5 ways to protect yourself this cold and flu season

Probiotics, daily exercise, and more sleep? Count us in. Hi {NAME}, As the fall and winter mark increased circulation of respiratory viruses, many are looking for effective and holistic ways to protect themselves (and their family) all season long. One of the key areas to consider is the nurturing of your gut-immune axis—the collection of intricate pathways connecting your immune system to your gut. With your gut microbiome housing the [largest number]() of immune cells in the body (roughly 70%), your gut plays a fundamental role in fine-tuning the functioning of your immune system. Through extensive cross-communication with your immune receptors and cells, your gut microbes modulate your immune system—helping it recognize pathogens while maintaining proper immune responses within the body. Cultivating a healthy gut microbiome can have positive effects on your immune and whole-body health, so here are five ways you can protect yourself now: - Focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods At IIN, we believe food has the power to heal, so it’s especially important to up your intake of nutrient-dense, immune-supporting foods during the cold and flu season. From darky leafy greens like kale and spinach to nuts/seeds, and citrus fruits including oranges and grapefruit, you should aim to integrate these natural powerhouses in your daily diet. - Create better sleep habits [It’s no secret]() that a well-rested body is more likely to respond effectively to illness than one that’s fatigued or run down. Consistent sleep optimizes your circadian rhythm, lowers stress hormones, and helps the body to repair itself – all of which have an impact on our capacity to ward off illness. Getting adequate sleep each night can make all the difference in building resilience and supporting your body with the important functions it performs. - Prioritize daily movement Getting regular exercise has many benefits, including weight management, digestive regularity and increased [circulation]() of immune cells in the body. It may also contribute to better sleep – all factors that contribute to a healthier immune system. Going for a light jog, biking, or partaking in an exercise class are great ways to get your heart rate up and keep the endorphins flowing! - Practice relaxation and stress management Many of us are guilty of taking on too much, which can leave us feeling frazzled and burnt out. Living in a frequent state of high stress can sabotage your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Whether it’s running a bath, reading a book or meditating, know when it’s time to listen to your body and “turn off” so your body and mind get the rest they deserve. - Take Seed's DS-01TM Daily Synbiotic Several of the strains in [Seed’s DS-01™ Daily Synbiotic]() (a prebiotic and probiotic in one!) have been shown in clinical and scientific studies to support a range of benefits within the gastrointestinal system, including gut immune function. In addition, specific strains found in DS-01™ have been observed to help reinforce gut-barrier integrity through the production of short chain fatty acids, while beneficially modulating the expression of gut-immune associated gene markers and cells. As part of the IIN community, you can see what Seed’s DS-01™ is all about with 15% off your order. Just used code IINFOREVER [here]()! To good health, IIN Alumni Team Follow Us [facebook]() [instagram]() [Youtube]() [linkedin]() Institute for Integrative Nutrition ® 245 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA U.S. [(877) 780-5435]() | International [+1 (212) 257-6171]() Chat with us on [WhatsApp]() [Schedule a call to learn more]() [Apply Now]() [admissions@integrativenutrition.com]() [Institute for Integrative Nutrition]() [Privacy Policy]() You received this email because you subscribed to Integrative Nutrition's communications by website, phone, email, request or at an event. To ensure our emails reach your inbox, please add [admissions@integrativenutrition.com]() to your address book. [Click here to unsubscribe]( or update your Integrative Nutrition email preferences on the following link: [Update your subscription preferences.]()