Nurturing Resilience: How to Support Your Body Against Environmental Changes

From outside air pollution to indoor cleaning products, from fluffy canine companions to beautiful bouquets, the environment around us can significantly impact our health and well-being – both positively and negatively. Thankfully, our bodies are built to positively react to factors that can strengthen it and stand up to challenges.

Often, the way our body stands up to challenges is through a histamine response. When the body’s natural histamine response function kicks in, many other systems are affected. These systems include the immune and respiratory systems, liver, and adrenal glands. Building up defenses helps make sure these systems are working at optimal levels to support your health.

Immune System: An environmental substance coming into contact with the body can create stress on the immune system.

Respiratory System: The histamine response function naturally causes muscle constriction in the lung’s bronchial tubes.

Liver: During a challenge, support for the liver encourages detoxification of the body.

Adrenal Glands: If the body is under stress, adrenal glands secrete cortisol. This assists with the body’s natural response function and helps to combat the system’s interaction with environmental substances.

By adopting proactive measures and nurturing resilience, we can empower ourselves to better withstand these changes and safeguard our vitality.

Understanding Environmental Challenges

The modern world presents us with an array of environmental challenges, ranging from pollution and climate change to urbanization and deforestation. These factors can have profound effects on our health, influencing everything from respiratory function to immune response and mental well-being.¹ In fact, our ability to effectively handle environmental stressors is handled primarily by our immune system. Strengthening and supporting a healthy immune system can positively impact our ability to have a healthy reaction to changes in our environment. Read more about your amazing immune system, including what it is, what it does, and why it’s even more important and integrated than you realized.

Empowering Your Body

Fortunately, there are several proactive steps we can take to support our bodies against environmental changes:

1. Nourish with Nutrient-Rich Foods: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants strengthens our immune system and enhances our body's ability to deal with environmental stressors. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals to provide essential nutrients and support overall health.² Learn more about nutrient-rich foods that support your immune system.
   7. Vitamin A is involved in the formation of epithelial and mucous tissues, protecting mucus integrity in the body⁷. It is an integral part of the mucus layer of both the respiratory tract and the intestine⁷. Vitamin A also plays a role in liver health as a regulator of bile acid synthesis and its transport, as well as gene expression via retinoic acid-activated receptors and retinoid X receptors.^8-11
   8. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which is critical to a healthy immune system by helping to manage oxidative stress, supporting the maturation of T cells, stimulating leukocyte function, and playing a role in natural killer (NK) cell activity.^12-15Vitamin C is also important for white blood cell function as well as the maintenance and regeneration of cells.^13,15-16 The B vitamins riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pyridoxine (B6) may also play a role in immune function.¹⁷
   9. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Water can be thought of as an essential nutrient – just like carbohydrates, fats, and protein – that we need to get enough of for optimal health. It provides a variety of functions in our bodies, such as regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and dissolving minerals and other nutrients. Opt for clean, filtered water whenever possible, and limit consumption of sugary beverages and caffeinated drinks which can dehydrate the body.
   10. Prioritize Physical Activity: Regular exercise not only boosts cardiovascular health and strengthens muscles but also supports immune function and reduces stress.³ Aim for a combination of aerobic activities, strength training, and flexibility exercises to keep your body resilient and adaptable.
   11. Manage Stress Levels: Stress can weaken your immune system, impact our ability to handle environmental stressors outside our control, and even compromise overall health.⁴ Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress levels.
   12. Create a Healthy Indoor Environment: Environmental stressors within our everyday living environments – whether that’s your home, vehicle, office, or workspace – can contribute to our body’s ability to handle these stressors. Ensure proper ventilation, minimize exposure to indoor pollutants, and incorporate greenery to improve air quality and enhance overall well-being.⁵ The cleaning products you use in these spaces can also make a difference. Read more about performing a cleaning cupboard detox in your spaces.
   13. Stay Informed and Take Precautions: Stay informed about local environmental conditions and take necessary precautions to protect yourself against potential hazards. Whether it's monitoring air quality levels, avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, or preparing for natural disasters, being proactive can help minimize risks to your health.

By adopting a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and environmental stewardship, we can empower ourselves to thrive amidst uncertainty.

Support Your Whole Body’s Defenses with Nutritional Supplements

Environmental stresses are a fact of life for many people. They can impact indoor and outdoor activities, making it more difficult to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Fortunately, Standard Process can offer a breath of fresh air. We offer a variety of supplements that contain whole foods and other targeted ingredients that help support the body’s ability to cope with a variety of challenges.

Talk to your health care professional to determine which products are right for you. Consider these supplements for supporting your body’s defenses:

Adrenal Gland Support

Consider Drenamin®, a gluten-free, non-dairy, and non-soy tablet, is an adrenal function and energy production support supplement that supports a healthy immune response i.e., to everyday environmental stressors*. It’s an excellent source of riboflavin and niacin, and a good source of vitamin B₆ and antioxidant vitamin C.

Liver Health Support

Antronex® is a gluten-free, non-dairy, non-grain, and non-soy tablet, and contains bovine liver fat extract. Japanese researchers discovered a liver fat extract that was used to support the body’s normal detoxification mechanisms.

Respiratory System Support

Fen-Gre® contains Fenugreek, an ingredient that has been historically used to support healthy levels of mucus and phlegm in the lungs and bronchial tubes.* It is a gluten-free, non-dairy, and non-soy capsule.

Support the Immune System Directly Against Environmental Stressors

Allerplex® is a good source of vitamin A and supports the body's ability to handle environmental challenges. This non-dairy formula supports healthy lung and respiratory function and helps maintain healthy mucous membranes.* Allerplex contains a combination of key ingredients from Pneumotrophin PMG®, Drenatrophin PMG®, Cataplex® A-C, Betacol®, and Antronex®

when taken as directed, provides a daily dose of 300 mg (12%DV) of chloride which is useful in maintaining normal cellular pH.* Chloride is an electrolyte that plays a role in respiratory function.* This supplement in tablet form is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, non-dairy, non-soy, and non-grain.

References

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2. Harvard School of Public Health. (n.d.).
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4. Pang TY, Yaeger JDW, Summers CH, Mitra R. Cardinal Rev. 2021 May;124:137-150. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.012. Epub 2021 Feb 4. PMID: 33549740; PMCID: PMC9286069.
5. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.).
6. Smith A, Severn M; Authors. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2023 Apr.
7. Huang Z, Liu Y, Qi G, Brand D, Zheng SG.. J Clin Med. 2018;7(9):258. Published 2018 Sep 6. doi:10.3390/jcm7090258
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9. Saeed, A., Hoekstra, M., Hoeke, M.O., Heegsma, J. & Faber, K.N. 1862, 496-512 (2017)
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11. Saeed, A., (University of Groningen, 2019).
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13. Manning, J., et al.. Antioxid Redox Signal 19, 2054-2067 (2013).
14. Wintergerst, E.S., Maggini, S. & Hornig,. Ann Nutr Metab 50, 85-94 (2006).
15. Carr, A.C. & Maggini, S.. Nutrients 9(2017).
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17. Peterson, C.T., Rodionov, D.A., Osterman, A.L. & Peterson, S.N. 12(2020).