With concerns high about new viruses spreading and most looking for the best options to stay healthy and protected it can be overwhelming to know what is right for your body and if you’re doing everything possible to stay safe. It is always good practice to make sure you understand what affects your immune system as well as taking all steps to stay well and keep your family in good health.
How To Boost Your Body’s Immunity To Illnesses
March 12, 2020
"The best thing that can be done is regular hand washing as well as avoiding close personal contact with anyone who could be sick."
It is also good to keep in mind that mental health and physical health are closely related, this is often an aspect of our mind body connection that is overlooked. With stress high and coming out of a cold winter, now is the best time to start a regimen of immunity-boosting health practices to ensure that you retain your best state of body and mind.
Staying Active
Keeping physically active is a great way to keep your immunity levels high. Studies have shown that physical activity is an effective way to rid the lungs and airways of harmful bacteria. Exercise has also been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a known cause of illness and disease.
The Air That We Breathe
It’s no wonder that people get sick after traveling. Sharing confined spaces and recycled air with hundreds of people at a time can be the final straw when it comes to the body’s ability to fight off an illness. Traveling isn’t the only time that we should be concerned about air quality though. In the cooler months it’s a good idea to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, this way your body doesn’t have to use unnecessary energy to maintain warmth.
It’s also a good idea to use an air filtration system if you suspect that your home may have a lot of dust, mildew, pet dander, or mold issues.
Plants For Health
While we’re on the subject of air, an essential oil diffuser with immunity-boosting, antioxidant-heavy essential oils can help to increase your body’s ability to ward off illness. Using a blend of polyphenol-rich, plant-based oils to circulate and cleanse the air in your home is a great way to upgrade your home with pleasant antioxidant-infused aromas.
Using an immunity blend of oils containing cinnamon to reduce inflammation, clove as a high antioxidant expectorant, lemon to fight off viral illnesses, eucalyptus to kill bacteria, and rosemary for its centuries-long reputation as an antioxidant-rich cure-all is the best way to diffuse essential oils for increased immunity.
Good Hygiene
There’s a reason that your mom always told you to wash your hands before dinner. The easiest way to spread germs is from touching your face with your hands, and especially when eating. It’s always good practice to wash your hands before touching your face or eating, but this habit is extra necessary when viruses are present.
One great trick for when you’re traveling or unable to wash your hands is to keep a small vile of tea tree oil with you for a quick antibacterial fix when you’re in a pinch. A few drops rubbed on hands can kill off a number of illness-causing bacteria.
Research has suggested that tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties damage the cell walls of bacteria. This miracle oil is an antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antibacterial jack of all trades. If you can’t wash your hands, tea tree oil is the next best thing. Be sure to dilute with a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin or mix in with a hand sanitizer for an extra boost.
Keeping A Positive Mindset
High levels of stress is shown to significantly reduce your immune response so one of the best things you can do for yourself outside of the recommended above precautions is to keep a good mindset and create practices to reduce internal stress. If you feel yourself becoming worried or anxious take a moment to calm your breathing and recognize the cause of the feeling. This might mean reaching out to a friend or a loved one just to talk.