09/11/2024
**Cold and flu season is coming up, and for some of us, staying healthy and strong can be harder than it seems.**
If you’re doing everything you can—eating right, resting, and using immune-boosting herbs—but still find yourself feeling run down, you’re not alone. Sometimes, it’s not just about adding more to your routine, but identifying what might be holding you back.
Stress, poor sleep, and gut health can all weaken your immune defenses:
• Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which over time can suppress immune function, leaving you more susceptible to infections. Consider stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, stretching, and herbs that support your body’s natural response to stress.
• Lack of sleep disrupts your body’s ability to fight infection and inflammation. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and consider sleep-supporting herbs to help you wind down and rest deeply.
• Poor gut health is a hidden culprit for many immune issues. Your gut houses about 70% of your immune cells, so if digestion is off, it can impact your body’s ability to defend itself. Demulcent herbs can soothe and repair the digestive tract, while probiotics help maintain healthy gut flora.
Herbalists take a whole-body approach, looking at how these factors work together to affect your immune system. If you’re struggling to stay well, I'd love to explore with you what your body needs to thrive this season.
