5 Major Ways to Support Your Immune System

 

If you want to strengthen your immune system, you should first have an idea of how it works. So let’s learn a few of the basics. 

 

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. Its primary job is to keep you safe and healthy.

 

There are two main parts to the immune system - the innate immune system, which you are born with, and the acquired immune system, one that adapts and learns as you age. They are both closely linked and can work together when an immune response is needed. 

 

The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defense. It is primed and ready to fight at all times and consists of things like the skin, eyelashes, and mucous membranes that line the skin’s openings and internal tracts. These all create physical barriers to invaders like parasites, toxins, viruses, pathogens, fungi, and harmful bacteria.

 

There are many types of white blood cells within, or leukocytes, that work to defend and protect the human body, constantly on the lookout for invaders to kill. If the innate immune system gets overwhelmed, it triggers the hypothalamus in the brain to increase the body’s core temperature (fever) and calls on the adaptive immune system* to help us fight.

 

The adaptive immune system is much slower to respond to threats and infections than the innate immune response because it’s only activated when exposed to pathogens. The cool thing about this system is that it uses an immunological memory to make cells (antibodies) to protect your body from a specific invader. In other words, once it’s been exposed to an invader it REMEMBERS it so it can provide long-lasting defense and protection against recurrent infections.

 

This entire process is happening all the time without you knowing it! How crazy is that?! Well, it happens without your knowledge when you’re healthy. The second you start seeing symptoms arise, you’ll know it’s at work. So keep in mind that although symptoms may be uncomfortable, they’re simply proof that the immune system is hard at work, bringing your body back into the balance it craves. 

 

*NOTE: For babies less than one year old who don’t have an adaptive immune system yet, antibodies can be received from their mother via breastmilk or donor milk.

 

We’ve talked about HOW the immune system works, now we are going to dive into some more practical information. What are the signs of a weakened immune system?

These are just some of the signs of an immune system in distress. It’s very important that you listen to your body and keep mental tabs on how your body acts and responds to the world around it. Now for some ways to HELP your immune system… 

  

1.  Herbs

Echinacea is a great herb to keep on hand. You can typically find an herbal tea that contains it if that’s easier for you. A 2012 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that echinacea showed maximal effects on recurrent infections, and preventive effects increased when participants used echinacea to prevent the common cold. Elderberry is another plant often used for its array of health benefits including its ability to fight colds, the flu, allergies, and inflammation. The ginseng plant (roots, stems, and leaves) is also quite beneficial for immune system support and can play an important role in antibody production. 

 

2.  Foods

Bone broth is an excellent food option for supporting both your immune system AND digestive system. The collagen and amino acids within can help heal tears in the gut lining, which in turn helps the immune system function properly. Ginger is another fantastic food to incorporate on a regular basis. It's known for its ability to help cleanse the lymphatic system and rid the body of toxins and waste. It also helps the body maintain a healthy inflammatory response. Green tea is filled with antioxidants and amino acids that can help you fight germs and stay well. You might also want to keep foods rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits and bell peppers on hand; they provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Foods rich in beta-carotene like carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, kale, apricots, spinach, and collard greens have also been shown to be high in antioxidants, which can reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress. 

 

3.  Essential Oils

Now, when it comes to essential oils, I only trust one company - the one with the Seed to Seal quality promise - Young Living Essential Oils. I know I am getting premium essential oils that I can trust from the seed all the way to the sealed bottle. When it comes to using essential oils to support your immune system, I will first and foremost recommend you getting a trustworthy reference book. If you don’t own one, let me know and we will get you hooked up. As far as what we can compliantly share, I would recommend you check out the Vitality line Young Living carries. You can ingest them! Many of them contain antioxidants and can support various body systems, including the immune system. Here are some of the top immune-supporting & cost-effective oils to try: Cilantro Vitality, Clove Vitality, Cumin Vitality, Lavender Vitality, Lemon Vitality, Nutmeg Vitality, Orange Vitality, Oregano Vitality, Rosemary Vitality, Tangerine Vitality, Thieves Vitality, and Thyme Vitality. 

  

4.  Supplements

I also trust Young Living to provide us with quality supplements. They’re all backed by their Seed to Seal quality commitment and infused with premium essential oils to increase their bioavailability in the body. I would definitely recommend you take a look at their main probiotic - Life 9. You want to fill your gut with good bacteria that helps you digest nutrients while boosting the detoxification of your colon and supporting your immune system. You may also want to look at Super Vitamin D as most people in our society are very deficient in vitamin D, one of the essential nutrients to sustain human health. Research it! There are two other Young Living supplements that would be great to consider - Master Formula and Super C - but we will talk about those next! 

  

5.  Lifestyle 

Last, but certainly not least, has to do with how you live your life on a day-to-day basis. Do your best to manage the stress in your life. Stimulating the vagus nerve (the longest cranial nerve in your body) can help you relieve that stress. So how do you do that? Well, it’s really pretty simple. You can gargle water, hum, sing, meditate, get adjusted by a chiropractor, laugh, exercise, or immerse your face in cold water. Next up - get quality sleep! Get at least 7 hours a night and you will have a better chance at keeping your immune system running optimally. You may also want to consider your water and air quality. Tap water is typically laden with chemicals you don’t want to be consuming. Drink filtered water and go outside to breathe in fresh air!