The Malta Independent on Sunday
Preparing the immune system for winter
Most of us are now wearing warmer clothes and taking out blankets for the night. Health authorities are bracing themselves for a virulent, twice as widespread flu season. During such transitional times of the year, exposure to environmental threats increases. Many factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, exposure to toxicity and poor nutrition, can weaken our immune system. Viruses are mostly transmitted at educational institutions and at work places.
Managing each of these factors and adopting a model of consistency that actively supports the immune system is an excellent way to maintain health throughout the year is what Dr David K. Hill suggests. He is chief medical officer of doTERRA®, the world largest essential oils company sourcing over 100 essential oils from more than 40 countries.
Dr Hill emphasises the importance of being mindful of our immune system. Supporting our immune system can be easily achieved by taking proactive measures to enhance the body’s ability to protect itself. Dr Hill advises that we should focus on simple approaches that are easy to implement and easy to share with others, such as using essential oils. Among the greatest benefits of essential oils is that they are simple to apply and offer consistent benefits.
Diffusing essential oils regularly is an easy step that can maximise the health of the family during colder months. Scientific study demonstrates that diffusion of essential oils can purify and cleanse the air, providing added protection when the seasonal threats are high. Dr Hill recommends diffusing essential oils every day. Lemon and a protective blend, consisting of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary oils, contain powerful cleansing properties that purify the air we breathe at home, at school or at the office, delivering positive effects to the immune system.
The gastrointestinal (GI) system also plays a key role in fixed immunity. Dr Hill says: “If health of the GI tract is compromised, so is the immune system. A probiotic supplement is an excellent way to populate the GI tract with beneficial microflora, thus enhancing immunity.”
Frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, keyboards, mobile phones and grocery carts can be more harmful during certain times of the year. Cleaning these surfaces often is an important part of minimising exposure to harmful particles. Again, the protective blend mentioned above is a highly effective way to clean surfaces while preventing exposure to toxins. Alternatively, Dr Hill also suggests using lemon, grapefruit or wild orange oils.
“Our immunity is limited to its own ability to function properly. It is important to both minimise 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 in a consistent manner, one can easily and effectively keep families and employees healthy throughout the wintry months,” said Dr Hill.
doTERRA is the world leader in sourcing, testing, manufacturing and distribution of Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® (CPTG) essential oils through a global network of more than three million independent direct-sale distributors, known as Wellness advocates. A Latin derivative, doTERRA means Gift of the Earth as it sets the standard for essential oils by having developed the expertise and commitment required to derive these unique oils directly from the best sources in the world. doTERRA provides local growers and distillers fair compensation for their efforts, creating stronger local economies and a healthier, stable supply chain. For more information visit www.doterra.com; send an email on: fb/@JoannaEssentialInnerHealth or phone on +356 9943 2410. doTERRA essential oils, supplements and oil-infused products are also available from Dical House in Mosta, tel. 2142 4601.