7 Building Blocks For Immunity

Our immune system has the very important job of helping to protect the body against infections and other external and internal threats.

Immunity is defined as being “the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies of sensitized blood cells”.

Our immunity comes from;

• Physical barriers eg skin, cells lining the digestive and respiratory tracts
• Biochemical barriers eg secretions, mucous and stomach acids
• Numerous immune cells and antibodies

To give your body the best chance to defend itself from any type of illness, we need to do our bit to help ensure our bodies are fighting fit and prepared to deal with challenges like infections. . The body is designed to fend off disease and unwanted foreign bodies, which we display on a daily basis. Where it can struggle is when our immune system is weak and not functioning to the best of its ability.

Our lifestyle choices are the building blocks to our immune system’s success. It’s a multi-faceted approach which synergistically comes together to ensure your overall health and wellbeing is in check. 

1. Nutrition

Every part of your body will benefit from a healthy balanced diet, and that includes your immune system. What you eat positively contributes to its healthy daily functioning. Ensure your diet consists of plenty of fruit and veg – eat the rainbow and consume as many varieties as possible. Foods high in vitamins A and C assist in reducing inflammation in key areas of the body while supporting white blood cell function and providing essential antioxidants.

Examples of vitamin rich foods are: broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato and any green leafy vegetable. As well as the commonly known vitamin C high food such as oranges, lemons, kale and tomatoes that can reduce the longevity of symptoms commonly associated the colds and flu.

Vitamin C Booster Shot

• 4 lemons, juiced
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp honey

Blend all ingredients until smooth

2. Sleep

Sleep is essential to staying healthy. Just one night’s poor sleep can affect your performance the next day, affecting your ability to think, your mental clarity and focus and make even the simplest of decisions. Research has shown that poor sleep can lead to increased risk of catching infections such as colds and flu.

Without sufficient sleep your body makes fewer cytokines, which are a type of protein that targets infection, so without the recommended 8 hours per night you’re reducing your ability to fend off infection. At night is when your body repairs itself and produces more protein molecules which form the building blocks for cells allowing them to repair the damage caused from stress, UV rays and harmful exposure.

Your body’s ability to repair itself goes as far as the brain with research showing its ability to flush out harmful toxins that build up during the day. View sleep as a necessity for healing, repairing and providing your immune system with the strength it needs to perform. Neubria Drift’s “Bliss Botanical Complex” contains Lemon Balm, Saffron, Hops and Chamomile to naturally induce sleep as well as optimizing your overall sleep quality. Read our blog post on tips to improve your sleep.

3. Exercise

Daily exercise contributes to the circulation of antibodies which increase the macrophages allowing them to attack bacteria in the body. Exercise also keeps general circulation healthy increasing the blood flow and nutrient supply to all necessary areas. Any type of movement is beneficial to the body whether it be walking, a relaxing yoga practice or a gym session – all release feel-good endorphins such as dopamine and serotonin which reduce anxiety and boost your mood. Find out more on how exercise affects your brain.

4. Supplements

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a well balanced, varied diet and healthy lifestyle. However, supplements can be a convenient way to help ensure your body receives the nourishment it requires. A healthy balanced diet can often be compromised by lifestyle factors, time constraints and the availability of in-season foods which prevent you from providing your body with adequate nutrients.

To ensure you’re topping up your vitamin and mineral levels supplements are a crucial part of your immune systems defense force. The key vitamins that deliver protective benefits to the immune system are Vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, B12, folate, zinc, iron, copper and selenium. Neubria Edge contains 100% of the recommended daily amounts making it the perfect supplement for immune boosting micronutrients. Neubria Drift, Neubria Charge and Neubria Shine also contain nutrients to support immunity. 

5. Pro/Pre-biotics

The gut-brain connection is currently at the forefront of most health and wellbeing advice and for good reason. The main benefit of probiotics is that they help restore balance in the intestines while aiding in maintaining the delicate balance between defense mechanisms - including innate and adaptive immune responses. Learn more about the importance of gut health.

6. Stress Management

Stress is key to your survival and in small doses has many advantages. It can help you meet daily challenges, motivate you to reach your goals and alert you to any potential danger or threatening situation. Yet it’s chronic stress that weakens the immune system, challenges the nervous system and impairs the digestive system depleting essential vitamins and minerals stores from the body. The continuous ongoing release of cortisol impairs your body’s ability to produce white blood cells which are a vital part of your immune systems effectiveness. Read our blog post on ways to reduce stress or try Neubria Shine Mood supplements with food to help improve your mood.

7. Hydration

Hydration is a simple yet effective way to ensure your body is functioning properly. Water not only hydrates key organs but also helps remove toxins and oxygenates the body. Dehydration reduces the immune systems capability but also affects the brain’s function. It is vital in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters which if negatively affected result in problems with thinking and reasoning. By keeping your body well hydrated you’re ensuring all internal systems are operating effectively so they can maintain healthy immunity. Follow our simple steps to keep on top of your hydration.