How to build immunity

Getting back into normal life at the beginning of the year is exciting. We’re refreshed, relaxed, recharged and our tanks are full! We’re rearing to go.

Full relaxation mode to the full busyness of life can be a shift that takes some adjusting to. And one area that can take a hit is our immunity.

We want to help you and your family have the best possible start to the year by making sure your immunity is in the best shape it can be.

BePure health company believes these four simple but effective daily diet, lifestyle and nutrition measures will help you establish strong whole body wellness.

1. Eating with your immunity in mind(intake of essential nutrients)

Lily Henderson, National Nutrition Advisor says “Good gut health doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. You can create a healthy gut microbiome just by eating lots of different plant foods that are close to how they’re found in nature, every day. These are foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.”

Food can be a mind game - thinking of it as fuel rather than comfort is a good place to start.

Does my body need this?

Will my body thrive on this?

You may have heard of the 80:20 ratio rule. That 80% of health comes from what you eat and put into your body and 20% is  what you do with it. Keeping this in mind when consuming food is a key to overall health.

2. Prioritising good sleep

The Sleep Foundation says “Sleep provides essential support to the immune system. Getting sufficient hours of high-quality sleep enables a well-balanced immune defense that features strong innate and adaptive immunity…”

Most 18-64 year olds are said to need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

3. Moving daily

Exercising daily is proven to boost your immune system. It’s recommended to exercise for 2.5 hours per week - that totals 30 minutes on weekdays. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous, there are small things you can make a habit out of that will help. Parking further away from your office so you need to walk, using a printer on a different floor, stretching while watching TV and using the stairs instead of the elevator are a few ways that you can prioritise moving in your day.

4. Managing stress

Stress has a big impact on our immune system. We’ve all heard of the “fight or flight” hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is produced through stress and suppresses our immune system’s effectiveness to fight off bugs.

Dr Christina Ross, dietitian at Cultivate Nutrition says: “Over time and without any relief, this chronic stress response can damage our arteries, weaken our immune system, cause fatigue and promote low-grade inflammation throughout the body…”

Those are some key proven ways at building your immunity. They allow you to thrive in each area; being rested, recharged and ready. Adding these as non-negotiables in your daily routine will help you tackle all that 2022 holds for you and your family.