Gut & MicrobiomeWhy Boosting Your Immune System May Actually Make You Sicker
Most people assume a stronger immune system means better health, but gastroenterologist Dr. Giulia Enders argues the opposite can be true. In this ZOE episode, she explains that over-stimulating immunity can drive inflammation and autoimmune responses rather than protection. Symptoms like fever, runny nose, and cough are often your body's own defenses working correctly — not signs of failure. The real goal is immune balance, achieved through four key levers: managing stress, prioritizing sleep, eating to reduce inflammation, and exercising appropriately. Sugar may push immunity toward a pro-inflammatory state, while chronic stress damages the gut barrier that supports immune regulation. Sleep is when critical immune cells are produced. This reframe — from boosting to balancing — offers practical, actionable habits for anyone focused on long-term health.
