A strong immune system is key to staying healthy! In this episode, JJ shares her top immune-boosting tips so you can fight off those pesky cold and flu germs and maintain your energy levels. Listen as JJ explains how optimizing your vitamin D levels and lowering your sugar impact can help strengthen your immune system, as well as why reducing stress and getting plenty of sleep is crucial to defending against infection. JJ also reveals the foods and supplements you should be including in your routine to improve your immune function, plus how the wrong kind of exercise can wreak havoc on your immune health. Find out how to protect yourself from illness so you can feel your very best!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Top 7 Immune-Boosting Tips guide by going to www.jjvirgin.com\immuneboost.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Optimizing your vitamin D levels is key to a strong immune system. It’s no coincidence that rates of illness rise during the winter, when many people struggle to get the sun exposure they need to make adequate vitamin D. Lowering your sugar impact is crucial to staying healthy. That’s because sugar competes with vitamin C to enter your cells, which can lower your immunity. Your gut microbiome plays a major role in your immune function. A great way to strengthen your gut microbiome is to include plenty of fiber in your diet.   Episode Play-By-Play [:53] Episode briefing [1:21] Listener shout-out [4:10] Optimize your vitamin D levels [4:52] Why you should take vitamin D with vitamin K [5:37] How to test your vitamin D levels [6:20] Getting good sleep is key. [6:59] JJ’s nighttime routine [8:10] The wrong type of exercise can lower immunity.  [9:22] Make your exercise count. [9:50] Sugar competes with vitamin C to enter your cells. [10:35] Stress can wreak havoc on your immune system. [11:17] Take care of your gut! [11:54] The importance of fiber in gut health [12:45] The right nutrients can help reduce inflammation and improve your immune system. [13:12] Eat from the rainbow to get a variety of antioxidants in your diet. [13:26] Baseline supplements for maintaining a healthy immune system [14:45] Starting your day with the right breakfast sets the metabolic tone for your day. The perfect and easiest way to do that is with JJ’s All-In-One Paleo-Inspired Protein Shake!  [15:28] Listener’s question: How much vitamin D should I take? [16:49] Ideally, you should test your levels with a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test.   Mentioned in this episode: Vitamin D Plus Sleep Candy Daily Essentials Packets Microbiome Balance Link to Ziva Meditation with Emily Fletcher JJ’s Paleo -Inspired All-In-One Shake Extra Fiber Direct-to-Consumer testing: 25-hydroxy vitamin D test Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube