Tips for Optimizing Your Immune System by Nikki Burnett
Nikki Burnett MS MNT CNTP is a Functional Nutritionist at Taste Life Nutrition. Nikki works with ambitious professionals to help them overcome hidden barriers to both health and success. Challenges such as chronic stress, brain fog, low energy, and stubborn chronic issues frequently have their roots in unhealthy foods and unknown inflammatory conditions. Functional nutrition is based on the science of functional medicine. The goal is to understand the body through functional lab testing, genetic testing, environmental factors, stress, and lifestyle. Nikki shares some very important tips for optimizing your immune system.
Have you created the habit of wearing your seat belt? Most of us have – we can’t predict when an accident will happen. We can’t put it on just as the accident is happening, nor can we go back and put it on after the fact.
This is how we should visualize the immune system – a daily practice of support (clicking the seat belt) so it will keep us safe in times of need.
Even in times of uncertainty, we all have much for which to be grateful. One is the amazing body we live in that can keep us safe. For that to happen, it’s necessary to give the body the necessary tools to allow it to do its job.
There are many different components of the immune system but let’s focus on the microbiome as it is approximately 70% of our immune system. So, without making this a boring science class (ummmmm, can science be boring?!) we’ll focus on why it’s very important to protect and feed these healthy microbes.
The microbiome is a community of microorganisms living in and on the body which protects us against damaging microorganisms, breaks down food for nutrient assimilation, and produces certain vitamins. What can we do to best support these amazing little creatures?
Food can be our greatest ally or our greatest enemy.
We are all unique in our macronutrient needs but what doesn’t change is that we must all fill our plates with vegetables – many different types of vegetables. If you don’t take anything away from this article, take this:
The more diverse our plant intake, the more diverse our microbiome.
Different types of fibers and starches feed different types of microbes, which in turn keep opportunistic and pathogenic microbes in check.
Fermented plant foods are also a great option for increasing the diversity of the microbiome. But most fermented dairy has the potential to create an inflammatory response and lower immunity.
Let’s talk about what damages the microbiome.
Processed foods, sugar, gluten-containing products, and unhealthy fats can increase inflammation, damage the gut, and damage the microbiome.
And more…Stress, trauma, negative self-talk, lack of movement, too much movement, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, body care products…I can keep going!
Today, and for an unknown period, we will need to be more vigilant than normal in our sanitizing and cleaning practices. But I fully believe that we need to be extremely careful about the kinds of products we use to clean our homes, offices, and body.
If the product is an antimicrobial, often it will attack all microbes, including those in our microbiome. This can allow the overgrowth of opportunistic and pathogenic microbes.
Chemical scents are toxic hormone disruptors, which in turn damages the microbiome, then more hormone disruption – and the vicious cycle continues.
Using 60-80% ethyl alcohol has been shown most effective against viruses, according to the CDC. Some essential oils that have shown antiviral properties, but we don’t necessarily understand the amount to be effective, so relying on essential oils alone may not be advised.
Immune boosting micronutrients include vitamins A, C, E, D, and zinc but truly, any micronutrient deficiency can influence the immune system so understanding your nutrient levels is important for optimizing health and the immune system.
Immune-boosting foods include garlic, citrus, red bell peppers, broccoli, ginger, spinach, raw almonds, sunflower seeds, some shellfish, and kiwi.
Try this: Blend the whole citrus fruit, flesh, seeds, and peel, add as much water as needed, then drink it. This way, the entire fruit is ingested with all nutrients, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and bioflavonoids. If it’s too bitter, use for the base of a smoothie.
Immune-boosting herbs include turmeric, resveratrol, medicinal mushrooms, green tea, angelica root, astragalus, and other adaptogens, elderflower, echinacea, goldenseal, and oregano.
Quick note: Autoimmune disease is a condition in which the immune system is not functioning properly. This doesn’t happen “just because”. There is an underlying cause for most diseases. Addressing the root cause is key to making sure it’s possible to fight off an infection, including COVID-19.
You are unique! The best practice is to be knowledgeable about your body and its needs to function optimally. Get tested. Set healthy goals. Meditate and pray. Enjoy healthy meals with family, not while driving or in front of the computer. This is the best way to learn YOU so you can Taste Life!
Nikki Burnett