January 4, 2022 | 46 minutes, 49 seconds
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Podcast Show Notes
In this episode of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast, host John Douillard, DC, CAP, delves into the top 5 causes of weak immunity.
1. Weak Digestion
Many folks eliminate certain foods from their diets hoping to solve digestive woes, when they should instead be focused on fixing potential underlying digestive problems. While some foods may be harder to digest, eliminating foods and ingredients entirely, like gluten, can actually lead to bigger problems, including compromised immune response.
See also my book Eat Wheat
2. Out-of-Whack Circadian Rhythms
Your biological clocks need to be in sync with circadian rhythms, or nature’s cycles of light and dark. If you aren’t in sync, you may be putting more stress on your immune system. In today’s world, it’s hard to hold a job or raise a family and be aligned with natural seasonal and daily rhythms. We use electricity when it gets dark, work late at night, and even get up before the sun to manage our busy lives. But melatonin is a great way to reset your clock and build immunity, despite the demands of your day. Plus, John talks about the benefits of blue light blockers.
See also 5 Strategies for Balancing Circadian Rhythms When You Work the Night Shift
3. Toxic Substances in Our Food and Environment
Toxic substances in our food and environment ultimately compromise immunity. Ghee is a great way to help remove these substances from our bodies. Science has shown that oil-based therapies can detox heavy metals and pesticides. Another key to a healthier system: eat organic whenever possible, to avoid pesticide residues.
See also How Pollution Threatens Your Immune System
4. Shallow Breathing
Because of stress and the speed of life, we don’t breathe the way we were designed to. Most of us don’t breathe deeply, which directly impacts our immune systems. Breathing deeply with your diaphragm helps expand your lungs, which improves oxygen, digestion, sleep, and reduces stress, which all lead to a stronger immune system.
The good news is that you can retrain your body to breathe deeply again! For example, try the breathing technique called pratiloma.
See also Breathe Away Occasional Heartburn Ayurvedically
5. Stress
Stress is a powerful immune compromiser. How do you deal with stress? Ayurveda focuses on mindfulness, which can help you live in the moment and stop worrying about the past and future. Learn mindfulness and meditation techniques that can help you find more peace of mind.
