With the world-events that have been taking place since 2020, people are now more health conscious than ever. One could have thought that the attention would have turned towards our natural immune systems. Instead, the pharmaceutical industry was highlighted and our innate way to protect and heal ourselves was pushed into the shadows. Years later, our natural immune system is still of great importance. Here are ten different ways to naturally improve your own body’s defense mechanism.
1. Keep stress levels down
Considering we live in such a fast-paced society, sometimes it can be difficult to relax. Information shows that human beings’ stress levels have increased due to technology and social media networks. The main neurotransmitter that is responsible for the fight-or-flight/fight-or-freeze response is cortisol. Contrary to popular belief, all stress is not bad. In some cases, where there are low doses of cortisol, it can be good for productivity, focus, and motivation. On the other hand, when there is an overload of it, the body and mind think they are in danger, therefore, using more of the body’s energy to protect itself and maintain hyperawareness. This overexertion of one’s life force takes the energy from the immune system and begins to deplete it over time. With this in mind, it is important for people to maintain healthy stress levels in order to prevent dis-eases and dis-orders by finding ways to relax.
2. Meditate
Numerous studies show the many benefits of meditation. To demystify this ancient practice, it is simply when one focuses on the present moment and lets thoughts come and go. It is a way for people to connect with the Most High through listening and being open to whatever divine message is specifically for you. Meditation is known to help people clear their mind, have less thoughts throughout the day, reduce inflammation, increase focus, groundedness, and improve natural immunity. According to a Harvard health blog, regular meditation is more helpful than vacation!
3. Breathwork
*inhale*
Hold
*exhale*
Our breath is our life force and is the most powerful part of our being. It is our very existence. Doing one breathwork practice a day actually boosts the immune system. Since this ancient healing method is directly tied to the nervous system, it has the ability to calm anxiety or provide natural energy. Some of the most common breathing techniques, like the breath of fire and Wim Hof method are known to reduce pain, stimulate the brain, and give one maximum energy. Others on the other hand, like triangle and square breathing are tranquilizing and stress-relieving. Additionally, this practice can also decrease blood pressure and cortisol levels while improving blood flow and the autonomic response to physical and mental stress. Either way, since breathwork is free and always accessible to you, It is a great way to keep a healthy and balanced immune system.
4. Yoga
This is both a physical and mental practice that anyone of any skill level can do. Yoga offers many natural benefits. Some of them include providing a greater range of motion, flexibility, groundedness, and can even manage depression, stiffness, and soreness. Additionally, it can help lower stress and promote better sleep, according to The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Another well-known advantage of yoga is increasing immunity. This is partially due to oxygen cleansing the lungs and the other parts of the respiratory system while stimulating the lymphatic system at the same time.
5. Weekly exercise
As quarantine happened, countless people all across the world had to adjust their schedule and lifestyle. Sometimes this resulted in less activity. On the other hand, there were people who saw that time as an opportunity to go harder and push themselves to reach their fitness goals. Studies show that people who exercise every week can boost their immune system, which could lead to longer life. In fact, one study published in 2021 states, “There is substantial evidence that exercise and physical activity can reduce incidence and improve outcomes in cancer patients.” If someone is not comfortable going out in public to work out, they can find ways to move at home. A few options can include dancing, calaesthetics or even running in place!
6. Laugh More!
Did you know that laughing can boost your immune system? One of the main parts of immunity is the lymphatic system, which is located between your skin and muscles. It is responsible for cleansing and revitalizing your organs. The lymph nodes throughout your body are stations where the white blood cells are produced. When someone laughs from their gut, the diaphragmatic breathing speeds up the flow of the lymphatic fluid. This means that it increases the amount of lymphocytes circulating in your blood for better immunity toward every dis-ease, including cancer.
7. Be in nature!
When you were younger, you probably spent more time outside. Due to the pressures of adulthood and the recent world events, most people in developed countries will find themselves spending almost their entire day indoors. According to a survey done in 2018 by a window manufacturing company, 25% of Americans will spend 90% (21 hours) a day inside. The best way to counteract this is of course get up and go out! Being outside helps increase immunity because the elements of Mother nature heal us. We are reminded of our oneness with all there is. Scientifically speaking, being around plants can help us generate white blood cells to fight off ailments. Going outside is free aromatherapy and can also stimulate creativity!
8. Add herbs to your life
Natural practices, like herbalism, are on the rise again. Herbs have obviously been around since the beginning of time. Many civilizations, such as the Indigeniuos “Black” Native Americans, Mayans, Incas, Chinese and Africans all used herbs to heal. These gifts from God have been utilized for medicine and spirituality. Adding herbs to your life, like chamomile, lavender and catnip (from the mint family) can reduce stress while peppermint, eucalyptus and mullein can help the digestive and respiratory systems. CBD, the naturally-occurring chemical compound in more potent herbs like hemp and cannabis, have been used in ancient medicine to boost the immune system as well. There are many books available that can teach you about herbs. Since it has been a sacred tradition for many bloodlines across the earth, it is important for one to study deeper into how they can help the human body, mind and even spirit if one feels called. Who knows? Perhaps you can be the one in your family and community to become a certified herbalist and create new-old traditions.
9. Regulated Diet
Famous health specialists, like Dr. Sebi, was a big advocate for the alkaline diet. In fact, he was taken to court and was granted the right to say he healed people through the alkaline diet alone. Although this can be quite controversial, it is important to do your own research and find a diet that is right for your body. There are so many people becoming health conscious to the point there’s numerous diets to choose from. Including being vegan, vegetarian, paleo, pescatarian, meat eaters and more. Whether you are someone who might want to get all their nutrients from plants, including your protein or want to stick with eating animal products, there’s options for everyone! Either way, it is essential to get the vital nutrients your body needs by consuming foods that can be a part of a regulated and balanced diet.
10. Get Enough Sleep
Contrary to popular belief every body does not need eight hours of sleep. The amount of sleep will actually vary from person to person. This is because so many factors come into play, such as DNA, health history, age, weight, diet, body-type and even what is happening astrologically. For instance, if a woman is on her first day of her menstrual (moon) cycle, her body might be calling her to have deeper and longer rest. Considering it is all subjective, one must find out how much is right for them. Once they discover that, and get enough sleep consistently, their immune system will improve since sleep restores, repairs and heals our cells.
Conclusion
Above all, it is possible to heal yourself through natural ways. When it comes down to health, it really depends on one keeping their stress levels down. When we look at scientific research, it shows that 95% of dis-eases and dis-orders are stress-related (The Healing Code by and Dr. Alex Loyd and Dr. Ben Johnson). Almost all dis-eases start from the mind! Whatever you are dealing with, have faith that you can be healed and maintain optimal health. Use these tips to have a richer and fuller life and share it with your loved ones so all of you can thrive!
