune system—to keep everything from infections to allergies to inflammation in check.

Myth 2️⃣: I need to “boost” my immune system.

Boosting immunity is overly simplified because an overactive immune system can be just as damaging as an underactive immune system—contributing to allergies and autoimmunity.

Myth 3️⃣: Vitamin C will keep me healthy.

Sure, vitamin C supports immune function, but it’s not the only nutrient we need. Other key immune nutrients include vitamins A, D, E,, selenium, zinc, and protein.

Be sure to like ❤️ and follow for tips on staying healthy in the coming months!