Living Magazine Fall 2014 Living Magazine | Page 23

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.
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

do-TERRA 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.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent desease.

References:
Inouya S, Uchida K, Yamaguchi H. In-vitro [