When do you usually start thinking about your immune system?
For most of us, it’s probably sometime in the fall—when the weather changes, everyone around us seems to be sniffling, and we suddenly start thinking about what we can do to stay well.
But our immune system doesn’t only work during “cold and flu season.” It’s working for us every single day of the year, which means supporting it should really be part of our everyday wellness routine.
The good news is that supporting your immune system doesn’t have to mean living in a bubble or becoming obsessed with every germ you encounter. Our bodies were beautifully designed with their own natural defense system. We simply want to give that system the support it needs to do its job well.
First, What Does Your Immune System Actually Do?
Your immune system is an incredible network of cells, tissues, and organs working together to protect your body.
There are two main parts of this system: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.
Your innate immune system is your first line of defense. It includes physical barriers such as your skin and mucous membranes along with immune cells that are constantly watching for things that don’t belong.
Then there is your adaptive immune system. This part of your immune response learns from previous exposure to certain pathogens and develops an immunological “memory,” helping your body recognize specific invaders in the future.
Most of this is happening every day without us ever giving it a thought.
Pretty amazing when you think about it!
Could Your Immune System Use a Little Extra Support?
Our bodies are usually pretty good at letting us know when something needs attention.
Frequent illness or infections, ongoing digestive problems, unusually slow healing, constant exhaustion, or living under chronic stress may all be reasons to take a closer look at your overall wellness habits.
That doesn't necessarily mean one symptom equals a “weak immune system.” There can be many reasons we don't feel our best. But sometimes those little signals are a good reminder to pay attention to the basics—sleep, nutrition, stress, movement, hydration, and gut health.
So what can we do?
Here are five areas I like to focus on.
1. Add Supportive Herbs to Your Routine
Herbs have been used in traditional wellness practices for generations, and several are commonly associated with immune support.
Echinacea is probably one of the best known. You’ll often find it in herbal teas and seasonal wellness products.
Elderberry is another popular choice, especially during the colder months.
And ginseng has a long history of traditional use for supporting overall health and vitality.
You certainly don't need an entire cabinet filled with herbs. Sometimes something as simple as enjoying an herbal tea can be an easy addition to your wellness routine.
2. Feed Your Body Well
One of the simplest ways we can support our bodies is also one of the least glamorous:
Eat real, nutrient-dense food.
Your digestive system and immune system are closely connected, so supporting gut health is an important part of overall wellness.
A few foods worth adding regularly include:
- Ginger for its long history of use in digestive and overall wellness
- Green tea, which provides antioxidants
- Citrus fruits and bell peppers for vitamin C
- Carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes for beta-carotene
- Leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens
- Bone broth as a nourishing addition to soups and meals
Instead of concentrating on one “superfood,” think variety.
The more colorful whole foods you can work into your meals, the wider variety of nutrients you provide your body.
3. Make Essential Oils Part of Your Wellness Routine
You probably knew I was going to mention essential oils!
For me, essential oils aren't something I only pull out when somebody isn't feeling well. They're simply part of how I care for myself and my home every day.
And because quality matters tremendously to me, I personally use Young Living essential oils and appreciate their Seed to Seal® quality commitment.
For oils labeled for dietary use, Young Living's Vitality™ line offers several options that can easily be incorporated into a wellness routine according to their label directions.
Some oils you may want to learn more about include:
Clove Vitality, Lemon Vitality, Orange Vitality, Oregano Vitality, Rosemary Vitality, Tangerine Vitality, Thieves Vitality and Thyme Vitality.
I don't think of essential oils as replacing the basics of good health. I see them as another tool in my wellness toolbox alongside good food, movement, rest, hydration and sensible self-care.
4. Fill in the Nutritional Gaps
Ideally, we would get every nutrient we need from our food.
Real life doesn't always work that way.
That's where supplements may be helpful—particularly when there is a specific nutritional need or gap.
One area I pay attention to is gut health. Probiotics help provide beneficial bacteria to the digestive system, which is why Young Living's Life 9® Probiotic has traditionally been one of the supplements I've looked to for digestive support.
Vitamin D and vitamin C are also nutrients worth paying attention to as part of overall wellness.
Here are two featured Young Living products—Master Cellular Nutrition™ and Super C™— that are great options for providing additional vitamins, minerals and antioxidant support.
The important thing is not to take supplements simply because someone says they're “good for you.” Look at what you're already taking, consider your individual needs, read labels carefully, and talk with your healthcare provider when appropriate.
More isn't automatically better.
5. Don't Forget the Everyday Stuff
We can buy every supplement and wellness product imaginable, but we can't supplement our way out of poor everyday habits.
Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference.
Manage your stress.
Long-term stress can take a toll on the entire body. Find something that regularly helps your nervous system shift out of that constant go-go-go mode.
Try walking, laughing, praying, meditating, singing, humming, exercising, spending time outdoors—or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes.
Prioritize sleep.
Your body needs time to restore itself.
Aim for consistent, quality sleep and create an evening routine that tells your body, the day is done.
Drink your water.
Hydration supports just about every system in your body. Keep water nearby and sip throughout the day rather than realizing at 8:00 at night that you've barely had anything to drink.
Get outside.
Fresh air, sunshine and movement don't need to be complicated.
A short walk counts.
Sitting outside counts.
Working in the garden counts.
The goal isn't perfection. It's giving your body more of what helps it function well.
Immune Support Isn't Just a Fall Thing
I think this is the biggest takeaway.
We tend to wait until everyone around us is getting sick before we suddenly decide it's time to “boost” our immune system.
I'd rather think differently.
Support your body before you need it.
Eat nourishing food.
Take care of your gut.
Move your body.
Manage stress.
Sleep.
Hydrate.
Get outside.
And use the wellness tools that make sense for you.
None of those things are particularly flashy—and that's exactly the point.
Supporting our health is usually less about one magical product and more about the little things we consistently do day after day.
Your immune system works for you all year long.
Maybe it's time we return the favor.
This information is intended for general wellness and educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have frequent infections, persistent digestive problems, slow wound healing, unusual fatigue, or other ongoing health concerns, talk with your healthcare provider.
In 2015 Sue began again, she started over, and did it all at the ripe old age of 61. She found Jesus, stopped drinking, got married and seriously began focusing on what mattered most. All it took was a decision to clean up her act which is why she considers herself “Blessed Beyond Measure”. Now she is a health and wellness educator of all things natural, looking to share with anyone who wants to make a change in their health and wellness journey. Visit her at suefilling.com. Get weekly wellness tips: Weekly Wellness Tips
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