How To Strengthen Your Menopause Immune System Naturally

Oh, the joys of menopause! It brings with it many a hair-tearing moment, yet barely any delights. But you can help your struggling body (and mind) to fight back by strengtheing your immune system during menopause.

Is chronic fatigue your constant companion? Is stomach discomfort your frequent guest?

Or perhaps your skin has started playing up? You suffer from skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema? Does your face sprout in bouts of angry rash like an edgy teenager?

Have you noticed unexpected weight fluctuations? Do you have unusual cravings for certain foods and then feel crappy after eating them? (I bet it’s the worst health offenders you’re craving most!)

How about your mood? Do you experience mood swings, feelings of anxiety, and even depression? And do you wonder where those might be coming from?

To sum up, do you often feel like a rusty old wreck barely holding your bits together and well on your way to a scrap yard?

Why Is Bacteria So Amazing For Your Body?

If you identify with any of the issues above, chances are your gut might need some TLC.

Because any of those issues I listed above could be signs of poor gut health.

But you don’t need to feel that way. Especially when there is a very simple way to alleviate those symptoms. A simple way to improve your immune system as part of your menopause self care plan.

It’s a common misconception that we need to follow a complex wellness plan and tick off a lot of hard, unpleasant, or costly things on your to-do list to feel great.

When really, one of the easiest ways to improve our well-being is to make friends with bacteria.

‘’Happiness and bacteria have one thing in common; they multiply by dividing!’’

Rutvik Oza

Your body hosts its own ecosystem called the microbiome. The microbiome is a collection of microorganisms, of which the largest constituent is bacteria.

Interesting fact: Did you know that bacteria on our body weighs as much as our brain?

And…

Did you know that you have more microbes than you have human cells?

Crazy, I know.

The point is, some of these bacteria are super friendly.

And like friendship, if you cultivate and nurture your relationship with the good bacteria, they will have your back.

Good bacteria are a very powerful friend to have.

They were one of the first life forms on Earth, they have been around for billions of years, and they are literally everywhere.

Around you, on you, in you, and in between.

Just everywhere.

So these little guys know their stuff.

It’s only natural that in time of need it is to this wealth of ancient goodness we turn to for help.

Why Your Body Needs Good Bacteria

The body contains trillions of bacteria at any given moment. Not all these bacteria are harmful. In fact, good bacteria are important aids for the body.

As the article published by National Centre for Health Research in Washington neatly explains:

 ‘’Each person has a personalized collection of bacteria, called the microbiome. We acquire our first bacteria while being born, and every day our environment exposes us to more. Some of these bacteria will take up residence inside the body and help develop a robust immune system.’’

Acting as your body’s defense system, the microbiome protects you against harmful bacteria, pathogens.

Pathogens are the bad guys causing infections and diseases.

But the realities of modern living weaken the microbiome, thus allowing pathogens to run amok. And it’s causing us to not only feel crappy but also develop serious health conditions.

Obsession with cleanliness and too much cleaning, as well as excessive use of antibacterial products means that we’re literally deconstructing our defense system.

So it’s important to encourage the good bacteria and go easy on over-the-top cleaning and scrubbing.

Why Is Bacteria Important For Your Gut Health?

Here are some reasons why your body needs good bacteria just as much as you need to reduce the bad bacteria.

Most people know the immune system is a vital part of overall health.

Did you know that your gastrointestinal tract affects a large part of the immune system?

There are hundreds of bacteria that are living in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. But to build up a strong immune system to see you through the menopause, it’s important to have higher levels of good bacteria.

There are vast benefits to having a normal level of good bacteria. For example, healthy digestion relies on good bacteria. The bacteria help break down foods, particularly carbohydrates. They also aid in fatty acid absorption.

Good bacteria help prevent a pathogen invasion and aid cells in repairing damaged tissues. Your immune system benefits from a boost provided by good bacteria.

Most notably, an ideal level of good bacteria will work to keep bad bacteria levels in check, naturally fighting off illnesses and diseases.

‘’To declare war on ninety-nine percent of bacteria when less than percent of them threaten our health makes no sense. Many of the bacteria we’re killing are our protectors.’’

Sandor Katz

In addition to all its other benefits, a healthy level of good bacteria can help fight heart issues. Blood sugar, inflammation, and cholesterol can all be impacted by good bacteria. Dietary choices and probiotic supplements are often recommended in maintaining a healthy heart.

Simple Ways to Boost Your Menopause Immune System with Good Bacteria

One way to keep your good bacteria levels higher is through dietary choices. Whole foods such as fruits, beans, and yogurt contain natural good bacteria. Whole-grain foods especially are rich in fiber. When broken down by good bacteria, soluble fiber helps with maintaining weight keeping that belly fat at bay!

Below are a few lists to help with your gut health maintenance.

Food for Healthy Gut:

• Whole grains (oats, barley, quinoa, bulger)
• Vegetables
• Fruits (especially apples, blueberries, raspberries)
• Legumes (beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas)
• Nuts (almonds, pistachios)
• Fermented food (yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, tempeh)
• Dark chocolate
• Spices (especially turmeric and ginger)

Foods with anti-inflammatory properties:

• Onions
• Garlic
• Broccoli
• Red grapes
• Blueberries
• Almonds
• Cocoa
• Green tea
• Red wine

How to Boost Your Menopause Immune System with Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics? You’ve heard of probiotics, but what are prebiotics? And what’s the difference?
Probiotics are bacteria that you definitely want in your gut for the health benefits they confer.

They are contained in foods like yogurt, pickles (the refrigerated ones), olives, some cheeses, and a number of exotic foods such as miso and kimchi, as well as food additives.

‘’Support bacteria – they’re the only culture some people have.’’

Steven Wright

These bacteria help in the treatment of problems like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome and in keeping your colon healthy.

But probiotics need food to survive and multiply. The cells that line the colon (colonocytes) and the good bacteria work together to protect you from an invasion of harmful germs into your body, thereby preventing disease.

They depend on the nourishment gleaned from food that is not digested in the stomach and small intestine. That’s where prebiotics come in.

Those indigestible foods are the prebiotics, foods that serve as energy sources for the probiotics and good bacteria in the colon.

Prebiotics contain indigestible starches and polysaccharides that ferment in the upper gut. The products of this fermentation are the food sources for the probiotics.

Affordable Prebiotics Foods to Improve Your Gut Health

• Onions – Both raw and cooked.
• Bananas – Try to get them slightly unripe.
• Asparagus – Tasty and good for you.
• Oats – Whole oats are available in cereals.
• Apples – They also reduce cholesterol.
• Wheat bran – Also available in cereals.
• Chicory root – Sometimes used as a coffee substitute.
• Leeks – Also an excellent source for vitamin K.
• Dandelion greens – They make a great salad.
• Jerusalem artichoke – Either raw or cooked.
• Radishes – Great in salads.
• Cabbage – Preferably raw, but also as sauerkraut.

Health Benefits of Prebiotics

• Improvement in diarrhea, both caused by bacteria and by antibiotics.
• Relief from the symptoms of both diarrhea and constipation in irritable bowel syndrome.
• Improvement in the symptoms and decreased inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
• Protection against cancer of the colon by keeping the colonocytes healthy.
• Aids in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Helps absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

What About Antibiotics and Immune System?

Try not to rely on antibiotic medications unless it is necessary. Antibiotics target and destroy bacteria that cause illness and infection.

Unfortunately, antibiotics cannot distinguish between good and bad bacteria. Good bacteria get destroyed as well.

However, there are foods that act as natural antibiotics, without having any negative impact on the good bacteria.

Here Are 11 Natural Antibiotics I Swear By:

• Garlic
• Onions
• Ginger
• Clove
• Myrrh extract
• Honey (especially Manuka)
• Echinacea
• Oregano (essential oil)
• Thyme (essential oil)
• Goldenseal
• Probiotics

If you need antibiotics, try to increase your intake of good bacteria following treatment to help bring levels back up and help the immune system recover.

How Cleaning Products Affect Immune System

Limit the use of disinfectants. Most people today rely too heavily on hand sanitizers and wash their hands too frequently.

Although it might be the logical way to avoid illness, it can harm your immune system’s ability to naturally fight off illness.

Without exposure to germs and other pathogens, the immune system cannot make its own antibodies.

When you do get sick, because not all germ-killing aids kill all germs, your immune system struggles and must work harder to fight the illness.

Why not try these products of nature with amazing cleaning properties?

4 Tips For Home-made cleaning:

• oregano essential oil
• vinegar
• water
• lemon

Your health depends a lot on what you eat. Even if you are young and healthy, consuming a diet of healthy foods will help to keep your body strong and vigorous.

If you have any type of chronic disease, or if you are getting older, your diet becomes even more important. 

They say laughter is wonderful medicine but so is food, some say. Start treating your body to the foods it needs and deserves. Support your immune system with good nourishment and sail through the perils of menopause like a pro.