With winter fast approaching here in Australia, now is the time to prioritise your immune health. You’re probably wondering what detoxing has to do with the winter flu? Well quite a lot actually! Let’s take a closer look.
Detoxification is all about helping your body process and remove toxins. When our detox pathways are overloaded it can put stress on our body, particularly on the immune system. When your immune system is stressed, it's like opening the front door of your home and welcoming in all sorts of colds, flu and even chronic inflammation. Our detoxification pathway is closely connected to our digestive tract. Detoxing can help restore the balance in your gut microbiome by reducing the burden of toxins and encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria.
So why is this important for our immune health? About 70% of our immune system is actually located in the gut! A 2022 study in the journal Immunology, found that reducing toxin exposure can improve immune function, making it easier for your body to fight off pathogens. Our digestive tract does so much more than just metabolise the food we eat, it's also where a huge chunk of your immune system lives.
A well balanced gut microbiome means toxins have a greater chance of breaking down more effectively into less harmful ones. However, if your gut is out of balance or you have ‘dysbiosis’, it can create a ripple effect leading to digestive issues, inflammation and a weakened immune response. A more diverse gut microbiome is linked to a stronger immune system. By lightening the toxin load in your body, you allow your immune cells to focus on what's important—like fighting off that nasty bug your coworker brought to the office, or your child brought home from daycare.
6 steps to building stronger immunity this winter:
Eat a diverse range of whole foods
Focus on a wide variety of plant sources to diversify your gut microbiome. As mentioned earlier, this will help to fight off unwanted pathogens and bacteria during winter. Load up on immunity booster foods like veggies, especially those rich in fibre, like broccoli and kale. Fibre helps move waste through your digestive system and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
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Stay hydrated
Water is your best friend when it comes to detoxing and is an easy one to forget during the cooler months. Aim for at least eight glasses a day to keep things flowing smoothly.
Exercise daily
Movement boosts circulation and helps your body eliminate toxins through sweat. Plus, it's a great stress reliever which means a happier gut!
Prioritise sleep
Sleep is when your body does most of its repair and detoxification. Aim for 7-9 hours a night to keep your immune system and gut in top shape.
Manage stress
Chronic stress can cause chaos to your immune system and gut health. Find activities that help you relax, whether it's yoga, meditation, or simply taking time to read a good book. Make this personal to you so you are able to practice stress management daily.
