Shona Campbell, Acupuncturist at Shoreham Osteopathy Centre, focuses on ways to boost immunity.
The immune system is a wonderful, complex protective system that keeps us safe. There are many ways we can boost this defence system to keep it in great shape.
Gut health
Did you know that 70% of our immunity comes from our gut? This means we need good nourishment to help our gut to function. Probiotics achieve this wonderfully as they feed our gut bacteria the nutrients they need. Live fermented products are a great source of probiotics, and can be found in kefir drinks, kombucha, kimchi, Sauerkraut, live yoghurt and live apple cider vinegar.
Other foods which have been shown to help boost immunity include:
- Citrus fruit
- Red bell peppers
- Garlic
- Spinach
- Sunflower seeds
- Turmeric
- Green tea
- Ginger
Eliminating Stress
Stress has been shown to have a negative effect on the immune system. Finding ways to eliminate stress is crucial in staying healthy, particularly when stress becomes chronic. Doing something creative, getting outdoors in nature, exercising at least three times a week, and meditation, have all been shown to reduce stress and make us less reactive to external triggers.
Acupuncture
Two particular aspects of the immune system need to be in balance. TH1 cells fight infection by white-blood-cell production and NKT “killer” T-cells are a first line of defence against viruses and produce inflammation which, in the acute stage, has a protective function to aid healing. TH2 cells switch off these processes once the pathogen is no longer present, inflammation reduces, and the defence system is calm. Sometimes this switch-off function does not happen, such as in autoimmune conditions. Acupuncture has been shown in studies to have a regulating effect on both TH1 and TH2, building defence and helping calm it by dialling down the inflammatory response. Acupuncture does this in a targeted and nuanced way, bringing immunity into balance. A welcome effect that has been shown in studies of Acupuncture is also a reduction in stress, so Acupuncture treatments can help immunity in many ways.
Call Shoreham Osteopathy Centre now on 01273 567654 or email info@shorehamosteo.co.uk to book an appointment, or visit www.shonacampbellacupuncture.co.uk to find out more about how acupuncture can help.