oct 3/21 - How to boost your immune system with your Mind-Body-Spirit Connection...

Prince Edward Island, Aug 2021
So good for the mind, body & spirit!

This is a BIG and important BLOG! I did NOT like feeling sick. So glad that happens only once every 20 yrs for me! I wanted to write about the importance of a healthy immune system. The immune system is precisely that — a system, not a single entity. To function well, it requires balance and harmony. We can’t just take a supplement and hope for the best. We need natural, healthy-living strategies that cover our Mind, Body and Spirit.

Many studies have been conducted about the powerful link between your mind and the immune system. An entire field of study has been created around it called psychoneuroimmunology. It is the study of how your mind influences your nervous system to affect your immune system. Here’s a few things to do to boost your immune system.

Positive affirmations help the mind stay clear!

MIND
Mindfulness is another practice and is merely a way of thinking. Directing your awareness to the present moment, the NOW. At the most basic level, it’s simply being aware of what’s happening as it’s happening. Mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, and improves your immune system.

BODY
We know the drill…don't smoke and if you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently but as a Nutritionist I believe food to fuel our body is necessary for a healthy immune system so try adding these foods and supplements to your daily meals:

SPIRIT 
​In your brain, visualization has been shown to stimulate the immune system to better fight disease. Research has validated that visualization influences actual physical changes in your body. Just as your mind’s reactions to stress can impair immunity and promote illness, your spirit has the ability to visualize a healthy body. Creative visualization requires just that, visualize yourself as a healthy, vibrant human being. As for pairing it with meditation, try to minimize stress, practice daily meditations and visualizations or just be still for 5-10 min a day. Also, make sure you laugh every day. A good laugh causes a chemical reaction in your brain that can instantly raise your spirits, reduce pain and stress, and strengthen your immune system.

What weakens your immune system are smoking, drinking, poor nutrition, stress, obesity, and general aging to start. Then adding in medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, infection and taking medications can further reduce your immune system. 

Bottom line is to do what we all know we should be doing. Reduce your stress, exercise daily, get 8-10 hrs of sleep, drink pure water, have a healthy and colorful diet, take your probiotics and vitamins and be balanced! Plus have a piece of dark chocolate (80%) daily for a little boost of antioxidants!

Thank you for following my journey to writing a book series!
Stay balanced,
​LeeAnna