By Karen Morris
Our immune system is designed to defend our bodies against invaders such as viruses, bacteria and foreign bodies. Made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs, our immune system is constantly looking out for invaders, ready to attack if need be.
And when we have a healthy lifestyle, our immune system does a really great job of defending us and keeping us well.
But when we live through challenging times, stress hormones are pumped through the body and one of the body’s stress hormones, cortisol, starts to work at suppressing your immune system and your digestion.
What this means is that over time, inflammation rises and the suppressed cells then need to fight much harder to ward off infections, making it easier to get an infection, and also taking much longer to recover.
Stress can also change the balance of bacteria or flora of your gut by weakening your guts’ intestinal lining, this making you more susceptible to inflammation and illness.
The problem is that most people don’t even recognise they are stressed and that stress impacts their gut health!
Society conditions us that stress is normal, so most people don’t even think twice about sleep problems, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, indigestion, heartburn, weight gain or loss. They just accept these symptoms as part of everyday life and get on with things.
We see so many people in the clinic who say they are not stressed and yet exhibit these symptoms and so much more, which eventually lead to chronic symptoms and illness.
So it’s essential to recognise these symptoms as stress and do something about it.
There are many different techniques for managing stress, such as exercise, yoga, relaxation, meditation, and practising lots of self-care.
And here at Herbs Online Shop, we have products that can support you too.
If you are suffering from stress and fatigue, try our Adrenal Fatigue Drops.
As Adrenal Fatigue is a stress-related condition that results in symptoms like exhaustion, weakened immunity, sleep disturbances, insomnia, anxiety, foggy mind and food cravings, Adrenal Fatigue Tonic is for anyone suffering from any of those symptoms or a general sense of exhaustion.
This herbal blend is formulated with Siberian ginseng, Rehmannia, passionflower and Withania to regenerate and support the health of adrenal glands,
With daily usage of this tonic, you are able to support your adrenal health which then provides you with energy, a better quality sleep, less cravings and a feeling of calmness.
This tonic helps to nourish, support and strengthen your endocrine system- thus aiding you to feel better and less knocked out!
A lovely herb to use on its own is Ashwaganda (or Withania).
It’s considered a cornerstone of traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine and has been used for its medicinal benefits throughout Asia since 6000 AD.
It has a nourishing effect on those who have been convalescing from physical and/or mental stress, can restore vitality, promote longevity and physical endurance.
The root of the Ashwaganda bush is often used by herbalists as an adaptogen and nervous system tonic; to help people adapt to and cope with stress and to relieve mild anxiety. It can increase energy and improve cognition.
We also have Ashwagandha in a capsule if you are not partial to liquid herbs:
We also recommend Immune Boost Herbal Drops, traditionally used to boost the immune system at the first sign of a viral infection or during times of stress.
Made from a blend of Astragalus, Echinacea, Elderberry, Ashwaganda, Eyebright and Pelargonium herbs, Immune boost herbal is for anyone with chronic infection, lowered immune, colds, flu and at a low dose for immune maintenance and prevention.
Chamomile is also another beautifully calming herb to use, especially for stress and gut health. Helpful with Stress, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Insomnia, Anxiety, and Teething, Chamomile contains Chamazulene, an aromatic chemical compound that possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic properties.
Chamomile promotes sleep and treats insomnia. It boosts your immunity. And also helps to soothe stomach aches. Try this soothing herb to see how it may calm your body and your mind.
And remember our Herbs Online Shop Gut Mend Powder. It’s been a huge success in helping people to calm stomach discomforts such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, inflammation, burping, and reflux, heal the gut lining, increase the production of digestive enzymes and help correct pH levels. Mixed in with your favourite smoothie or juice, it’s easy to take and easy on digestion.
Stress recovery on the immune system can take time and commitment. Daily practices and routines are also key, as well as supporting your system with the right herbs and supplements.
It’s a combination of things to treat, so make sure you have a good sleep routine in place, eat a well-balanced diet, get enough sunlight and exercise, and really commit to daily recovery. The less stress you have, the healthier you will be.
And as always, we are here in the clinic to help you every step of the way. Book an appointment or call (02) 9555 5117 and let us help you, naturally.