How Can I Optimize My Immune System?

Given the Covid-19 epidemic, many people are wondering what they can do to keep their immune system running at peak efficiency. I have fielded this question from clients for many years. Here is how I answer them:

To keep your immune system in great shape, you need to focus on 4 areas:

1) Eat healthy. Follow a low glycemic load Mediterranean diet. This includes:

-Lean and healthy protein sources like beans, nuts, chicken and fish. 

-Low glycemic carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

-Healthy vegetable fats like olive oil, canola oil, nuts and avocados.

2) Exercise. Cardiovascular exercise should be in the range of 150-180 minutes per week. Also be sure to hit the weights at least twice per week. Keep exercise intensity moderate. Too much exercise can result in overtraining which will actually impair immune function.

3) Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

4) Engage in some type of stress reducing program each and every day. This can be meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing or yoga. Shoot for at least 10 minutes of focused stress reduction per day.