Boosting Your Immune System

Transcription

1 Boosting Your Immune System Presented by BHS Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved. 1 Training Summary Our bodies are constantly working to heal and repair cell damage and to protect us from bacteria, viruses, toxins and cancer cells on a daily basis. Lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on how well our immune system functions. This seminar will provide a general understanding of the immune system and how healthy lifestyle choices can support its function. Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved BHS, All rights reserved. 1

2 What Is the Immune System? Inflammation is an inherent function of the immune system and occurs when the body is injured by toxins, trauma, bacteria or any other cause. The main structure is found in the skin (outside the body) and in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and long bones (inside the body). Both red and white cells are created in bone marrow. Specialized white cells are also created in your bones. The white cells produce antibodies. The lymph system filters toxins in your body. The thymus is responsible for producing T-cells. Source: Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved. 3 Six Steps to a Stronger Body 1. Eat Right 2. Hydrate 3. Get Enough Sleep 4. Exercise Regularly 5. Manage Emotions 6. Avoid Alcohol or Consume Alcohol in Moderation Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved BHS, All rights reserved. 2

3 Eat Right Our Environment In Western cultures, certain diseases, including some cancers, have increased rapidly over the last 40 years. Many of the pollutants and byproducts of manufacturing as it is done in the U.S. are left behind in our air and waterways. Human beings are at the top of the food chain. We eat animals and fish who live in these environments. Toxic chemicals are found in the blood and urine of Americans of all ages. Source: Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved. 5 Power Foods Mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake, kawaratake and enokitake mushrooms stimulate the immune system. Berries, plums, peaches and nectarines contain many antioxidants. Spices and herbs have active ingredients that are medicinal in nature. Green tea is rich in polyphenols is an antioxidant and detoxifier. Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved BHS, All rights reserved. 3

4 Hydrate Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. Poor hydration weakens the body's immune system and leads to chemical, nutritional and ph imbalances, which can eventually cause sickness and premature aging. Recommended water consumptions: Men: 3 L (13 cups) Women: 2.2 L (9 cups) Sources: and Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved. 7 Get Enough Sleep Deep sleep stimulates the immune system. Studies have shown significant impact to immune functioning after a few days of partial sleep deprivation. The average adult needs between 7 and 8 hours per night. Source: Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved BHS, All rights reserved. 4

5 Exercise Regularly Exercise stimulates the defense mechanisms of the body. Those who are physically active have a lower cancer rate. Exercise reduces excessive hormone production and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. Physical exercise helps to remove toxins from the body. Exercise has a direct effect on the immune system. Regular exercise promotes a positive mood. Source: Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved. 9 Manage Emotions Unmanaged stress creates excessive cortisol levels in the body and can lead to adrenal exhaustion. Stress slows down tissue repair, digestion and immune function. Studies show that feelings of helplessness feed cancer cells. We have the capacity to mobilize immune cells. Stress can not be eliminated but we can choose our reaction. Source: Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved BHS, All rights reserved. 5

6 Avoid Alcohol or Consume Alcohol in Moderation Alcohol abuse can lead to immunodeficiency. Moderate use of alcohol has not been linked to any negative effects on the immune system. Source: Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved. 11 Get in the Driver s Seat Take responsibility for your health and your life. Choose to live a healthy lifestyle. Recognize the healing power of the body. Nourish the desire to live and celebrate life. Ask for support when you need it. Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved BHS, All rights reserved. 6

7 Personal Action Plan Based on today s training, what are two strategies you can begin working on to better your life? List obstacles that may get in your way (i.e. cost, time, fear), and identify plans to get around them. Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved. 13 About BHS BHS is in the business of bettering lives so employees bring their best selves to work. Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved BHS, All rights reserved. 7

8 Contact BHS Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Language Line / TTY Accessible Access Your MyBHS Portal: Visit click My BHS Portal, enter your company s username and click LOGIN NOW. Call: Visit: BHS. All rights reserved BHS, All rights reserved. 8