What is immune support?
To help fight off infections from bacteria or viruses, our bodies have a complex system of organs, cells, and more that work together as part of an immune system. Immune support, then, is any action that helps strengthen and maintain a healthy immune system.
Common immune system supports include:
Getting adequate sleep
Reducing stress
Limiting alcohol
Avoiding or stopping smoking
Exercising regularly
Eating a balanced diet
Protein is a vital building block for the immune system
A diet lacking balance and enough of certain nutrients (called malnutrition) can actually weaken the immune system -- making us more susceptible to infection, illness and poor recovery.
Protein in particular is an important nutrient to get enough of, since it is the building block for many parts of our immune system, including:
· Skin (our body’s first line of defense)
· Antibodies (proteins that destroy foreign invaders)
· B cells and T cells (cells that make antibodies)
· Cytokines (protein messengers that coordinate immune responses)
· Other tissues and organs such as the spleen, liver and bone marrow
Supporting a healthy immune system
Aiming to include a source of protein with each meal and snack is a good way to help make sure your body is getting enough. Increasing research is also investigating how specific protein parts, called amino acids, like glutamine, arginine, and cysteine, may be helpful for immune support.
Anea Protein is a complete protein source which offers 24-25 grams of protein per serving towards your daily protein goals as well as the amino acids mentioned to help support immune function!
Other ways you can support your immune system naturally are to:
· Stay hydrated
· Limit added sugars (fun fact: Anea Protein has no more than 2 grams of added sugar per serving.)
· Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity most days
· Find healthy ways to manage stress such as getting outside, listening to music or practicing deep breathing