Immune System Facts: Ayurveda Reveals What Really Affects Your Immunity

Have you ever wondered why it is that some people get sick when there's a bug going around and others don't? Ayurveda teaches that this is due to whether our immune system is balanced or not at the time of exposure to a virus or bacterial infection. A balanced immune system offers better resistance to pathogens which are always around us. So does that mean that some people will always get sick and others won't? Not necessarily.

We know that some people are born with a stronger immune system than others, but the message from Ayurveda is that our level of immunity is not set in stone. This first article in a series on how to boost your immune system gives an introduction to the ancient concept that you can directly influence your own health.

Immune System Facts & Factors

While there are rigid factors in immunity such as the level of protection we inherit from our parents at the time of our conception, and external factors like our age, living conditions and whether or not the season is favourable for the development of a particular bacteria or virus, there is one important factor that we can influence and that is the area of acquired immunity i.e. that which we can strengthen by diet, herbs, routine care etc.

A strong immune system can be weakened by lack of sleep, stress, negative emotions, lack of respect for the body's natural intelligence and a poor diet.

Conversely a weaker immune system can be strengthened by good quality rest, a nourishing diet, meditation or stress management techniques, acting with emotional intelligence, breathing exercises and supportive herbs.

Your Health In Your Hands

The positive message here is that we can all be proactive about our health. Each and every day we have the chance to make good decisions and look after ourselves, when we show ourselves some care and self-respect we can relax and know that we are giving ourselves the best chance of enjoying the protection balanced immunity offers us. 

In conclusion: If we keep ourselves in good mental and physical balance this will be reflected in our immune health.

How to Boost Your Immune System Series

Part 1: Immune System Facts: Ayurveda Reveals What Really Affects Your Immunity

Part 2: 5 Super Spices for Building Up Your Immune System coming next

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Photo by Sarihuella

Comments

[Positively Present]

Great post. This is so relavant right now and, regardless of the relativity factor, it's very interesting. Thanks for posting it!

[Ananga]

Thanks for your feedback. When I was writing a feature on breast cancer for Lifescape Magazine I tried to offer hope to ladies who felt they were a sitting duck due to a possible genetic predisposition to the disease. My editor sent me reams of info to wade through and I was delighted to find that a lot of research agreed with Ayurveda's theory that our lifestyle choices have a very definite impact on our health.

When the swine flu became a top news story I wanted to start sharing some tips on how we can protect our health rather than sit around feeling anxious as the press hypes the story and pandemic panic smothers our intelligence.

Ananga