#2 Immune System

(This is #3 of 7 posts on Targeted Solutions. Here is the link to the 
Improve Your Health-Targeted Solutions. It is important first to get on a foundation program of a protein and multi-vitamin... and then focus on "Targeted Solutions" - Targeted Solutions refers to systems within our body that may need special attention.)

The next area of your health and body to focus on is the Immune system. A healthy immune system is our first line of defense against viruses and germs.
 
Now that it has been over two years since the Covid pandemic arrived, there have been a lot of suggestions of things to do to protect yourself against the virus from masks, handwashing, social distancing and vaccines. But not enough emphasis is placed on the #1 thing you need to do and that is through proper nutrition to make sure your immune system is healthy.
 
What is your immune system? It is the parts of your body that helps to keep you from getting colds, flu, and other serious illnesses. White blood cells, antibodies, and other components, including organs and lymph nodes, make up the body’s immune system.

How do you know you don’t have a healthy immune system?
Frequent colds, other respiratory illness and infections are key indicators. These can develop into serious immune related diseases like COPD or pneumonia. 

My Experience
During the time before I took control of my diet and health, I often had colds, severe chest congestion, and at least a couple times a year I had laryngitis so bad I couldn’t speak. I would go to the doctor for antibiotics quite often and I always had some kind of over-the-counter cold medicine in my home.

Now that I have taken care of my health through healthy food choices and Shaklee supplements, I rarely become ill and when I do it is for a very short time. I ended up throwing away the cold medicine because it had been expired for many years.

What nutrients are important to build a healthy immune system? Vitamin C, Zinc, and D are the major nutrients. Why are they difficult to get? We may not always eat foods that give us these nutrients, or we have lifestyles that may increase our need for these. Smoking, pollution, and some medications increase the need for vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which means it cannot be stored in your body so needs to be replaced almost daily.

Some food sources for Vitamin C – guavas, bell peppers, kiwifruit, strawberries, berries, oranges, papayas, broccoli, tomatoes, lemons, limes and similar fruits and vegetables.

Zinc is depleted from sweating and stress. A lack of zinc can mess with your thyroid, thus slowing your metabolism and many other functions. 

Food sources for Zinc – oysters, pumpkin seeds, red meat, mushrooms, spinach, avocado.

Vitamin D is produced in your body from sunshine. Requirements for D increase with age. Vitamin D helps your immune system to resist viruses.  

Food sources for Vitamin D – salmon, canned tuna, milk, pork

How many of these foods do you eat on a consistent basis?

While I felt I was eating most of these foods suggested above for these 3 nutrients, I found that adding Shaklee supplements made the difference I needed to get rid of my colds and infections. These products can give you some added “nutritional insurance” that you are getting what you need.

Here are the 3 main Shaklee products I take: Vitamin-C Sustained Release, Nutriferon and Triple Defense Boost.

Vita-C® Sustained Release 500: clinically shown to raise blood levels of vitamin C for 12 hours.  
Nutriferon: this a special product formula that helps to produce “interferon." This is a protein that builds your immune system to resist viruses.
Triple Defense Boost: This is a refreshing drink. A great way to get an extra boost your immune system. Powder to mix in water- hot or cold Elderberry flavor Includes: Vitamin C, Zinc, and D.

Other good products are:
...Chewable Vita-C® provides the vitamin C of 3 ½ oranges in each great-tasting tablet.
​,,,Vitamin D Regulates the immune response.
...Kids Immunity Gummies (but not just for kids): Powerful, great-tasting gummies with vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc plus the powerful antioxidants from elderberry   
...Defend and Resist: This product is generally not taken every day but is meant to be used when you first feel any symptoms such as a tickle in your throat. These are tablets that you can swallow, chew, or drink as a tea. 

As with any new nutrition program, it takes time to work, but again give your body the nutrients it needs to help you to have a healthy immune system. 

Go to: #3 Circulation System: Heart and Arteries 
(Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar)


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