Your immune system is a complex network of cells, proteins, tissues and organs that work together to protect you against germs, infectious organisms and disease. Fortunately, it’s pretty darn sophisticated, and does an excellent job staving off illness. Your immune system can tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy cells, and when it receives a “danger” alert, it activates what’s called the immune response—a series of actions set forth by the immune system control center to attack infectious invaders and restore homeostasis.
But what happens when the signals get jumbled by modern air traffic, like toxins and stress? Well, if the immune response doesn’t get the message to go to work, then infection takes over. Or, if the immune response goes into overdrive launching a full-scale war and not stopping even when the invader has been defeated, then autoimmune diseases and allergies escalate.
When your immune system is not functioning properly you run the risk of developing:
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and anemia
- Immunodeficiency diseases
- Allergies
- Even certain cancers, such as leukemia, are spawned by the uncontrolled proliferation of immune cells!
How Our Primal Ancestors Did It Better
Believe it or not, despite the lack of vaccines and antibiotics, our primal ancestors sported superior immune systems. They engaged in lifestyle and dietary habits that boosted immunity.
Your Immune System and Your Gut: A Symbiotic Relationship
Your immune system has strong ties to your gut health. In fact, 70% of immune system cells make up the wall of the gut, which is why the health of your gut, along with what you eat, has such a strong impact on your immune response.
Your gut health is directly determined by the makeup of the 100 trillion bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that populate your gut’s microflora. Science continues to show that the microorganisms living in your gut, known as beneficial probiotics, play a major role in your overall physical and mental health. Healthful probiotics…
- Regulate the growth of infectious bacteria
- Contribute to a healthy weight
- Produce vitamins and eliminate toxins
- Boost mood and mental health
Our primal ancestors had no problem sustaining gut health because they were exposed to probiotics in the food they ate (which pretty much always had dirt mixed in…and where there is dirt, there is beneficial bacteria!) and the play they practiced daily. Today, however, we avoid dirt and sanitize everything with antibacterial solutions. Not to mention, modern cultivation methods have depleted our soil of nutrients, including essential probiotics.
You can boost your gut health and strengthen your immune system by eating a Primal diet rich in whole, unprocessed and fermented foods, as well as supplementing with a high quality probiotic, like Primal Nutrition’s Primal Probiotics.
Soak In Some Sun Rays
Our primal ancestors took sun dips much more often than we do…after all, conventional wisdom has told us to shun the sun! Following this ill-advised recommendation, up to 75% of people are vitamin D deficient...perhaps the deadliest vitamin deficiency of all!
Vitamin D doesn’t just protect the bones, but is absolutely critical to the proper functioning of the immune system. Research has shown that it may even be more potent than vaccines. In fact, German researchers discovered that vitamin D could increase immune system function by a factor of 3 to 5! Vitamin D enhances the immune system by stimulating the production of over 200 antimicrobial peptides, which are essential to fighting infections.
So, soak in some sun rays and feed your body some much-needed vitamin D! To shore up any insufficiencies and boost your immune system further, invest in a D3 supplement like our Primal Sun for a whopping 2000 IU of D a day!
Omega-3: Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Immunity
Chances are you’ve heard of the anti-inflammatory properties in omega-3 and how vital they are for optimal health. But did you know that omega-3 also has immune-enhancing powers? According to a recent study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, omega-3—an essential fatty acid the body can’t produce on its own but needs from your diet—helps to support and strengthen the function of the immune cells. If you’re looking to fortify your body’s line of defense against illness, then an omega-3 supplement like our Primal Omegas is an indispensable weapon to have in your artillery. High quality supplements, such as Primal Nutrition’s Primal Master Formula, likewise help protect against nutritional deficiencies and impending illness.
An antioxidant-rich diet, a little bit of supplementation, and a whole lot of play should have you well on your way to a Primally perfect immune system!
