When you become an adult, your idea of time off changes drastically.

A day off for me often means doing the chores I neglected throughout the week, picking up groceries, making sure my kids get to their activities or are entertained, and of course, going to doctor’s appointments to make sure I’m in tip top shape.

Sometimes I don’t want to drive to my doctor, wait 30 minutes for them to call me, have a 10 minute conversation and then head to the lab to get testing done. That’s my whole day off!

That said, regular health check-ups are emphasized for a reason – they are one of our primary ways of assessing current and future health, and making sure to address any red flags immediately before it turns into a long-term health issue.

Health check-ups help assess whether our immunity is in tip top shape, or if we need nutrient or lifestyle changes to boost our immunity and protect our bodies from harmful pathogens. 

Stick with me – by the end of this email, I hope you’ll book or keep your upcoming health assessment appointment (we offer these in our office, too!) and be able to start boosting your immune health in Downtown Chicago IL today.

---

CONCEPT: INNATE IMMUNITY

Innate immunity, also known as nonspecific immunity, is the first line of defense against pathogens that an organism possesses from birth. It involves a range of physical, chemical, and cellular mechanisms that are ready to respond to infection immediately or within hours. Unlike adaptive immunity, which is tailored to specific pathogens and has memory, innate immunity is generalized and does not have memory. For example, the skin, mucous membranes, and inflammation all serve as innate immunity defenses.

Supporting our innate immunity leads to several benefits:

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: Innate immunity can respond to a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, offering broad-spectrum protection.
• Immediate Response: It acts immediately or within hours of pathogen exposure, providing rapid protection.
• Reduces Disease Severity: A strong innate immune response can reduce the severity of infections, leading to quicker recovery and fewer complications.
• Maintains Homeostasis: It helps maintain homeostasis by clearing dead cells and repairing tissues, ensuring that the body's internal environment remains stable.

Innate immunity is crucial for the immediate defense against infections and for shaping the subsequent adaptive immune response. Its broad-spectrum capabilities ensure that the body can quickly respond to a diverse array of pathogens.

---

ACTION 1: HEALTH CHECK-UPS

Ensuring that your immune system, including innate immunity, is functioning optimally involves various health check-ups and screenings. These check-ups help detect potential issues early, enabling timely intervention.

Here are types of health check-ups and why they are important:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC measures different components of the blood, including white blood cells (WBCs), which are crucial for immune function. Abnormal WBC counts can indicate infections, inflammation, or immune disorders.
• Nutritional Deficiency Tests: Deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and iron can impair immune function. Testing for these nutrients ensures that dietary or supplemental adjustments can be made if necessary.
• Inflammatory Markers: Tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measure inflammation levels in the body. Chronic inflammation can indicate ongoing immune system issues or conditions like autoimmune diseases.
• Liver and Kidney Function Tests: The liver and kidneys play roles in detoxifying the body and maintaining overall health, which indirectly supports the immune system. Dysfunction in these organs can compromise immune responses.

If you already have a membership with our office lab testing is included and personalized to you. If not, feel free to check-in with me or a health professional about what labs you should have done and how often.

 

Regular health check-ups tailored to your age, health status, and risk factors are essential for preventative care and maintaining a robust immune system and overall health.

---

ACTION 2: MODERATE EXERCISE

Moderate exercise reduces inflammation, improves the circulation of innate immune cells such as macrophages, and can enhance physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes. Exercise is also linked to improved sleep quality; as we discussed last week, poor sleep can impair and dampen immune function!

Here are some examples of moderate exercise you can try:

• Sports and Recreational Activities: Engage in sports like tennis, basketball, or even active games with your children, nieces, and nephews.
• Group Exercise Classes: Join group classes like aerobics, Zumba, or spinning, which provide a structured environment for moderate exercise.
• Dancing: Participate in a dance class or simply dance at home for 30 minutes to your favorite music.
• Walking or Jogging: Aim for 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week or light jogging or running for 20-30 minutes at a time. Adjust the intensity to ensure it feels moderate, not strenuous.
• Household Activities: Activities such as gardening, cleaning, or washing the car can count as moderate exercise if they raise your heart rate and get you moving.

By incorporating moderate exercise into your routine, you can boost your innate immunity and improve your cardiovascular fitness!

---

FUN FACT