Sneaky Things That Lower Your Immunity (And How to Avoid Them!)

PSA: your body is ALWAYS speaking to you!

Whether it’s a subtle whisper or a loud shout, your body is always sending signals—we just need to learn how to listen. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to get caught up in our busy  lives and ignore the signs.

  • Maybe you’re feeling a bit more tired than usual in the afternoons?

  • Do you find yourself getting that uncomfortable bloated feeling after certain meals?

  • Or maybe your skin has been acting up unexpectedly, and you’re wondering why?

These are all subtle signs that your body is trying to tell you something.

So often, we brush off these little signals as just part of getting older or dealing with stress, but they’re actually your body’s way of asking for support. In functional medicine, we know that paying attention to these early whispers can help us prevent bigger issues down the line. The more you tune in to how your body responds—whether it’s to food, stress, or even your environment—the better equipped you’ll be to support your overall health.

Our bodies are incredibly intelligent, and they want to return to balance. But we need to give them space to do so. When you learn to listen—really listen—you’ll start to recognize the early signs of imbalance before they become bigger issues.

The next time you feel “off,” don’t dismiss it. Take a moment to check in with yourself.  What is your body trying to tell you? Are there patterns you’ve noticed? When we start to listen, we can begin to make small changes that have a big impact over time. 

So, what is one signal your body has been sending you lately?  💗 ____________________________________________________________________________

⚠️ Sneaky Things That Lower Your Immunity (And How to Avoid Them!) 

We all know that staying healthy means eating well and getting enough sleep, but there are some sneaky habits and environmental factors that can quietly lower your immunity without you even realizing it. The truth is, these often overlooked factors can wreak havoc on your health. 

Here are some culprits that could be weakening your immune system:

1. Chronic Stress

Stress is one of the biggest immune suppressors. When you’re constantly stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can lower your defenses over time. Managing stress through mindfulness, meditation, or even deep breathing can help you stay resilient.

2. Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is when your body repairs and restores itself. Regularly skimping on sleep weakens your immune response, making you more susceptible to illness. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to give your body time to recharge.

3. Too Much Sugar

Excess sugar, especially from processed foods, can suppress the immune system for hours after consumption. It also feeds harmful bacteria in your gut, which can negatively affect your immune health. Try to cut back on sugary snacks and drinks.

4. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can dry out mucous membranes in your respiratory tract, which are your first line of defense against viruses. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially in colder weather.

5. Overtraining

Yes, exercise is great for immunity, but overdoing it can actually have the opposite effect. Intense workouts without proper recovery can stress the body and weaken your immune defenses. Listen to your body and incorporate rest days into your routine.

6. Sedentary Lifestyle

On the flip side, too much inactivity can reduce circulation and impair immune function. Even light movement, like walking, can help stimulate your immune system and keep it strong.

7.Skipping Meals

Skipping meals can deprive your body of essential nutrients needed for a strong immune response. Your body needs consistent fuel to fight off illness, so make sure you’re eating balanced meals at regular intervals.

8. Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation

Inflammation in the body, often caused by a poor diet, environmental toxins, or stress, can keep your immune system in overdrive. Over time, this wears it down. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in whole foods, can help reduce this load.

9. Excessive Alcohol

Alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can suppress immune function and leave you more vulnerable to infections. Limiting alcohol, especially during flu season, can help your immune system stay strong.

10. Poor Gut Health

Your gut plays a critical role in your immune system. If you’re experiencing digestive issues, that could be a sign your immunity is compromised. Focus on gut-friendly foods like probiotics and fiber-rich veggies to keep your microbiome healthy.

If you’re noticing you get sick often or feel run down, it could be these sneaky things chipping away at your immunity. The good news? Small changes can make a big difference.

If you’re ready to dig deeper into your health, schedule a free discovery call to find out how I can help you boost your immunity naturally. 💗  And check out my favorite hormone-safe products and supplements HERE.

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Supplement Of The Week: Vitamin D 

One of the most common deficiencies I see in my clients is Vitamin D—and it’s often underestimated in how much it can impact immune health. Vitamin D isn’t just about strong bones; it’s a crucial player in keeping your immune system functioning at its best. And since many of us don’t get enough sunlight during colder months, maintaining optimal levels of Vitamin D becomes even more important. 

Here are four key ways Vitamin D helps your immune system stay strong:

1. Enhances Immune Cell Function

Vitamin D plays a direct role in activating immune cells like T-cells and macrophages, which help your body fight off infections. Without enough Vitamin D, your immune system can become sluggish, making you more vulnerable to illnesses.

2. Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can weaken your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to infections. Vitamin D helps regulate and lower inflammation in the body, keeping your immune responses balanced and effective.

3. Supports Respiratory Health

Studies have shown that adequate Vitamin D levels can lower the risk of respiratory infections, like colds, flu, and even more serious conditions like pneumonia. It helps keep the lining of your lungs healthy, providing a stronger barrier against viruses.

4. Boosts Antimicrobial Defenses

Vitamin D enhances the production of antimicrobial peptides, which are your body’s natural antibiotics. These peptides help your body respond quickly to pathogens and reduce the risk of infections taking hold.

Jamie Sheppard