In today's world, keeping your family healthy is a top priority. And to do that, you need to keep everyone’s immune system working at its best. 

Therefore, it's important to understand how the immune system works. 

Let’s dive into the basics of the immune system, and discover easy ways for you and your kids to keep your immune systems supercharged. 

The different parts of the immune system

The immune system has 2 different parts:

• Innate immune system
• Adaptive immune system

Innate Immune System

The innate immune system’s job is to keep harmful germs from entering your body. It’s made up of physical barriers (like skin) and cellular barriers. 

Areas like the lining in your nose and mouth work to prevent germs from getting in. There are also certain cells that will try to stop a germ from making you sick if it gets past the physical barriers.

However, the innate immune system has its limits. It may be super fast to protect your body, but it doesn’t remember past germs. It treats every germ like it’s the first time it’s seen it.

Adaptive Immune System

The adaptive immune system is the “memory” system in your body. 

Your antibodies and immune cells learn about the germs that make you sick. When that germ shows up again, it remembers how to fight it. Your immune system then knows how to fight it off faster and more effectively.

Tips for a healthy immune system

To help strengthen both parts of your immune system, there are several steps you can take to keep both the innate and adaptive immune systems working their best.

Eat a balanced diet.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables containing a variety of vitamins and antioxidants keeps your body working like it should. 

Leafy greens, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and quercetin-rich foods like broccoli, apples, and onions are a few powerful immune boosters.

Complete regular exercise.

Exercise improves your circulation & cell function and also helps detoxify the body. By working out regularly, you help build up your various body systems.

Aim for 150 minutes of exercise a week.

Get quality sleep.

Your body sleeps to help regenerate and strengthen its defenses.

You know your body and what works for you. But aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. For kids, that will depend on their age. But they may need anywhere from 9 to 14 hours of sleep. Earlier bedtimes (by 9-10 p.m. according to age) are especially helpful.

Manage your stress.

Stress will weaken your immune system. 

So find ways that work for you to manage it. Practice meditation, start doing yoga, go for a walk, listen to soothing music, or explore creative options like painting.

Stay hydrated.

Most people aren’t drinking enough water. And your body needs water to support the proper functioning of your immune system.

A good rule to figure out how much water to drink is to take your weight and divide it in half. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink 75 ounces of water a day (this can include teas and flavored water!). But never drink more than one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.

Take herbal supplements.

Herbal supplements can help fill the gaps in your diet and provide specific nutrients that are hard to add to your diet. Vitamin D3 (with vitamin K2), probiotics, and fermented foods are also highly recommended.

Dr. Rydland has 3 liquid herbal supplements designed to support your immune system.

• Adult & Childrens Immune Formula is made with wild crafted herbs to help fight the common cold, flu, bronchitis, and more!
• Adult & Childrens Candida Yeast (also known as Candibiome) Formula helps reduce and eliminate Candida and other yeasts that cause intestinal issues leading to problems like chronic infections or diarrhea.
• Family Daily Defense is a preventive tonic that fights off germs picked up at school, preschool, daycare, air travel, and more!

Combining these tips together is a powerful plan to support your family’s immune system!

Let’s keep you and your family feeling healthy all year round.

Want more ways to help your kids stay healthy? 

Read Keep Your Child Healthy at Daycare With These 5 Tips and How to Avoid or Prevent Back-to-School Sickness.

Cheers to wellness!