Here are two simple ways to greatly reduce your chances of getting the flu, pneumonia, bronchitis and colds and it is NOT getting a flu shot! Thank you Lisa W for this information!
1) Take your Vitamin D – Research has shown repeatedly that there is a definite association between Vitamin D and infectious diseases (cold, pneumonia, bronchitis, flu/influenza). Vitamin D has a very important role in keeping your immune system AMPED up!! The recommend amount of Vitamin D is 3000-5000 IU daily. You should have your levels checked and shoot for levels between 60-70 for optimal immune function as well as the cancer prevention benefits.
Vitamin D is also key in promoting calcium absorption to enable bone mineralization – with low vitamin D levels, calcium absorption decreases by 10-15%. As CrossFit athletes, you need to be sure that you are protecting your bones as well as boosting your immune system.
Some of the other benefits of ideal Vitamin D levels are improved mood, maintained muscle strength and mass, fewer body aches, improved cognition, heart protection, better energy, and weight loss.
2) Take your Probiotics – Probiotics boost the body’s natural defenses against diseases by stimulating the immune system, a healthy gut is the key to a healthy immune system. Many people don’t know that about 70 percent of your immune cells reside in the gut. Probiotics will help to repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria – improving your immune system and keep you healthier.
Most importantly, if you are experiencing frequent colds or respiratory illnesses or just cannot seem to get well – it is recommended to take a probiotic daily – and if you have been on an antibiotic within the last month, you will need to double the amount of probiotic for two weeks to repopulate the good bacteria in your gut. A good quality probiotic should maintain the good bacteria in the stomach and not destroy it. Other things that can help to repopulate the good bacteria in the gut are quality kefir and/or fermented foods.
These two items are not inclusive to your improved health and immune system. However, these are two very easy and necessary things you can do to improve your overall immune system and health. For more information on Vitamin D and Probiotics, please contact Gina or Lisa.
For more information on the benefits of Vitamin D, see the blog by our friends at EHP CrossFit by clicking here: http://www.ehpcrossfit.com/single-post/2016/10/12/Wisdom-Wednesday—3-Week-Series-Part-1—The-Importance-of-Vitamin-D-in-Your-Bodys-Recovery
Recent Comments