Stressed around the clock. Constantly getting sick. Tummy issues. Sluggish. All these could be strong indicators of an immune system in trouble. Did you know that allergies are tied to your immune system? Did you know that a fever is caused by your immune system, not the invader.
What are the signs?
Your stress level is always high.
- 1. You’re always sick.
- 2. You have regular stomach issues. Did you know that nearly 70% of your immune system is in your gut?
- 3. You don’t heal quickly. If your immune system isn’t being properly cared for, your blood may not have the nutrients it needs to rebuild and regenerate like it should.
- 4. You battle frequent infections.
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.
What can we do to support it?
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
Here are some of the top immune-supporting & cost-effective oils to try: Cilantro, Clove, Cumin, Lavender, Lemon, Nutmeg, Orange, Oregano, Rosemary, Tangerine, Thyme, and Thieves (a Young Living blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary).
4. Supplements
I also trust Young Living to provide quality supplements. 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.
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!
What are some good supplements?
Master Formula is packed with ALL kinds of good things. It is a full-spectrum supplement that provides vitamins and minerals that can help support bone density and health, brain function, cellular protection, digestive health, energy levels, eye health, heart health, immune support, and skin health. Master Formula’s food-based ingredients are delivered in three ways for a synergistic complex that supports digestive health, helps neutralize free radicals in the body, and provides gut flora-supporting prebiotics. Plus it has premium essential oils packed within.
Super C supports normal immune, respiratory, and circulatory function and is fortified with rutin, citrus bioflavonoids, and minerals to balance electrolytes and enhance the effectiveness and absorption of vitamin C. The added premium essential oils may also increase bioflavonoid activity.
The ingredients in Super C also help to strengthen connective tissues and promote overall health, vitality, and longevity. Because your body cannot manufacture vitamin C, you can benefit by consuming this powerful antioxidant daily. To reinforce immune strength, take 2 tablets daily. For maintenance, take 1 tablet daily. It’s best if taken before meals.
Conclusions:
Your body is an amazing web of intricate systems, all working together for one goal - to keep you alive and well - and feeling amazing, of course. The immune system has one of the greatest jobs of protecting you from intruders. I think we can all agree that it deserves all the support it can get!
I mentioned two main supplements from Young Living plus a few other things that make it super simple to support your immune system. I’d love to hear what you do to stay healthy during this “season” and the holidays.
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