There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Their symptoms vary depending on which part of the body is affected.
And I know many people are worried. And that’s a catch-22 as fear and worry depress our immune system! So hopefully today’s email will relieve some of those fears.
Whether you are vaccinated, double vaccinated, not vaccinated – your immune system health should be top priority.
Whilst we are navigating an unprecedented time and there are many unanswerable questions, the good news is that your body has an amazing defense system – your immune system. Keeping it strong is the best chance to stay healthy and symptom-free.
Today I want to consider why this is on the rise and the reality of managing it.
NOTE: This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor regarding vaccines, side effects, and concerns. Call 000 for medical emergencies.
Your Own Private Army
Your immune system consists of cells, tissues, organs, and chemical messengers all working together to defend your body against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. When your body detects an intruder, it activates an immune response, releasing an army of signaling molecules, proteins, and specialised cells that target and attack the invading molecules.
Some of the parts of the immune system that we will mention today:
B cell – it finds an antigen which matches with its receptors. It then waits to be activated by a T cell.
T cell – one of the important white blood cells of the immune system and play a central role in the adaptive immune response. There are Killer T cells, Helper T cells, in fact there are 25 million to a billion different T-cells in your body. Each cell has a unique T-cell receptor that can fit with only one kind of antigen, like a lock that can fit with only one shape of key. According to an article published 19 January 2021 in www.newscientist.com, T cells result in a faster immune response to viruses, fewer symptoms to vaccinations, and longer-lasting immunity.
Tips to a healthy immune system
- Minimise and manage daily stress
- Investigate and decrease your toxic burden.
- Address any potential underlying infections.
- Love your gut. Take pre and probiotics daily, heal any gut concerns. An article in Microorganisms 2020, 8,921, stated taking pre and probiotics during vaccination may assist in reduced adverse reactions.
- Follow a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.
- Keep in a healthy weight range. Patients who are obese or very overweight have lower levels of B and T cells. Managing weight may aid longer immunity from vaccines or natural infection.
- Get good quality sleep. Avoid negative media scrolling before bed, poor sleep quality affects phycological response and depresses immune function. Nocturnal sleep is needed for normal production of T cells. Inflammatory cytokines peak in the day. People who slept less than 6hrs average were 11.5x less likely to mount an antibody response to vaccines (Uni of Pittsburgh Aug 2012)
- Movement – physical activity supports healthy immune response.
- Stay Connected. The toll isolation and lock down has is undeniable, but it is even more important to connect with people any way you can via phone or video calls to stay social and connected with other.
- Genetics. Genes are not always a predictive outcome – genes load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger. Nutrition, detoxification, healthy diet, and a holistic apporach can reverse issues that are affecting immune function in many cases.
- Incorporate immune-boosting herbs and supplements.
- Work with a practitioner who uses a holistic approach to immune health.
Improving your immune status increases vaccine responsiveness and decreases risks of autoimmunity.
Nutrients have some amazing actions
Zinc – not only does zinc support immune function and signaling, gut health, mental health, gut permeability – it also helps break down mRNA, as well as magnesium.
Vitamin D – deficiency affects DNA methylation, affecting the epigenome – very important if you have genetic weaknesses to consider. Vitamin D plays a role pre-mRNA splicing.
Turmeric – curcumin has been shown to be an immunomodulator, and also displays anti-oxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective qualities. Seems to exert a modulating effect on natural immunity and all T cell subsets.
All essential nutrients are needed in the body, and any specific deficiencies addressed with supplementation alongside a healthy diet. Of note, all B-group vitamins, vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, selenium, and iodine are super important immune system supportive nutrients.
If you have an autoimmune concern already, it is best to work with a functional health expert as well as your Dr, to ensure your individual needs are being covered for optimal immune strength.
When you work with The Lucy Rose Clinic, your practitioner can also supply a personalised herbal tonic for added protection.
If you have any pre-existing conditions, take medications, or are feeling like your health is depleted, we would like to offer a free consult to get you started on a road back to better health with our skilled and educated team.
Book a FREE 15 minute consultation so you can discuss your symptoms and find out if we can help you finally meet your health goals by clicking here.
We take out the guesswork, do thorough testing, and create an individualised treatment approach to get you well.
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We have practitioners on call that can help you understand if we can help.
The first appointment is free to discuss your symptoms and ensure we are the right clinic to help you. This is done with a qualified Lucy Rose naturopath and is valued at $97.
CLICK HERE to book that in and get those answers.
Take care!
