5 SIMPLE (AND NATURAL!) WAYS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

At any given time, we have 380 trillion viruses and 40 trillion bacteria in our body. It’s a wonder we’re not sick more often! We have our immune system to thank for that. Find out how to support your immune system with the 5 S’s.

SLEEP

Good health begins with good sleep. Getting enough of the right kind of sleep is the single best thing you can do for your health. When you’re in deep sleep, your immune system produces and releases cytokines to heal whatever needs healing and fight off whatever needs fighting off. When you’re sleep deprived, you and your immune system suffer.

SOCIALIZING

Human beings are social creatures — for a reason. Strong social ties strengthen our immune system and support our longevity. A landmark study found that social isolation caused poor sleep and weekend immunity, so much so that it was ranked worse for your health than smoking.

STRESS RELIEF

Believe it or not, stressing about getting sick might actually increase the likelihood of it. Chronic stress causes elevated cortisol levels that impair how the immune system functions. It’s more important than ever to find healthy ways of coping with stress, like connecting with nature or using Full Spectrum Hemp Oil.

SUNSHINE

There’s nothing a little sunshine can’t fix. Well, that’s not entirely true, but sunshine is your best source of Vitamin D, essential in the creation of CAMPs (cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides) — your body’s first line of defence against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

SUPERFOODS

Superfoods to the rescue! Foods high in vitamin C — like oranges — help keep your immune system in check, so your body doesn’t attack itself. Foods high in zinc — like whole grains, seeds, and nuts — help stop viruses from replicating, so your body doesn’t get overrun. And foods high in vitamin A — like leafy greens — help strengthen your cell walls, so your body is a stronger fortress.