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Importance of Strong Immune Systems and Vitamin D


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    We have all been recently educated on social distancing, wearing masks, how long viruses can stick to certain surfaces, the importance of good hygiene and the importance of 'flattening the curve' with temporary shelter-in-place or safer-at-home orders.

    But what you don't hear talked about that much is our own immune systems, and what we could be doing, both as individuals and as a country, to strengthen them.

    The data so far on those our current viral outbreak strongly suggests this particular novel one is far more fatal or devastating to those with compromised immune systems. Your immune system could be weakened or vulnerable from any number of underlying health conditions, or just from simply being very up there in age, most vulnerably 80+ years old. Elderly individuals by and large have far weaker immune systems than a healthy counterpart in their 20s - 50s.

    Now I'm not saying all you have to do is have a great immune system and you are 100% good and you for sure won't get any virus or have any adverse effects. That's certainly not true. But the numbers strongly suggest the better your immune system is the less likely it is you'll suffer any serious or fatal effects upon contraction.

    Hopefully with proper disclaimers out of the way, wanted to discuss some good practices in general for being more healthy and strengthening your immune system in an effort to be able to combat alien viruses. I'll start this off by bringing up the importance of Vitamin D.

    Get sunshine / Supplement with Vitamin D. The science isn't exactly settled on if Vitamin D alone can help combat or prevent viruses. But there are at least 8 current clinical trials trying to get to the bottom of this.

    I recommend watching this video as well. Regardless of your like/dislike for Rogan, his guest is a well educated doctor and speaks in depth on the subject. She actually says that up to 4,000 IUS/day is optimal, but of course with the disclaimer of consulting with your doctor first.

    Getting out of the house and into the sunshine on a regular basis seems to be a very good idea, especially right now. Of course as long as you do your best to practice proper social distancing measures that are in place depending on your location. And if that isn't an option for you for whatever reason, whether it be for mobility reasons, a lack of sunshine or whatever, you can instead supplement. Vitamin D supplements are very inexpensive and long term studies don't suggest any harm in taking them. I am personally opting for both right now. Supplementing and getting at least 30 minutes to 1 hr a day if I can in direct sunlight.

    Other ways to boost your immune system we can discuss - exercise, hydration, proper sleep, nutritious diet, supplementing with other vitamins (like B vitamins or high dose Vitamin C).

    Drop any knowledge you have on proven or interesting immune boosting practices. Seems more important than ever and perhaps we can all get into a better habit of putting our health first, in a preventative way, for future outbreaks and just being less vulnerable as a country to health issues in general.

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    I've been shocked at how little we have heard about the importance of having a healthy lifestyle these past few months. The reporting seems almost exclusively geared towards sensationalizing "unique" cases of seemingly young and healthy people getting very sick, which is scary, but it paints a distorted picture of things.

    What I wish was talked about more is what you wrote about here. There is literally zero down side to having a healthy immune system.

    For the vast majority of us, it really is as simple as "diet and exercise." I fully understand there are number of conditions both inherited or not that this saying does not apply to and am in no way trying to minimize those peoples struggles, but for those of us who don't have a medical condition, diet and exercise are three words to live by.

    I take a Vitamin D supplement because I live in the Pacific Northwest and it rains here for nine months of the year, but I'm able to get the rest of recommended nutrients by eating a diet heavy in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. I also do some form of exercise every single day. My wife and I have been sequestered in our home since early March, but I have ventured outside multiple times a day to walk my dog, go on a run, or just enjoy a walk around my neighborhood. Literally any exercise helps our body and mind.

    It would be nice if our leaders focused much more on how a healthy body and mind boosts our immune systems. It wouldn't only help us now, but as you said, it will help us in the future.

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    CasJadia Wrote:

    It would be nice if our leaders focused much more on how a healthy body and mind boosts our immune systems. It wouldn't only help us now, but as you said, it will help us in the future.

    Agreed. I'm guessing it doesn't push any agendas, and therefore is moot point. Also take into consideration how spotted our government's reputation has been when it comes to recommending what considered a healthy lifestyle to Americans. I do echo both of your views exactly.

    One thing that came to mind, what about environmental factors that have been proven to compromise one's immune system? I'm sure many factory workers who deal with harmful chemicals and fumes have the potential to have compromised immune systems.