Optimize your health with these 175+ quick, actionable ways to boost your immune system and beat the common cold every season.
From taking a day off of work to stay in bed to having to run out to the store for last minute medicine that you were sure you had, no one enjoys being sick. But what if there were quick and easy ways to boost your immune system so you could feel your best all year long?
In Immune System Hacks discover over 175 practical steps you can use right away to boost your immune system and stay healthy throughout the year. These expert tips have everything you ever need to know about living your best, healthiest life, -Exercises that build and strengthen the immune system -Simple lifestyle choices that help guard against diseases -Environmental factors that affect the immune system -Immunity-boosting foods, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements -The connection between gut health and the immune system -And more!
Feel your best with the easy-to-follow advice in Immune System Hacks !
Much of this book will be common knowledge to most folks who are up to date with modern health advice, but I still really enjoyed the book. Each "hack" takes about a page and is a simple way to improve your immune system, generally with good science to back it. Some of them will be new to folks and a few of them may seem more "out there" but it's generally a great roundup. Some of the hacks are repeated in different ways. For instance, one hack is to stop breathing through your mouth and another is to breathe through your nose. While each had a page of info explaining the reasoning, those really should have been one hack IMO. I also would have liked references at the end, since the author frequently cites "studies that have shown...." but doesn't give any more information to back it up.
There were also quite a few hacks that I would have included that were not included. For instance, a ton of recent research has shown the importance of eating a wide variety of types of plants (herbs, fruits, veggies, etc.) each week (30 minimum, 50 for optimal benefits) for a huge range of benefits like supporting your gut microbiome, getting all of the trace nutrients you need, etc. I've seen that one mentioned in at least 5 health related books I've read this year but it wasn't mentioned here.
Even though I knew most of these, it was still a great reminder and it's written in such a concise, easy format that it really lends itself to adopting a few small, great changes at a time.
This book is fantastic! I really enjoyed reading it! It has different "hacks" listed 1-175 in an easy to read format. It covers each concept pretty concisely, but also with enough information to utilize them. He recommends looking up extra information on certain hacks online and that could be done for any of them, but I think he did a great job of culling through and including the most important information. I have researched a lot in health and biology so most of this book was review for me, however, I think that many people would find most of the information to be new. Despite already knowing most of it, I still really enjoyed the refresher and I loved the format and simplicity of it. It could be read quickly or you could choose to read a few different hacks at a time and try to utilize those or savor the knowledge learned. Since the hacks are only a page or two, the reader has a lot of flexibility in how they read it. Everything is written in a very simplistic and easy to read manner, so the reader need not worry if they don't understand or enjoy science/medical- talk as it is not in this book. Instead, it is written very conversationally and should appeal to a wide audience. This book is a wonderful reminder of how to keep the immune system strong as winter quickly approaches and I definitely recommend it!
Tis the season to worry about your health. Especially this year – and likely – for several years into the future as humanity grapples with the devastation and fallout of the Coronavirus – COVID 19. Author Matt Farr’s new book, Immune System Hacks, is a handy compilation of knowledge and advice about how to boost your immune system and give your body the best chance against invasion. I read this book through the eyes of a former health and wellness magazine owner. My publication featured easy-to-understand and digest health-related tidbits aimed mainly toward living a healthy active lifestyle in Montana. Even though I turned over ownership of this wonderful senior citizen-centric publication in 2018 when I left the state, my love for helpful health tips lives on today. Farr provides several of those interesting factoids in Immune System Hacks. Listen to this: The Whim Hoff Method, named after a Dutch extreme athlete whose claim to fame is extreme cold and breath-holding. According to Farr, those disciplines coupled with yoga and meditation, reduce stress and inflammation, improve sleep, and develop stronger mitochondria. No thank you. Not for me. Montana winters when I am dressed properly are about my limit for extreme temperature plunges. Then there is the suggestion that to strengthen your immune system, it’s a good idea to drink EZ water. Huh? That’s interesting. EZ water, discovered by Gerard Pollack and his research team in the early 2000s, is what Farr describes as the fourth phase of water. EZ water is said to be found in every cell, as well as several membranes in the human body. This EZ water carries a negative charge to balance out our human cell’s positive charge. Somehow this conjunction of opposites creates energy within the cell, which then is used to power other biochemical processes. All of these things, Pollack reports, support immune system health. Or, here’s an odd correlation: Farr says we should be cautious of 5G, as in the Internet. Farr writes that there lies a huge difference between the inferior 4G and the new 5G technology: Higher frequency, higher intensity, and more cell towers to accommodate everything involved. All these things have an effect on a person’s reaction to environmental EMFs, or electromagnetic fields. But along with these strange and interesting immune system hacks, Farr also presents a huge collection of no-brainer ideas. He suggests losing weight, or at least body fat. Heavy people have a lowered immune system. Dah. Isn’t that what every health professional says? Lose weight, exercise, and sleep. Farr says to let go of stress and distress. Dah. Or how about, to improve immune system health, a person should heal childhood trauma. Well, I would think that every single one of us has some form of childhood trauma that likely varies greatly in severity. And here’s the best one: Smile, it will and improve your immune health. Altogether, these hacks are both interesting and kind of a waste of paper truthfully. I admit, however, that I might have a particular life-long interest in topical health, and perhaps I know many of these things because I spent more than 50 years learning them. For the reader who is first starting out with the idea of self-health care, Immune System Hacks might be a great tabletop reference book. It’s certainly a thorough collection and holds a lot of solid advice. But, if you are a health junkie like I am, you might want to skim through it at the bookstore before you decide to buy.
ml@michellelovato.com BoutiqueBooks@hotmail.com Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2
Huge thanks to the publisher for my copy. I totally enjoyed this book and the hacks it has. If you are looking for hacks that are good for you and easy to grasp . I am now a cold water advocate y'all so highly recommend it to anyone that may want to take care of their immunity
Oprecht hele goeie tips wat ik ga opschrijven, denk dat ik nog een boek van deze auteur ga lezen. Het boek is ingedeeld in hacks en telkens wordt er eerst uitleg gegeven en vervolgens wat je kunt doen , aan het einde van het boek heb je ook een duidelijke catalogus om terug te zoeken naar een bepaalde onderwerp
‘Immune System Hacks’ is a comprehensive guide offering over 175 practical strategies to strengthen your immune system and well-being.
With the ever-changing landscape of health challenges, the importance of a strong immune system is crystal clear, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Serving as our body’s dedicated protector, the immune system defends against harmful pathogens and contributes to our overall well-being.
In this quest for immune system resilience, ‘Immune System Hacks’ takes centre stage as a source of knowledge and practical advice. In this review, we will explore this enlightening book, discovering a wealth of insights and strategies that empower readers to boost their immune function and defend against health challenges.
Author’s background
Matt Farr, an experienced health coach with over 18 years of experience in health, fitness, and wellbeing, specialises in aiding individuals, both men and women, in rebalancing and fortifying their immune health.
Employing a comprehensive holistic approach that encompasses various disciplines like diet, lifestyle, movement, environment, and mindset, Matt facilitates healing and recovery for his clients.
He is a creator behind the ENERGIE Formula, an online program designed to combat fatigue, alongside several other health-focused online initiatives.
What is the book about?
‘Immune System Hacks’ provides a thorough manual for improving your well-being through a collection of more than 175 applicable tactics. The book outlines swift and implementable techniques for enhancing your immune system, enabling you to effectively counter the common cold in all seasons. It covers a variety of topics ranging from strengthening workouts to lifestyle choices, ecological mindfulness, immunity-boosting foods, and insights into the correlation between gut health and immunity. By embracing these simple tips you will enjoy the benefits of a stronger immune system throughout all year round.
Key takeaways from ‘Immune System Hacks’
The book is filled with immunity-boosting hacks. In this review, we have included the five most fundamental ones. But if you want to learn more ways of strengthening your immune system, you should consider reading ‘Immune System Hacks’ yourself.
1.Strengthen mitochondria
A fundamental insight from the book is that mitochondria, tiny powerhouses in our cells, are closely linked to our immune system’s strength. These powerhouses convert oxygen and nutrients into energy called ATP, which powers vital biological processes. Having enough energy is key for our immune system to fight off infections well. Feeling tired when we are sick shows that our immune system needs more energy. Elevating ATP production by enhancing mitochondrial quantity and size, through practices like exercise and cold exposure, strengthens immunity.
2.Avoid lights before bedtime
The book highlights the intertwined relationship between immune health and sleep quality, with light playing a pivotal role. Light influences the body’s internal clock, and its type and intensity trigger physiological responses. Melatonin, a hormone regulating sleep and immunity, is released in darkness. Melatonin modulates immune responses based on circumstances, but exposure to light at night, especially close to bedtime, disrupts its production. Bright or blue light from screens hampers melatonin release, affecting immune regulation. To bolster immunity and achieve restful sleep, reducing nighttime light exposure – especially blue light – is recommended. Strategies like minimising light exposure, using device filters, or using blue light-blocking eyewear can enhance immune responsiveness.
3.Keep your microbiota in balance
One more key takeaway from the book emphasises the profound influence of gut microbiota – tiny organisms within us – on immune health. These microbes combat harmful agents, regulate the immune system, and create essential nutrients, training the immune response. Sustaining a harmonious balance between beneficial (85%) and harmful (15%) bacteria, alongside diverse strains and ample volume, is pivotal for these functions, as imbalances relate to health issues, especially in the gut and brain.
Diet is a cornerstone, with certain foods upsetting or enhancing this balance. Beneficial foods include prebiotic-rich options like oats and bananas, as well as resistant starch sources such as cooled potatoes. Polyphenol-rich foods and fermented options like sauerkraut aid microbiota health. Detrimental foods encompass alcohol, refined carbs, and sugary products. Chlorinated water also disrupts the gut balance. Stress reduction, nature exposure, social interaction, exercise, sleep, quitting smoking, and careful antibiotic use enhance gut health and, in turn, make the immune system stronger.
4.Slow down
The book suggests that stress is not just caused by life situations; the fast pace of modern life is a big source of stress. Trying to keep up with this busy pace makes us anxious and weakens our immune system. The solution is simple: slow down and stop chasing after more things like money or experiences. Nature shows us how to do this. It works at its own pace and still gets a lot done. It has seasons for starting new things, working, harvesting, and resting. Following nature’s rhythm is smart. If we are always rushing like in summer, we use up resources and harm ecosystems. Instead, going along with nature’s cycle brings better results and makes us healthier. Slowing down actually helps us do better, just like nature does. Our immune system does well when we match nature’s pace.
5.Include different types of exercise in your routine. Your body loves variety
Exercise plays a significant role in boosting immune health, with different types and intensities offering specific advantages. Exercise greatly supports immune health, and different types offer unique benefits. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves mitochondrial function and antioxidant systems. Resistance training reduces chronic inflammation. Aerobic exercise helps immunity but should be kept under an hour. Eastern practices like yoga and Tai Chi lower stress and enhance immune function. To maximise immune benefits, diversify your exercise routine, alternating between different types and taking necessary rest days.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths: • Provides practical and easily applicable ideas for enhancing overall well-being, particularly beneficial for individuals with busy lives and stress-related challenges. • Emphasises the connection between mental health and immune function, expanding beyond well-known concepts of healthy eating and sufficient sleep. • Presents information in a clear and concise manner.
Weaknesses: • Ambiguity regarding the efficacy of some hacks due to the complexity of the immune system and various inputs. • An overwhelming quantity of hacks without a clear order of effectiveness or scientific basis. • Certain hacks present widely familiar concepts, possibly reducing the book’s appeal to readers seeking deeper insights.
Best quotes from ‘Immune System Hacks’
“Studies show that short intense forms of HIIT such as Tabata training are the most effective way to improve mitochondrial function, which improves immune health. These workouts are also more effective at strengthening the body’s antioxidant system (which reduces oxidative stress and inflammation) than longer workouts.”
“Research shows that a lack of exposure to nature and animals is also detrimental to mental health, further weakening immunity. One study found that depression levels are higher in adults who grow up in city environments without a pet. Pets also improve mood, lower stress, and encourage you to be more active (dogs especially), all of which improve immunity.”
“Other research shows that those following a spiritual or religious path cope better with stress, experience greater peace and calmness, socialize more, and have greater satisfaction in life – all proven to bolster immune function.”
Final takeaway
‘Immune System Hacks’ by Matt Farr serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to enhance their immune health through a holistic approach. The author’s background as an experienced health coach adds credibility to the book’s content, which offers over 175 actionable tactics for strengthening the immune system. With a focus on diverse strategies ranging from strengthening mitochondria and managing light exposure to maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, the book covers various dimensions of well-being.
Readers looking to optimise their immune function through practical lifestyle habits will certainly benefit from this read.
Really basic random tips, some are repeated several times just worded in a slightly different way. I have Crohn’s Disease which is an autoimmune disorder, so I’ve spent a lot of time reading up on balancing my immune system. This book just wasn’t for me, too basic. Many of the tips are very brief and don’t go into a lot of detail. For example: Avoid light at night. Explained by stating light from devices and television negatively effects your sleep pattern. You need sleep. Ok next tip. Eat berries. Berries have nutrients for your immune system. Next. Just not a very compelling writing style. But I’m giving it stars for having mostly accurate information from what I can tell.
During this stage of Covid-19, Immune system is an important topic. Immune system impacts areas of health. Who rally thought about the Immune system having an impact on PTSD? Immune systems are also affected by the foods we eat and being in the United States where there are so many harmful chemicals in things we consume, it makes one wonder. Immune System Hacks points out many areas and gives suggestions but are the recommendations sustainable for life? I do think Matt Farr did some in depth research to created this volume. Like with any book that addresses many areas some topics will appeal more to the reader based on their particular interest.
Immune system hacks is over a hundred pages of tips to help and support immune health. People who are autoimmune compromised or overly sick may want to try these items slowly and not overwhelm themselves. I found a lot of these hacks to be a regular habit for myself and I agree with most of them.
What did I like? Ideally for people who would like to boost immune system and health. Easy to do and most of them require knowledge and not money which is really great. A great gift for a healthy conscious person, and you can flip through to find something you may just want to try. A unique book with over a hundred ideas. I would recommend and would buy a copy. Self help is important. Kudos to the author for supporting others wellness.
I received an ARC to read and voluntarily left a review.
Immune System hacks by Matt Farr is a nice book if you have no idea how to boost and maintain your immune system. For those of us that already have some knowledge of this, most of the ”hacks “ are things you probably already know. I can’t say there was anything that I hadn’t really heard of before, but it’s also nice to have all the ideas in one book. I liked that he had suggestions of ways to get vitamins through diet and appreciated that he gave the suggested dosing for these as well. I’m not sure how accurate they are, but I’m sure it was researched. I think this is a good book if you are looking to learn how to increase your immune function and have no clue where to begin.
Thank you to NetGalley and Adams media for the opportunity to read this book.
I really enjoyed Immune System Hacks: 175+ Ways to Boost Your Immunity, Protect Against Viruses and Disease, and Feel Your Very Best by Matt Farr. It's a quick reference guide to help improve your health and each hack gives a brief and interesting summary to help you better understand and implement it. It ranges from exercise daily, to smile more, to things I hadn't hear of like sound healing!
Matt Farr does a wonderful way explaining these hacks and making them accessible to understand. I would recommend this book and will definitely refer back to it often for immune system hacks and health!
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
With 187 Immune System Hacks, it is like reading brief summaries of more than a season of the Dr. Oz show!
While some of the hacks are well known, many were new to me. Mushrooms have vitamin D? Who knew? I’ve also never heard of Ashwagandha or Propolis before. I’m sure everyone will find at least a few new ideas within Immune System Hacks. I would have liked a better organization system. Perhaps ordering the hacks by how they are delivered (as food, supplements, or user action). Overall, a good first look at many options to improve your immune system. 3 stars.
Thanks to Adams Media and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
For myself, I have always dealt with immune issues but it's only because of the disorder that I have. I decided to read this book to see if I'd learn anything new to try to make my immune system better. There were a few things in there that I could do but honestly I felt like a lot of the things in the book were easy to find on the web. I probably will not be purchasing this book for anyone else in my family and I just didn't find it was that helpful for myself. For those who may not deal with major health issues, this will be a good book to on hand.
Good compilation of what you can do to boost your immune system. However, this reads a lot like a primer, in the sense that it tells you to 'check this out' but doesn't say how, where - it's up to you now to go chase that idea and do your own research. But as a quick check for what you could do, it does work, though I wouldn't call these hacks as half of them are just ideas that tell you 'why' but don't delve into the 'how' of it
This is a fun book with 187 tips that will help your immune system. Every tip has some extra information that is worth reading. Some of tips are exercise more, laugh more, play an instrument, play a sport, take a nap and a lot more. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
Wow! With only a page or 2 dedicated to 187 immune system hacks, this book was intense! I feel like each topic only scratched the surface. Some things you may already do, some you wouldn’t care for, and some you are glad to find out about. I plan to make a list of my favorites and try to implement. I don’t feel like I have immune issues, but can’t hurt!
Very informative and concise book on how to support you immune system. I like the format of the book and how it lists out the “hacks” in the table of contents and dedicates a page or two to explain each one. I feel like some of the hacks were repetitive but just stated in a different way, but that is my only critique.
Chocked full of knowledge. Good tidbits on health. Found out some new stuff to and screenshot to save the information. There are a few repeats here and there though so minus one star. At the end of the book, you know the author really loves to advocate taking cold showers!
I would recommend the book for those who want to increase their knowledge about immune system of their body. Most of the information I have read online, but in this book the author explains it better. U can directly jump to any hack that u are interested in.
It was very easy to read. The author gave more than 175 ways that we can boost our immunity. I actually will begin to incorporate quite a few of these.
Learned lots of important facts that will benefit my immune system. At times information was hefty but all in all it was a great book to learn more about bettering my health
The book is an easy listen during my commute. It is a good summary of everything health, wellness and maybe a sprinkle pseudoscience related. However, due to its "summary" nature, I constantly had the feeling that the book was written by AI. This feeling was strengthened by the fact that the listening book narrator's voice was also very mechanical. Would not recommend the listening book :-)