Optimize Your Immune System

Many people think that it's normal to come down with an illness each year and, for some, two or three times a year. Yet researchers have proven that nutrition and lifestyle factors can boost your immune system.

Learn how to build a kitchen pharmacy of whole foods, superfoods and nutrients to provide a stable foundation for your health. And when you're at an increased risk of infection, know what to do to derail a virus before it takes hold.

Follow this immune-boosting roadmap to a healthier diet, making you less prone to viral infections and more resilient after an illness.

In "Optimize Your Immune System," you'll read about the three phases of immune support.

• Phase I: Everyday immune strengthening and care
• Phase II: After exposure to an unhealthy person or environment
• Phase III: Immune-boosting support to prevent an illness when you feel like you're coming down with something

For each of these phases, Marie Ruggles, M.S., R.D., C.N., C.D.E., draws upon over forty years of experience within the wellness arena.

The book begins with her explaining how the immune system works and what it does. From there, she discusses the foods that help and hinder our immunity. She even gives a whole foods quick start guide for those who aren't too certain where to start.

She also shares the concept of juice bathing, and how to use that to minimize the fuss and mess of juicing while maximizing its benefit.

"Optimize Your Immune System" makes specific recommendations for how to fortify and stimulate your body's natural defenses using a simple kitchen pharmacy, no matter which phase of immune support you are facing.

Diving deep, the book looks closely at whole foods, superfoods, nutrients and supplements, even giving specific product recommendations for those brands and products the author personally loves most.

The final chapter of the book pulls everything together in an easy-to-reference format sharing phase-specific recommendations, as well as how to eat more nutritious foods even if you're on a limited budget.

For those who are new to the subject of natural wellness, the book is easy-to-read and written in a friendly manner. Yet, for those who are already familiar with the topic, it proves to be a valuable reference guide as well.

Build your own kitchen pharmacy of whole foods, superfoods and nutrients to provide a stable foundation for your health. And follow this immune-boosting roadmap to a healthier diet, making you less prone to viral infections and more resilient after an illness.
Marie Ruggles, MS, RD, CN, CDE, is a nutritionist and certified diabetes educator, and is certified in essential oil safety. She has a master's degree from Columbia University in Nutrition and Public Health where she started her career in research forty years ago. She then began working in public health, translating the wisdom of science into simple action steps for managing chronic disease and maximizing wellness. Over time, Marie became concerned about people's lack of reliable information regarding options for being proactive in their own self-care. She decided to write a book that could serve as a home reference guide for her students who were eager to learn about natural options for preventive health and everyday wellness challenges. Marie is the recipient of national awards for her nutrition education publications and lectures internationally on the safe use of essential oils for everyday wellness challenges. She is on a mission to inspire others to take responsibility for their personal wellness through nutrition and lifestyle, applying the findings of cutting-edge nutrition research to develop a home inventory of natural wellness options. When Marie isn't teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, working in healing prayer ministry, and gardening.

A treasure trove of practical information arriving at such a time of global urgency to strengthen our immune systems. The strong message throughout the book is the power of nutrition with various foods, nutrients and dietary supplements that are proven to be involved in preventing different diseases and minimizing pathophysiology of the disease. We can all have knowledge of the first-line-of-defense for early interventions for our family's health, and reduce risk of more serious disease.

Diana Noland, MPH, RD, CCN, IFMCP, LD, founder of Noland Nutrition and Co-Editor, Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy

It is with great pleasure that I endorse and highly recommend Marie Ruggles' Optimize Your Immune System. It's an excellent, comprehensive guide to maximizing one's immune potential through nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Rarely do I review books with this level of guidance and step-by-step recommendations that can help individuals at every stage of readiness-for-change.

John Bagnulo MPH, PhD

A nourishing read for all of us concerned about nutrition and immunity! This beautifully written book is a clear, actionable guide that delivers practical food-as-medicine and lifestyle strategies to bolster your immune defense. This is a wonderful and timely book!

Kathie Swift, MS, RDN, Co-Founder, Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy and Author, The Swift Diet

If you want to take back control of your health, read this book. The chapter Immunity on a Budget is a holy grail guide to an easy and affordable path to a stronger immune system.

Sabina Fasano, Founder, Solutions for Women

Optimize Your Immune System is chock full of great information! The author, Marie Ruggles, masterfully wrote in a way that can be appreciated by those who already have some knowledge of the topic but want to take it to the next level, while also being easily understood by those who are just entering into this new way to approach wellness. The extensive detail is wonderful without being intimidating. A real "go to," at the ready at all times!

Veronica Anderson, RN, IAC

Giving the consumer the ability to build their wellness right in the comfort of his or her own home is powerful! I know this will be a resource I will return to again and again.

Julie Mayring, PhD, Licensed Psychologist and Middle School Educator

I always find Marie Ruggles' writing soothing, which complements her very relevant information on medical nutrition therapy and natural wellness. I highly recommend everyone from healthcare practitioners to everyday laypeople to read this straight-forward book. It will change their lives, help others, and provide solace when implementing Marie's recommendations. Her recommendations will help support the body's immune system regardless of if or when we experience another pandemic-we all need to be prepared.

Diana L. Malkin-Washeim, PhD, MPH, RD, CDCES, CD-N, Director, Nutrition and Diabetes Program, BronxCare Diabetes Center of Excellence