Immunity 101 - your barrier

Although we generally think more about our immune system in the winter - it is just as important during the summer.  For you to have the best summer of wellness - I am going to break down key components of your immune system and how to support yourself as you work, travel, relax, and enjoy numerous social engagements.

Your immune system has essentially three layers: the physical barrier to the outside, your innate immune system; and your adaptive immune system.  

The physical barrier is your skin and all the mucosal linings where your skin isn’t like your eyes, nose, and eyes.  This first line of defense filters out most of the microbes that you encounter in your day.  Keeping them strong is important.  This is where seeking healthy skin goes far beyond looking good.  When your skin is compromised: the other aspects of your immune system have to work harder - but the caveat is what compromises the skin also weakens your innate and adaptive immune system.

So how do we reinforce the skin and mucosal barrier?
Action : avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. When skin is irritated - avoid scratching or rubbing.  Scratching, for example an insect bite, creates microtears in the skin that weaken the barrier.  

Hydration: the integrity of our mucosal linings depends on proper hydration.  If you are over 60, I want you to hydrate by numbers - do not rely on thirst.  If you should be drinking 64 oz, then drink 64 ounces.  Our sensation of thirst diminishes with age. 

Vitamin A : is your eye health vitamin and plays a role in tear film (aka your eye immune system) and ocular surface health - again related to your physical immune system barrier.  This is NOT a call for vitamin A supplementation.  It is reason to increase the dark leafy greens, carrots, red peppers, and sweet potatoes.  Eating a plant centered diet like jolie gives you all the vitamin A you need.

Have a cup of berries everyday.  This is my favorite mid-afternoon snack.  Do this and eat more vegetables - It will supply you with all the  vitamin c you need without supplements. Vitamin C is absolutely necessary for your body to make collagen.

Julia
​xo