Its more important than ever to start looking after our immune system, by doing so we are making sure we prevent the onset of illness, allergies, weight gain, hormone imbalance and stress is the key. Our immunity is one of the first lines of defence. Poor nutrition, lack of exercise, stress and other lifestyle issues all place an extra strain on the bodies ability to function well.
So how can we look after immune system naturally?
Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in antioxidants is a simple way to keep our bodies protected. Foods such as blueberries, raspberries, dark green leafy vegetables, fish and nuts. These foods will provide you with vital vitamins and minerals enabling us to meet our basic nutritional requirements.
We should avoid chemicals, preservatives, artificial additives and other toxins found in food and drinks. If our immune systems get overloaded with these toxins the ability to fight off bacteria and viruses is greatly reduced and increases our chance of staying sick for longer.
Keeping Active
Keeping physically active can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and keeping your weight under control. During exercise natural endorphins are released which boost your mood and vitality causing us to have a calmer less worrisome mind and body. It is recommended that we exercise for 30 mins each day to keep ourselves fit and healthy.
Essential Oils & Massage
Essential oils promote wellness by enhancing and strengthening our immune response to disease. Some essential oils actually stimulate the production of disease fighting white blood cells such as phagocytes, T-cells and B-cells, which are vital to the body’s defences and immunity. In particular eucalyptus and niaouli essential oils have been shown to encourage the process known as phagocytosis, this is where white larger blood cells engulf and destroy or deactivate bacterial and viruses.
This wonderful blend below is fabulous when used in a massage, I often use this with clients that have just got over a serious illness to help them recover quickly and strengthen their immunity further.
Niaouli, Lavender and rosemary essential oils help support a compromised immune system and are strongly antimicrobial, helping the body to fight off infection.
2tbsp – Grapeseed oil
2 drops of each – Lavender essential oil, Niaouli essential oil and rosemary essential oil
Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl and transfer to a sterilized dark glass bottle. Store in a dark, cool place for up to 3 months. You can use this as a massage oil for the body but always avoid the face.
Massage
Massage doesn’t just make you feel good it can actually be very good for your body’s defence against illnesses. We all know that massage can help relieve stress and improve the lymphatic system. By having a regular massage it can naturally increase the immune systems cytotoxic capacity, known as the body’s natural killer cells, which in turn supports the body’s ability to fight off coughs, colds and bugs.
So, now’s a great time to book that top to toe massage!