ESCAPADA E-MAGAZINE
OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM!
This article is not intended to educate on the coronavirus, but a sensible approach to what we do best - practices that aim to place your body in the best place to protect and fight off viruses.
The immune system is a complex network of cells, organs and tissues that work in tandem to protect the body from infection. While genetics play a role, we know from studies of twins that the strength of our immune system is largely determined by nonheritable factors. The germs we are exposed to over a lifetime, as well as lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, diet and exercise all play a role in the strength of our immune response.
In reality, it's about training our immune system to do its job correctly. That is, we want to be able to fend off the things that can hurt us—such as viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and parasites—while remaining nonreactive to benign things like pollen and foods.
Boosting the immune system refers to allowing the immune system cells to readily do their job. If the body is perfectly healthy and functioning, this will be much easier. If the body is taxed by stresses, illnesses, or malnutrition, it will be harder.
Thus, in Chinese medicine, the focus is not always on strengthening the immune system specifically, but rather the whole body to allow the immune system to function optimally.
The bottom line is that there is no magic pill or a specific food guaranteed to bolster your immune system and protect you from the new coronavirus. But there are real ways you can take care of yourself and give your immune system the best chance to do its job against a respiratory illness.
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Follow your local Health Authority and health care professionals who will give clear advice in regards to precautions that will help minimise the risk of contracting & spreading coronavirus, such as, hand washing, close contact etc. We all have a responsibility to make sure we are aware of what to do
STAYING STRONG
ACUPUNCTURE
Right now, doing things that make your body strong is a must. Acupuncture can help to regulate immune function by reducing symptoms that weaken our immune system, speeding up the healing of infection and normalising the body’s immune response. Essentially acupuncture continuously attempts to put the body in the best place to do its own job for itself. It works by stimulating specific portions of our autonomic nervous system through selected acupoints, which in turn causes responses in the immune system. We will still be conducting our clinics in line with advice from our local health boards/governments. We will be in touch with clinic clients on protocols for attendance of clinics.
2. GUT HEALTH
The most important thing one can do to cultivate strong immunity is to start where the immune system really resides: the gut. Whether you have chronic allergies, frequent infections, or autoimmune problems, you likely have some damage to the health of your microbiome and digestive tract. This is where about 80% of your immune cells hang out, and it's where our bodies decide what is friend and what is foe. By strengthening our gut health, we are much less likely to get sick, have allergies, and develop autoimmune disease.
3. STRESS WEAKENS OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM!
When we're stressed, the immune system's ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. Worries about the coronavirus, the stock market and the general disruption of life have added to our stress levels, but we know that stress also can make you more susceptible to respiratory illness. Our body does a better job fighting off illness and healing wounds when it’s not under stress. Learning techniques for managing stress, like meditation, controlled breathing or going for acupuncture are all ways to help your immune system stay strong.
4.. GET YOUR EXERCISE ON
Proper exercise helps to release accumulated tension, move stagnant mental and emotional energy, and improve circulation. It also reduces the impact of the stress hormones that make the body more vulnerable to colds and flu.. It also improves digestion, bolsters the body’s detoxification mechanisms, encourages proper elimination, promotes relaxation in the body, and supports sound sleep—all of which serve to protect and support the immune system. Since we are avoiding gyms right now, it only takes a few minutes of low-intensity exercise such as walking to trigger the release of feel-good endorphins. Anything that gently increases your circulation is going to help. Exercise does not need to be strenuous to be effective. Simple, mild exercise like yoga, qi gong or swimming relaxes your body and mind, which eases daily stress.
5. REST
Sleep is critically important to the immune system. Studies have shown that when animals are completely deprived of sleep, they suffer a total loss of immune function—resulting in death. In humans also, sleep deprivation severely compromises immunity. Chronic sleep deprivation and disruption of the sleep-wake cycle cause an activation of the inflammatory immune response. Lack of sleep decreases the activity of T-cells (a crucial type of immune cell). Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep on a regular basis and avoid all-nighters.
6. NOURISHING NUTRITION
There is no magic superfood to keep away viruses but our focus needs to be on eating & drinking foods that will strengthen our bodies rather than depleting it.
Bone Broth
Our grandmothers knew what they were talking about, seeing as how the bone broth industry has exploded. The benefits of drinking and cooking with organic bone broth have far-reaching effects on the immune system. The natural gelatin, collagen, and amino acids tend to the gut, improve wound healing, and help support the health of individual immune cells such as lymphocytes. So, there is definitely good reason to drink homemade chicken soup when dealing with a cold or the flu.
Natural Antimicrobials Daily
These foods can be incorporated on a daily basis so that you are constantly improving and boosting your immunity while eating yummy foods.
Garlic: Garlic is a powerful anti oxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibiotic properties. It's also a natural decongestant! The sky really is the limit with this flavourful ingredient, and you can work it into pretty much any meal. At the first sign of an infection, start taking one raw garlic clove daily, or use concentrated allicin extract.
Oregano oil: This oil has a long history of being used and an antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal. It can also be used topically to treat antibiotic-resistant staph infections of the skin (MRSA) as well as taken internally to combat yeast infections.
Manuka honey: Quite a bit of research exists on the benefits of honey as a natural immune booster, natural anti-inflammatory agent, and antimicrobial agent. Manuka honey in particular—native to New Zealand and Australia—is even registered as a wound-care product in those countries. Manuka honey has substances that can kill bacteria topically, and when ingested, it can even work synergistically with antibiotics to improve their efficacy.
Ginger: This pungent root is a powerful anti histamine and decongestant that delivers a one-two punch against cold symptoms. Add it to stir-fried dishes or boil it to make a cup of ginger tea with some added lemon and honey for a pleasant and healing hot drink.
Tumeric is known to bolster the immune system, purify the blood, strengthen digestion, and eliminate natural toxins from the digestive tract. Tumeric tablets offer an incredibly easy way to ingest the beneficial properties of this well-known golden yellow spice.
Be sensible and eat "Happy" Foods. You not only are what you eat, but you act like what you eat, too. Food affects resilience, mood and behaviour. Foods that support hour systems are fresh, whole, and organic. Meals that include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy oils such as ghee and olive oil, and unprocessed sweeteners are recommended in Chinese Medicine. Foods that are cooked fresh each day by yourself is ideal. Foods such as leftovers, frozen, canned or processed foods - these are of little nutritional value. These foods are difficult to digest, and end up creating impurities and digestive toxins can build up. Try to reduce/avoid alcohol, sugar and processed foods.
*This article is not intended to replace any information or advice given by your medical professional but rather as natural ways to protect your body. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
