Rejuvenate Your Immune System: Insights from Functional Medicine Expert Jeffrey Bland
Vitamins and supplements like zinc and cod liver oil are frequently promoted for their supposed ability to boost the immune system. However, Jeffrey Bland, known as the “father of functional medicine,” challenges this notion. According to Bland, while these nutrients can help meet daily requirements for proper immune function, they don’t truly “boost” the immune system in the way that vaccinations do. Instead, Bland advocates for a fresh approach, he encourages you to “Rejuvenate Your Immune System.”
Nutrients vs. Rejuvenation
“People often think, ‘I can boost my immune system if I take a lot of vitamins,’ whether it’s vitamin D, vitamin A, or zinc,” Bland says. “But those nutrients don’t boost the immune system; they simply fill gaps for those who are deficient. Boosting the immune system is a physiological effect achieved through vaccinations, not supplementation.”
Instead of focusing exclusively on “boosting” immunity, Bland suggests embracing the concept of rejuvenation. He explains that the cells within our immune system are replaced approximately every four months. According to him, the key question is whether the new cells are as strong, better, or worse than the ones they replace.
Five Practical Steps to Rejuvenate Your Immune System
- Stick to a Mediterranean Diet A diet rich in plant foods, colourful fruits and vegetables, virgin olive oil, and natural meats and fish can provide the nutrients your body needs to function optimally. This eating pattern has been linked to better immune health.
- Prioritize Quality Sleep Sleep is essential for rejuvenation, Bland emphasizes. The body undergoes restorative processes during sleep, making it crucial to optimize both its quality and duration. A nighttime routine that reduces stress levels can significantly improve your ability to rest effectively.
- Engage in Daily Physical Activity Regular movement is vital, but it doesn’t need to be extreme. Activities like walking, dancing, or aerobics for at least 30 minutes a day can greatly benefit the immune system and overall health.
- Drinking two to three glasses of water daily, or around 25 to 30 ounces, ensures proper functioning of bodily processes. Hydration allows the body to manage waste and nutrients efficiently.
- Nurture Positive Relationships Bland explains that Emotional well-being is interconnected with immune health. Relationships that make you feel loved and optimistic can contribute to a healthier immune system. “Your immune system can smile, laugh, have fun, or even cry—it mirrors your emotional state,” he says.
Conclusion: Rejuvenate Your Immune System for Better Health
Bland’s insights remind us that simple lifestyle changes can rejuvenate your immune system and significantly enhance its capabilities. By focusing on proper nutrition, quality sleep, regular physical activity, hydration, and nurturing positive relationships, you can create optimal conditions for your immune cells to thrive.
“Try to think about these steps daily and apply them,” Bland concludes. “[It] can make a significant difference in your immune capability. Rejuvenate your
