What Is the Common Cold?

The common cold is different from the flu because it usually stays in the sinuses. A cold can happen anytime a year, but is more common in winter months. It usually lasts a week, but the post cold cough can last longer.

What Is the Immune System?

The immune system is designed to protect the body from infections and illness, and is essential for life. Immunity is located throughout the entire body, although about 70% of it is located in the gut. There are two immune systems, the innate, and the adaptive. The innate immune system mounts the initial response, and if the illness persists, the adaptive immune system takes over. This system consists of a lot of NK (natural killer) cells, and is designed to remember infections so you don’t get them again.

Tactics To Improve the Immune System

1. Bone broth

Bone broth is excellent for the immune system. This is in part do to it’s rich amino acid content, such as glycosaminoglycans and collagen. We also know that it’s great for joint health by restoring collagen levels.

2. Medicinal mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are a category that have thousands of years of documented history. They have been used from everything to immune function, to disease support. They are know as adaptogens. This means that they help your body be more resilient toward stress. These include chaga, reishi, cordryceps, and lions mane.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is critical for the immune system. It’s been shown to modulate the innate and adaptive immune response. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked with autoimmune disease.

4. Water

Part of waters function is to build immune cells. Make sure to have high quality water because some toxins in the municipal water supply may negatively impact the immune system.

5. Movement

Movement helps move the lymphatic system, which helps transport immune cells throughout the body. One study found that a 30 minute walk boosted blood counts for neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and natural killer cells. Rebounding is also an excellent from of movement for the lymphatic system. It involves bouncing on a mini trampoline, which has many positive health effects.