Preparing Your Immune System
It's no surprise to anyone that we are in the middle of a pandemic! COVID 19 is approaching. Combine that with winter, and the usual mixture of coughs, colds and flu's hanging about in our workplaces, gyms, homes and kids schools and childcare. People are on edge. However, we all must fear not...
It's all about preparedness. It's about being alert, but not alarmed. Research has revealed some simple things that you can do to make sure you and your body are prepared to protect.
Does Stressing Help?
Well... it's a rhetorical question. Stress kills! Inflammation can be exacerbated by stress - this is the opposite of what our immune system needs to remain strong and effective. When we are stressed, the body is sending so much energy to unnecessary functions, taking away from our vital immune response.
How do we keep our immune system healthy, so it's ready to fight the battle?
Floating To Strengthen Your Immune System
The importance of floating for the immune system has been recognised since 1984 when Michael Hutchison first published 'The Book of Floating'. He found that "a person can actually strengthen his or her immune system". His findings are further supported by Thomas Fine (Psychologist) & John Turner's (Neuroendocrinologist) research, which indicated that floating reduces adrenaline and cortisol. These two byproducts of stress have been found to depress the body's immune system and contribute to poor sleep. They also present potential metabolic implications.
We all know the critical nature of sleep in supporting our immune system to do its job. We also all know that getting enough sleep is easier said than done. Several studies have discovered a deep kind of relaxation and change in brain waves is achieved during your float session. Floating increases the presence of low-frequency delta and theta brain waves, which are present during sleep and deep meditation. The benefits of meditation and deep relaxation are well recognised if you want to get a good nights sleep.
The benefits extend beyond hormone and sleep support. Dr Feinstein, a neuropsychologist at the University of Tulsa and a principal investigator at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research has also found that float therapy can decrease heart rate by 20bpm and blood pressure by 20 units. These stress-relief benefits further highlight the physiological benefits of floating to strengthen our immune system.
Cryotherapy to Boost Your Immune System.
Whole-body cryotherapy exposes your body to sub-zero temperatures for a maximum of 3 minutes. During the treatment, your blood rushes to its internal organs as a protective measure. Following the session, your body is infiltrated with oxygen-rich blood which may help to remove toxins and enable the strengthening of the immune system.
However, that's not the only mechanism that the cold may help support your defence mechanism. Basically, you want to have a good supply of immune cells in your body. You want these cells to remain dormant until there is a reason for them to be activated and protect your body. Research has revealed that exposure to the cold appears to increase our 'stock' of immune cells. One study found that exposure to the cold increased the body's white blood cell numbers, including cytotoxic T Lymphocytes. These immune cells play a vital roll in killing cancer cells.
Infrared Sauna to Strengthen Your Immune System.
Having a regular infrared sauna can also boost your immune system. A NASA study found that infrared therapy, delivered by LEDs, can quadruple cell health and tissue growth.
The use of an infrared sauna may also help to reduce stress, enhance relaxation, lower blood pressure and remove toxins. Each of these factors may help your immune system to be effective and efficient at fighting viruses and bacteria.
How Else Can We Prepare?
There are lots of other things that you can easily implement to ensure your prepared (and it doesn't involve stockpiling)
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Self isolate if you are unwell to prevent the spread
- Ensure your eating well with lots of fruit and vegetables
- Keep a distance between yourself and others
- Maintain and clean environment and wipe over hard surfaces frequently