Keeping the Immune System Healthy
Whether or not your clients suffer from an autoimmune disease, they will benefit from the following strategies for boosting the immune system:
Stamp Out Stress!
People who deal with chronic stress are more susceptible to illnesses. According to researchers, chronic stress ages the immune system, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and even cancer. So, encourage your clients to find some way to relax, at least for a little while, every day.
Put Out Those Cigarettes.
Smokers have weaker immune systems than non-smokers. But, the good news is that even after just one month of laying off the cigarettes, former smokers experience an increase in immune cell activity! This is just one more reason why you should encourage your clients to give up their smoking habit.
Try a Massage.
Studies have shown that regular massages can increase the strength of the immune system. If there is no reason why your client shouldn’t have a massage (such as a pressure sore), try to fit in a short, daily “rub down”. A good time for this is right after a bath or shower.
Catch Some Zzzz’s.
Recent studies have proven that a loss of sleep, even for a few short hours during the night, can trigger a person’s immune system to turn against healthy tissue and organs. This means that a good night’s sleep may reduce the risk of autoimmune disorders. Sleep deprivation can also be a trigger for some clients—bringing on, or worsening, their autoimmune symptoms. So, do all you can to help your clients get into a calming bedtime routine.
Go for a Belly Laugh.
Did you know that people who laugh a lot have stronger immune systems than those who don’t? In addition, laughter dissolves tension, stress, anxiety, irritation, grief and depression. Laughter can also be a natural pain reliever. A good belly laugh releases endorphins that are more powerful than morphine! People without a sense of humor have been compared to cars without shock absorbers! So, commit to a goal of making every one of your clients laugh—at least once—every day.
Here’s a joke to get you started:
A prospective son-in-law was asked by his girlfriend's father, "Son, are you really ready to support a family?"
"Well, no, sir, " the young man replied. "I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you have to fend for yourselves!"