7 things that compromise your immune system

I know there is a lot going on in the world right now. Everyone is dealing with it differently. Being aware of our bodies immune system can help us to be proactive in taking care of it.  Here are a few things to remember when loving up your immune system. 

1. Stress
Living a stress free life is impossible but it is possible to create a life with less stress. Things are going to happen. We all have responsibilities.   Learning how to deal with our stress can be so important. 
Ya, things are different than they were yesterday and they will be different tomorrow. What are some ways you can go with the flow? Maybe it’s time to set some new boundaries, let go of toxic relationships, be more organized and most of all ask for help. We are not meant to do this thing called life alone! Reach out and call a friend. I am here.  And I even have a few incredible oil blends that can help you. I am happy to send a sample to you. 
As Robert Morris Sapolsky wrote in his book, Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, “Stress-related disease emerges, predominantly, out of the fact that we so often activate a physiological system that has evolved for responding to acute physical emergencies, but we turn it on for months on end, worrying about mortgages, relationships, and promotions.”

2. Lack of sleep
Research has shown that your sleep, or lack of it, impacts your immune system. When we sleep our body does the hard work of healing. And if we aren’t sleeping how is our body going to do this? 
There are lots of tips to get more sleep and rest out there. How about download some sleep music, using essential oils is very helpful for me and my family.  I have a diffuser beside my bed to help me relax and if I awaken in the night a sleep-blend roll-on is right beside me to help me get back to sleep. 
As one study notes, “Sleep and the circadian system are strong regulators of immunological processes.” 

3. Sickness
It might sound like circular reasoning to list “sickness” as a cause of impaired immune function. But the reason I mention it is because sickness can make you vulnerable to the attacks of other germs and viruses. Your immune system can come out the other side of sickness more susceptible to other illnesses.
Another reason to use essential oils. I use them every single day. And it’s not because I am sick. It is so that I can support my immune system so that it doesn’t get sick.  It’s a win win. I get to smell great, feel great and the little teeny tiny molecules get to go through my blood to my cells and do their thing! Supporting my whole body. 

4. Alcohol
Most research studying the impact of alcohol consumption on the immune system involves heavy drinking. But research does suggest that even moderate alcohol consumption can impair the communication between cells which can directly compromise immune function.  It is all up to you. To drink or not to drink. Just be mindful.  

5. Junk food
It might sound like common sense, but let’s ask the question:
Does junk food affect your immune system? 
And of course, the answer is yes. But it’s not as directly related as you might think. Consuming junk foods impairs your body’s immune system in a couple of ways.
First, it starves your body’s microbiome. Secondly, consuming junk food crowds out whole foods you could otherwise be eating.  I live in the moderation world. Everything in moderation. But again, I am mindful when I do eat the junk food. And my body sure tells me when I do. Ugh! 

6. Age
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about your next birthday. As you age your body’s immune system begins to get a little weaker.
A study published in 2013 noted, “The effects of aging on the immune system are manifest at multiple levels that include reduced production of B and T cells in the bone marrow and thymus and diminished function of mature lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid tissues. As a result, elderly individuals do not respond to immune challenge as robustly as the young.” All the more reason to use Essential oils to boost that immune system.  Having a diffuser beside you as you read, rubbing oils on your body, or ingesting them can have a huge impact on how you feel and of course, support that immune system.   Get oiling!

7. Smoking
You’re probably not surprised to read that smoking also impairs your immune system. Cigarette smoke suppresses cell function and compromises pathogen killing cells that play an important role in your body’s ability to fight off disease. Hello! If you haven’t quit yet, I highly suggest, you guessed it, essential oils. I have helped a few clients quit smoking by using oils. And while you are thinking about quitting, which I hope you are, get that diffuser going and rub those oils! There are some great oils that help support you emotionally and other ways when quitting smoking. Good Luck. I am happy to cheer you on when you are ready. 
 
THE MORAL OF THIS STORY:
Times are difficult for some right now. We have more stressors in our life than we did a few years ago. But with a little support, love, cheerleading and oils we can make sure our Immune System is being cared for.    Don’t wait til you get sick to use them. They work much better when your body isn’t sick.  

My hubby and I drink Thieves oil in our hot water every night before bed. We love that oil in our diffuser too. It's a fantastic routine to have before bed to support our immune system. If you'd like to know more about what oils we use in my house, I am happy to chat anytime.  I love knowing that my oils are working to support my body in soo many ways. 
I also provide an immune boosting treatment. If you'd like to book an appointment, please let me know. 

Happy Healthy Families, One drop at a time,  
 Heather
 


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