A balanced immune system is a healthy one
Your immune system is your body’s defence against germs and infections. It’s a complex network of cells, and unlike other systems of the body it’s not easily identified or located.
When it’s in balance it helps keep you healthy by fighting off invaders - bacteria, viruses and parasites.
The immune system is vital for our survival but keeping it in balance can be a challenge.
Signs of imbalance
Your immune system can be operating anywhere on a scale from underactive to overactive.
If it’s underactive it’s weakened, and typical signs of this are:
You always have a cold
It’s normal to get sick sometimes and most people have a cold two or three times a year. If you’re constantly catching colds though, or you don’t feel a cold ever really clears up, this is a sign your immune system may be struggling.You’re tired all the time
The immune system needs a lot of energy to function properly and fight off infection. If you’re getting enough sleep but still feel exhausted, it’s likely you have a lowered immune system. Or if you’re losing sleep because you’re stressed, stress hormones like cortisol could be partially suppressing your immune system.You have problems with your digestion – wind, constipation or diarrhoea
Research shows a significant part of the immune system is located in the gut. If you’ve had to take a lot of antibiotics in the past, this could have affected the strength of your immune system by changing the microbiome in your gut.You have frequent infections
If you’re prone to getting infections such as UTIs or tonsillitis, it could be a sign your immune system isn’t working effectively.Wounds are slow to heal
You need healthy immune cells for the skin to heal itself. If your immune system is sluggish your body can’t regenerate new skin as easily.
If the immune system is overactive you’re likely to experience allergic reactions.
Common allergic reactions are hayfever, asthma, eczema, hives and food allergies.
The symptoms of these allergies can range from mild, to life-threatening in the case of anaphylactic shock.
In extreme cases an overactive immune system may lead to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
Six ways to restore balance in your immune system
Get plenty of rest and sleep
Eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh food high in Vitamin C and zinc
Fit exercise into your daily routine
Wash your hands regularly
Consider taking a probiotic, particularly if you have problems with your digestion - I recommend Optibac
Take Vitamin D to support your immune system, especially through the winter months
How homeopathy can help your immune system
Homeopathy treats each person individually. As well as talking about current health issues during a consultation, I also ask questions about medical history and family medical history.
This can help to explain why you may have symptoms of an underactive or overactive immune system.
Perhaps you have an allergic disposition because you’ve inherited it. Or an infection in the past that was never fully resolved has now become a recurring pattern.
Sometimes symptoms are triggered by an emotional upset such as shock or grief. Often living with stress long-term can suppress the immune system.
Homeopathy can help balance the immune system naturally.
If you’re stuck in a cycle of recurring infections or feel your immune system would benefit from some support, book a free call to find out how I could help:
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