Protecting Our Immune System

Dr. David K. Hill, D.C. – Founding Executive, Chief Medical Officer / Chairman, Scientific Advisory Committee

Our immune system is an especially important part of overall health.

It is especially important to be mindful of our immune system during transitional times of the year, for instance, the beginning of a new school year when exposure to environmental threats increases. Many lifestyle factors can also weaken our immune system, including stress, lack of sleep, exposure to toxicity, and poor nutrition. Managing each of these areas and adopting a model of consistency that actively supports the immune system is an excellent way to maintain health throughout the year.

It is especially important to be mindful of our immune system during transitional times of the year, for instance, the beginning of a new school year when exposure to germs increases. Many lifestyle factors can also weaken our immune system, including stress, lack of sleep, exposure to toxicity, and poor nutrition. Managing each of these areas and adopting a model of consistency that actively supports the immune system is an excellent way to maintain health throughout the year. Although the physiologic functioning of the immune system is complex, it can be broken down into two main parts–fixed and mobile immunity. Fixed immunity serves as the body’s first line of defense against potential threats by preventing harmful elements from ever entering circulation. This type of immunity is composed of the various protective barriers that exist between the delicate internal environment of the body and the outside environment, (for example, the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin). We also have mobile immunity that is activated if the body does become infected. Specialized immune cells quickly congregate at the site of infection to initiate the healing process. The combined work of both aspects of immunity is critical for staying healthy.

Take proactive measures to enhance the body’s ability to protect itself.

Supporting our immune system can be easily achieved. We should focus on simple approaches that are easy to implement and easy to share with others. Among the greatest benefits of essential oils is that they are simple to apply and offer consistent benefits. Here are steps that can be used to support both fixed and mobile immunity and, in turn, maximize the health of your family during colder months.

Build Healthy Intestinal Flora:

The gastrointestinal (GI) system plays a key role in fixed immunity. If health of the GI tract is compromised, so is the immune system. A probiotic supplement such as doTERRA PB Assist+ is an excellent way to populate the GI tract with beneficial microflora, thus enhancing immunity.* It’s important to use a probiotic supplement that bypasses the strong acidic environment of the stomach and releases the bacteria into the intestines where it will have the most substantial effect. Using innovative encapsulation technology, PB Assist+ delivers a combination of live bacteria strains and a fructo-oligosaccharide prebiotic directly into the intestines, helping to populate the GI tract with helpful microflora while also optimizing colony adhesion and growth. This product is best used daily, but is especially important during periods when the immune system is vulnerable.

Diffuse Essential Oils Regularly:

Scientific study demonstrates that diffusion of essential oils can purify and cleanse the air, providing added protection when the seasonal threats are high. I recommend diffusing essential oils every day. Lemon and On Guard Protective Blend contain powerful cleansing properties that purify the air we breathe, delivering positive effects on the immune system.

Use Essential Oils to Clean Surfaces:

Frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, keyboards, cell phones, and grocery carts can be more harmful during certain times of the year. Cleaning these surfaces often is an important part of minimizing exposure to harmful particles. The On Guard cleaning products are a highly effective way to clean surfaces while preventing exposure to toxins. I also suggest using Lemon, Grapefruit, Wild Orange, Purify Cleansing Blend, or the On Guard Protective Blend. Our immunity is limited to its own ability to function properly. It is important to both minimize exposure to elements that may harm our immune system and to take proactive, consistent measures to enhance the body’s ability to protect itself. By developing a daily routine and integrating these tips into a model of consistency, we can easily and effectively keep our families healthy throughout all seasons of the year.

References:

Inouya S, Uchida K, Yamaguchi H. In-vitro and in-vivo anti-Trichophyton activity of essential oils by vapour. Mycoses. 2001;44:99-107.

Inouye S, Takizawa T, Yamaguchi H. Antibacterial activity of essential oils and their major constituents against respiratory tract pathogens by gaseous contact. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2001;47:565-573.

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