The immune system⎯which compromises of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs⎯does remarkable job in protecting us from the myriad of viruses, bacteria and harmful substances in our environment. The development of your immune system began before you were born, and a variety of factors influence its activity, both positively and negatively) throughout the life cycle. These factors include age, diet & lifestyle, stress management, gastrointestinal health, toxic & environmental exposures. When any of these areas are out of balance, it puts a tremendous burden on your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to a disease.

An imbalanced immune system can be weaken, causing you prone to infections, or it may increase your risks to autoimmune disorders. Poor diet, lack of exercise, slow digestion, and prolonged toxins exposure can significantly impair your immunologic function. As consequences, chronic immune dysfunction can show in a variety of ways, such as uncontrolled inflammation, increased susceptibility to colds and flues, allergies, and autoimmunity.

 As most of the immune system lives in your gut lining, maintaining proper digestion with micronutrients, antioxidants, and well-balanced of gut microbiome are the essential elements to promote a healthy GI barrier and support your immune system. Consequently, probiotics are getting lots of attention due to research on their health benefits and the two key mechanisms of action—(1) Enhance epithelial barrier, (2) Produce Anti-Microbial substances. Thus, the key message to enhance your immune system can be achieved by taking probiotics, supplements, and other natural agents as they offer many health benefits.

By addressing and understanding these underlying factors, the steps to recovering immune function and optimal health become clear. Through our Integrative Lifestyle Medicine workshops, you will acquire deeper understanding on the specific causes of your immunologic dysfunctions at individual levels and develop a proactive plan to optimize your physiological resilience whilst building reserves needed to support your health.