Did you know that over 70% of your immune system lives in your gut?! Coming out of the flu season & many of us still experiencing colder weather without sunshine-filled days quite yet, it’s more important than ever to focus on boosting your immune system and taking care of your overall health to fend off cold, flu, or any other virus in our environment. Gut health refers to the function & balance of the bacteria in your GI tract. When your gut is working properly, your gut will flourish with healthy bacteria and your body will produce properly functioning immune cells, so you will be able to ward off the harmful bacteria and fungi during the cold and flu season. Today on the blog and podcast, I’m sharing 5 tips to improve gut health & boost your immune system naturally.
5 Tips to Improve Gut Health & Boost Your Immune System Naturally
#1 Incorporate Prebiotics and Probiotics Into Your Daily Routine
Prebiotics and probiotics enhance your gut flora and reduce inflammation while supporting proper immune function. These powerful immune-system boosters also promote hormonal balance. DoTerra whole-foods-based probiotics and prebiotics are my preferred source for personal health. Start by incorporating these into your daily routine and aim to make it a habit.
#2 Drink Water to Stay Hydrated
It may seem simple but drinking enough water each day supports your gut health by flushing out toxins, enhancing mental clarity, regulating appetite, and boosting immunity. Simply have a water bottle with you everywhere you go & aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water as a starting point. Then increase from there & remember your body will adjust to the new amount of liquids & you won’t have to use the bathroom as often as your body adjusts.
#3 Move Your Body for 30 Minutes
Get into a habit of moving your body for at least 30 minutes per day 5 days per week. This movement doesn’t have to be high intensity or even a typical workout, but find a type of daily movement that connects with you. As a female, it’s important to also be in tune with your body & allow yourself to adapt your movement routine during your cycle. Listen to your body and choose a type of exercise or movement that brings you joy. Regular movement will increase blood flow and stimulate the bowels to improve gut health & boost immunity.
#4 Reduce Stress As Much As Possible
Stress is one of the biggest killers of healthy gut flora. Keep a notebook with daily journals to manage your stress levels & find a way to be intentional with your days so you aren’t consistently rushing around in stressed-out mode. Find what brings you joy and calms your racing mind to bring better balance and breathe to your days. For example, try silencing your phone to disconnect from devices for 10 minutes per day, take a bath to unwind at the end of a busy week, schedule time for yourself to get a massage, facial, or simply take a guilt-free nap. Taking care of yourself and intentionally incorporating things into your everyday life that allow you to decompress and destress on a regular basis will promote reduces stress levels and boost your overall immunity and gut health.
#5 Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Resist the urge to skimp on sleep. When we sleep a proper amount of time each night, we allow our system to rest & digest while recharging for the next day ahead. Optimal sleep is key to overall health and immunity. Studies show that individuals who sleep less than 6 hours per night decrease their immune system function and are most susceptible to contracting colds and other illnesses.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems”. -James Clear, Atomic Habits book
Listen to the Podcast BELOW:
Make sure to tune in to today’s podcast episode for a more in-depth look at improving gut health & boosting your immune system naturally.
Thank you for listening in and reading along… I would love to hear your thoughts…
Join the conversation & send me an email at elizabeth@integratedbeingllc.com. I look forward to connecting with you & going on this journey of life together.
xo, Lizzie
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If you’re still feeling under it all and overwhelmed by everything life is throwing your way right now, it may be time the perfect time to look into working with a Life Coach… Maintaining a healthy diet, finding the right balance with your body, detoxing your home, and staying on top of family, work and life demands is not an easy trail to navigate. I’m here as a Life Coach to help you sort through all of the information that’s out there and make a plan that’s relevant to you and your specific lifestyle wants & needs. Want to learn more about what life coaching can do for you? Click the link below to schedule a 15 min chat to learn more…
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