Tag Archives: immune system

5 key insights from the Pediatric Immune Health Summit.

5 Key Insights From The Pediatric Immune Health Summit

November 4, 2023

Between October 26-28, dedicated pediatric health professionals gathered in Boston, MA, for three immersive days of cutting-edge education, hands-on clinical training, dynamic networking, and vital knowledge sharing at the Pediatric Immune Health Summit.

Throughout the expertly curated program, attendees gained exclusive access to the latest insights and integrative strategies from pioneering thought leaders in functional pediatric medicine. Across 30 information-packed sessions, presenters offered an in-depth exploration of timely pediatric immune health topics ranging from the implications of polyvagal theory for pediatric patients to optimizing early childhood development through the gut microbiome.

The Pediatric Immune Health Summit was an exceptional educational experience, and we want to ensure that the groundbreaking insights presented extend beyond the conference walls. We’ve distilled five of the most impactful lectures into key clinical takeaways so you, too, can benefit from the trailblazing education presented at this highly anticipated pediatric event.

Read on for a summary of standout sessions and actionable pearls you can integrate into your practice right away.

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Finding Balance With The Immune System

June 2, 2022

By James LaValle, RPh, CCN, MT 

One of the biggest things that can work against us when it comes to mounting a strong immune defense is increased inflammation. When your immune system is working to kill a bacteria or a virus – the immune cells themselves creates inflammatory substances. That’s part of how they fight the bugs.  If your body is already under metabolic stress (due to an unhealthy diet, being overweight or having a condition like heart disease or diabetes), the continued inflammation signaling from the immune cells can lead to metaflammation and inflammageing. Anything that causes chronic inflammation impairs our immune response and anything that prevents or fights inflammation helps it. This is why lifestyle choices like managing our weight, eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity and adequate sleep are so important. Many of us struggle to accomplish healthier diets and overall health-oriented lifestyles, and this is where supplemental support can help.

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How to Boost the Immune System in Times of Global Epidemic

March 6, 2020

There have now been over 290 cases of confirmed novel coronavirus in the United States and a total of 14 deaths related to the disease. The number of infected individuals outside of mainland China – the epicenter of the virus – is quickly rising and increasingly becoming a cause of global public health concern. As the epidemic continues to spread worldwide with no current solution, worries of a pandemic are profound; hand sanitizer and facial mask supplies are being depleted by anxious individuals hoping to protect themselves from exposure in this still uncontrolled situation.

External protection including virus protection masks may have the opposite of their intended effect, increasing the risk of infection instead. Frequent and proper hand-washing is consistently proving to be the most effective method of preventing the disease, while reducing exposure to COVID-19 is imperative – as is fortifying the body’s natural defense system.

Protecting the Immune System

With the number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases escalating, now is the time to focus on boosting the immune system to naturally protect the body from the evolving epidemic and effectively fight off the infection.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – by following good-health guidelines – is vital to naturally keep the immune system strong and functioning at its optimal capacity. Individuals hoping to protect their immune system or boost its strength should employ healthy living strategies such as: regular exercise, weight management, conscious nutritional choices, limited alcohol consumption, and adequate sleep patterns. Further, it is important to minimize stress levels as cortisol overproduction can impair immune functioning; ensuring a healthy work-life balance, taking breaks when necessary, and incorporating meditation along with other stress-reduction techniques can help support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Boosting Immunity

While there are no quick tips to immediately boost the health of the immune system, there are several practices that can help promote optimal immune functioning over time. For example, eating foods rich in antioxidants – such as berries, garlic, and onions – can reduce the risk of virus infection as well as consuming anti-inflammatory foods on a daily basis – such as fresh vegetables and fruits – which lower body-wide inflammation, supporting systemic functions, and combating age-related chronic diseases.

Ensuring quality sleeping patterns is essential to rebuilding a struggling immune system as is the avoidance of toxins. Minimizing exposure to chlorinated drinking water, pesticides, aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pollution, and food additives can help protect against the negative effects of common toxins on the body’s immunity.

Due to its systemic nature, the immune system is challenging to boost with a singular solution. Therefore, following a holistic, healthy lifestyle, avoiding noxious elements, and reducing stress levels can have a profound impact on immune functioning. Although none of these solutions are “quick-fixes” to staying healthy in the face of a global epidemic, improving current lifestyle habits can greatly boost both physical and mental long-term health, making the body less susceptible to viruses and diseases while minimizing their severity if they do occur.