4 Immunity Myths Debunked
Now more than ever, it’s important to have an optimally functioning immune system to protect the body from illness and infection. But despite this being a hot topic in the media and in daily conversation, not everything you hear is realistic or applicable to you.
Let’s take a quick look at how the body’s immune system works, then dive into the immunity myths that need to be debunked for good. This way, you get a good understanding of what immunity is before you determine what steps make the most sense for your lifestyle.
How does the Immune System work?
Simply put, the immune system’s job is to defend your body against disease and illness. As the name implies, it’s not just one organ doing all the work; it is a complex system made of cells in your skin, blood, tissues, and organs that work harmoniously together to protect the body from potentially harmful pathogens (viruses and bacteria). It also helps limit damage from non-infectious agents such as sunburn or cancer.
Much like an orchestra or a band, you want every member and instrument performing at their best. It’s not exactly ideal for one musician performing slower than the others, or one instrument to be twice as loud. The same goes for your immune system. Each component needs to perform according to plan so it can best protect the body.
Busting Immunity Myths
It’s easy to get overloaded with information these days and some of them may do more harm than good. So here are some immunity myths that need to be cleared up once and for all, plus tips that can actually help improve your overall health.
Myth #1: Rapid weight loss can boost immunity.
Research has suggested that obesity can weaken the body’s immune system and reduce its ability to fight off infections. But while weight loss is good for those who are targeting an ideal goal weight, overdoing it through vigorous exercise and extreme dietary measures can be harmful. This kind of rapid weight loss deprives the body of proper nutrition and subjects it to stress– both of which can weaken immunity.
If you are managing your weight, it’s best to talk to your doctor about ways you can do it while ensuring you still get proper nutrition.
Myth #2: Starting an intense workout regimen now can instantly boost immunity.
Much like the previous myth, this sudden and intense lifestyle change may do you more harm than good. Even among active people, frequent intense workouts can be stressful for the body, and people who are just starting to work out may be at risk of overtraining, which actually weakens the immune system.
But the effect of daily moderate exercise on your health and immunity definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re starting out, introduce exercise into your routine gradually and allow time for rest and recovery.
Myth #3: Stress levels have nothing to do with immunity.
Have you ever suddenly gotten sick during a particularly stressful period? That’s because stress causes a lot of health problems, including the weakening of your immune system. Cortisol (the stress hormone) changes the way your white blood cells (your body’s defense cells) react to infections and threats, thus messing with how your immune system works. In addition, unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking and drinking don’t do you any favors either.
While we can only do so much to avoid stressors in our daily lives, look to healthier ways to manage your stress like mindful breathing exercises, journaling, or yoga.
Myth #4: When it comes to taking supplements for immunity, more is always better.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and taking supplements that help boost immunity can be good for the body in general. However, you should be mindful of dosing recommendations to avoid overdose. For example, the upper limit (or the maximum amount you can take in a day that likely won’t cause harm) for vitamin C for adults is 2000 mg per day; too much can cause digestive symptoms like stomach cramps and diarrhea.
The bottom line: anything in excess can be potentially harmful, so stick to the dosing recommendations indicated on your supplement or to what your doctor recommends for you.
Taking (Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc) ImmunPro® to Help Boost Immunity
If you are taking steps to protect yourself from illnesses and viruses, your doctor may recommend a supplement such as (Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc), along with proper diet and exercise.
(Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc) is equipped with Vitamin C and Zinc Plus Tablet Technology that works in two ways: (1) Ensures a stabilized combination of Vitamin C and Zinc, and (2) Provides a convenient, rapidly dissolving tablet that ensures faster absorption.
(Sodium Ascorbate + Zinc) also assures the correct daily dose of Vitamin C and Zinc for increased body resistance and enhanced immune system. This combination of nutrients, along with proper diet and exercise, play an important role in ensuring a stronger immunity to reduce the risk, severity and duration of infectious diseases.
Read more health features and tips on how to boost the immune system and more.
IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.
Sources:
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-system-overview
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22414338/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17303714/
https://www.apa.org/research/action/immune
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5352117/
Share this post on:
