An often-overlooked area of health and immune function is mental health. To some, it may sound obvious that mental health would play a role in immunity, to others, that may sound crazy. Mental health does, however, affect our immunity. Here is how:
Everything starts with your brain. When you breathe, your brain sends a signal to your lungs to bring in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. When you. Stomach digests food, you brain is telling it to do that. When you walk around, your brain is signaling to your body what to do. Everything starts at the brain.
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health struggle, your brain is likely not sending the right signals somewhere. It may be over or under producing certain chemicals and hormones. If you have ever dealt with mental health issues, you know how it can affect your mood and how you are feeling. This can result in decreased immunity as your brain may not produce the right amount and dose of certain chemicals and hormones. Additionally, when someone is struggling with mental health issues, they are less likely do go outside, participate in social gatherings, and may even isolate inside and begin making poor food choices. This plus a lack of exercise can be devastating for your immunity.
Mental health is crucial in your immunity. Some simple things that can help are getting outside, talking up a workout routine or a new hobby. If you are struggling with mental health and nothing seems to be helping, reach out to a professional so they can assist. Now more than ever, we need to make sure we have our mind in a good place.
If you want to try out a new diet or workout routine, let us know and we can help you out! You can schedule a call here:
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-Al