Natural ways to support the immune system

I was recently asked to respond to a farming family who were asking for tips on measles avoidance. They have chosen to not vaccinate their children against measles and were looking for advice on how to help them naturally deal with any exposure.

Our bodies are designed to keep us strong and healthy in a variety of environments. Our responsibility is to provide it with what it needs and keep away from it whatever might interfere.

The immune system and the nervous system are two key players in this endeavor. Our immune system has the task of recognizing foreign invaders and employing a variety of mechanisms to deal with them so that they do not do major damage to the body. An under-active immune system may allow outside influences like viruses, bacteria, environmental toxins and cancer cells to take up residence in the body and result in interference of normal body functions. An over-active immune system can inappropriately respond to relatively harmless environmental substances (like pollen) and result in allergies or inappropriately attack normal body tissues resulting in autoimmune conditions. Both of these scenarios have become more common in recent decades.

The nervous system also needs to be balanced and resilient. Hakim Shabaz is a naturopathic practitioner who has articulated a thoughtful perspective on this. “When our nervous system is resilient and our immune system is robust, the body is capable of managing and clearing what does not belong.”

“There is almost always a trade-off in the world outside of ourselves. Very rarely is something purely good or purely bad.” The real question, he wrote, is not whether the world contains threats. It is whether we are building a body, a mind, and a heart capable of dealing with them wisely. “The path is not isolation, but empowerment. We are designed to absorb what is beneficial and neutralize what is harmful, thereby moving forward toward our purpose in life.”

Whether to vaccinate or not is truly a personal decision but I generally am not in favor of choosing vaccinations over supporting the body’s own natural defenses. Following are the suggestions that I sent to the family who had the inquiry plus some additional thoughts.

* Fresh, clean (organic as much as possible), whole foods prepared in a kitchen that has a variety of wholesome ingredients that are routinely used; low sugar and avoidance of highly processed foods; include fermented vegetables or beverages on a routine basis; plenty of foods naturally high in vitamin C: bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli - raw is best for vitamin C availability. “Eat the rainbow” (i.e. lots of different colors) of vegetables and fruits in order to receive a broad spectrum of important nutrients.

* Keep toxins and chemicals out of your home and environment as much as possible: NO glyphosate/Round Up on your property - use natural herbicides and pesticides; filter your water; use more natural products in your home for cleaning, laundry, personal care; evaluate your home for possible mold and utilize several different methods to eradicate and control if present.

* Support good ventilation in your home by keeping windows open as much as possible (not if a neighbor is spraying).

* Epsom salt baths a few times a week to support the body’s natural detoxification processes. 

* Daily sunshine - just don’t allow the skin to burn and don’t be outside if a neighbor is spraying Round Up.

* Take a vitamin D3 supplement daily October through May (and through the summer if you can’t be outside in the sunlight).

*Ensure that you have a regular practice that can deal with negative emotions and support a resilient nervous system: prayer, meditation, breathing techniques, energy work are examples.

*Regularly spend time in nature and appreciate and enjoy the serenity and beauty.

* Form and maintain close and loving relationships. Being part of a supportive community can be extremely valuable.

* Keep an open mind and an open heart. Place value on learning and growing throughout your lifespan.

(I’ve previously published many articles on all of these points in my Substack account.)