The Immune System
Systems Series: Immune System
Immune system is one we don't really see or feel working-but we're glad it does! And, its one of those systems we all start to think about right about the time school starts--EEK!
Of course, even with a fantastically healthy immune system, we will still get sick on occasion. But you shouldn't get sick a lot frown emoticon Healthy bodies and healthy immune systems keep us "healthy" most of the time!
There are so many things that play into a healthy immune system, we can't discuss them all. But lets start with a big one--the GUT. Did you know that a healthy gut actually makes up about 80% of your immune system? Partly because many of the germs we are exposed to come through our mouth, and partly because when the gut is out of balance it just affects EVERYTHING else!
So we already talked about the Digestive system, you can go back and read it again, but any time that we have unbalanced digestions, unbalanced "bugs" in the digestive tract, or generally poor digestion, the immune function of the gut will be suppressed/less effective. So taking steps to improve digestive function and getting GOOD bugs into the gut will do so much to keep that body healthy! Life 5 is a great product to help keep the gut flora balanced. It's also important to look at the foods you're eating--any allergies or "non-foods" will impact immune function greatly as well. (Food allergies and intolerances is another topic, but many people are totally unaware of a gluten or dairy sensitivity, but these things cause the immune function to be suppressed on a daily basis--if you suspect a possible intolerance, try cutting out ALL of the possible offenders for 3-6 weeks, then reintroduce and track any changes.) Check out the digestion post for more ideas to support digestive function.
So, if you've read in your reference guide some of the specific properties (which I can't name) of some of the popular immune oils (like Thieves, lemon, oregano, melaleuca, frankincense), you probably assume that those properties are responsible for the power the oils have. But the great thing is they are only a nice added benefit! The most amazing and powerful thing about essential oils is that they BOOST THE BODY'S OWN NATURAL DEFENSE!!! That's right! Its so important that it bears repeating--
ESSENTIAL OILS BOOST THE BODY'S OWN NATURAL DEFENSES!!!!!
We all know our body has the ability to strengthen itself against invaders, to ramp up our immune response "army" to "fight" against infections or illness. But did you know that many of nature's own plants (in the form of essential oils) actually work with your body and your cells to ENHANCE and SUPPORT those actions?! Yep!! Amazing how God created creation to work so well in HARMONY with our own bodies!
So, if its back to school time at your house (or even if not, you know that "immune-system-under-attack-season" is just around the corner, here are some things you should be doing/using to ramp up yours and your family's immunity!!!
Lets SUPPORT the body's own natural defenses!!!
*Thieves of course is the most popular fave....I like to dilute it in the bottle, pop on a roller top, and roll on bottoms of feet morning and night, and up and down the spine for extra protection.
*Speaking of extra protection, when you know the body is under attack, mix up an immune roller of the "big guns" so to speak, I like Thieves, Melrose, lemon, frank, oregano, and peppermint. Some of those are spicy, so about half oils/half carrier in a roller is good! (Other possible adds, depending on what you have--RC, Thyme, Basil, lavender, Immupower, Eucalyptus...)
*Super C, vitamin D, zinc and elderberry are all important for immune function--look them up for more info, there is LOTS out there about how important they are for the immune system!
*Limit or eliminate sugar....did you know sugar (in all forms, including high fructose corn syrup and all the other names it goes by) actually KILL white blood cells?!? White blood cells are your immune army, and sugar is their Enemy Number 1 frown emoticon So ever wonder why the sicknesses really hit full swing after Halloween and around Thanksgiving and Christmas? Yep.....sugar. Read those labels friends and choose real food options!
*For adults, Inner Defense is AMAZING. Some people choose to use it daily, I don't think that's necessary. But when the immune system is under attack, or during times like travel, holidays, or stress, take an Inner Defense every day to keep your immune system strong!
*Immupro--this is a great one for adults or kids during specific immune stress. I would take it at night because it has melatonin.
*Of course no immune system (or any other body system!) can function without basic nutrition....and we AREN'T getting it from our diets. So supplements like Multi-Greens, Mighty-vites, Mineral Essence, OmegaGize, and Master Formula are CRITICAL for that core nutrition!