How To Boost Your Body’s Immunity During Stressful Times

How To Boost Your Body’s Immunity During Stressful Times

It's important to remember the immune system during a stressful time, even for kids. Hormones are released from the adrenal glands in times of emotional and physical stress. This is all normal during acute situations however, when stresses become chronic, the body has to work extra hard to help out the adrenals and that means nutrient depletion. When tragedy strikes, the body goes into full gear to protect itself. One of the systems that become suppressed is the immune system. This suppression can increase the risk of any illness.

Another important note, approximately 70% of the immune system is located in the digestive system, therefore, both systems may be greatly affected. 

Although difficult, this is a very important time to nurture both the immune and digestive systems.

How To Boost Your Body’s Immunity During Stressful Times

Digestive Support

Probiotics

Known as the friendly bacteria in the gut, they aid in keeping the digestive system strong and healthy. Approximately 70% of the immune system is in the digestive system so you are getting lots of support by taking probiotics. You can also bring in probiotic-rich fermented foods like yogurt, kefir into your diet.

Castor oil packs

Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from castor bean/seed. Similar to hydrotherapy, castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back to ancient Egypt. Although the healing properties of this oil are still unrecognized, the results have been apparent through the years people have been using it.

One can use castor oil regularly by directly applying it to the abdomen. Like hydrotherapy, it enhances circulation and promotes healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. It improves liver function, relieves pain, reduces inflammation and improves digestion.

Diet

1. Eat your greens:

And your yellows, blues, reds, and oranges. Feeding your body a wide variety of colorful nutrient-packed foods is the first step in giving the immune a fabulous fighting chance to combat any germs.

If you can, consider starting your own mini vegetable garden with the offcuts to aid in the scarcity of fresh produce during the pandemic. We’re all in this together and we should do everything we can to help. Think about it. This simple act can save a few unnecessary trips to the shop, as well as decrease risk. Bonus!

Consider adding additional supplements to your diet in times of scarcity for a boost in immunity. Your body will be grateful for the extra support in this time of need.

2. Drink herbal tea and water:

Quenching thirst with fluids is important in keeping the body hydrated and flushing out toxins. If plain water doesn't excite you, there are many delicious herbal teas flavors available or try infusing water with citrus fruit like oranges and lemons.

How To Boost Your Body’s Immunity During Stressful Times

Adrenal Support

Botanicals

Most people are most familiar with the Bach Flower, Rescue Remedy. Rescue remedy is great for stressful events that are coming up (tests) or when you receive some bad news. The beauty of Bach Flower remedies is their ability to quickly bring us back to a balanced state to allow us to calmly deal with the situation we are in. You can place a few drops in water or directly on the skin.

Sleep

Sleep is important. Try to find a regular sleep pattern; for example, going to bed at 9 every night and waking up at 6. If you feel the urge to nap, do it. The key is to listen to your body.

Easier said than done.

It might be a challenge for you to fall and stay asleep now more than ever with the natural increase in screen time. To help your body prepare for sleep in the hours before bed, try wearing a pair of blue light blocking glasses to block excessive blue light. Extended blue light exposure at night inhibits melatonin production, therefore keeping you alert.

In addition, keep your overall sleep hygiene in check.

And finally...

Wash your hands frequently and for 20 seconds or more with soap and water.

If you want your kids to learn more about the immune system, have them read Human Body Detectives: Battle with the Bugs.

Be well!

Also, check out this blog about Code Red's diet rules.

READY TO BOOST YOUR HEALTH WITH ADEQUATE SLEEP?

Start by blocking excessive blue light with a pair of Night Swannies

author

AUTHOR:

Heather Manley

Naturopathic Doctor

Award-winning author of the Human Body Detectives series and curriculum, helping you maximize your body’s potential through medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle education... and everything in between! You can get in touch with her at HumanBodyDetectives.com



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