Daily Habits That Support Natural Immune Health Without a Spleen
For years, getting sick felt terrifying.
As someone living without a spleen, I’ve learned how important it is to focus on natural immune support without a spleen through simple, daily habits.
I lost my spleen due to autoimmune ITP. Like many others, I was told that without a spleen, I would be considered “immunocompromised” and more vulnerable to illness.
And for a while, that felt very true.
I seemed to catch everything that went around. Every cold lingered. Every illness felt bigger than it should.
But over time, something unexpected happened.
I stopped getting sick all the time.
Today, I can honestly say I have one of the strongest, most resilient immune systems of anyone I know.
Not because I never get exposed…
Not because I live in a bubble…
Not because I live in a bubble…
But because I began consistently supporting my body in simple, intentional ways.
And these same habits?
They’ve also played a role in helping me maintain a place of stability and wellness in my ITP journey.
They’ve also played a role in helping me maintain a place of stability and wellness in my ITP journey.
This post is for you if:
- You’re living with ITP and want natural ways to support your body
- You’ve had a splenectomy for any reason and want to strengthen your immune system naturally
How can I support my immune system naturally without a spleen?
Supporting your immune system naturally without a spleen includes:
- Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods to help reduce inflammation
- Managing stress through daily habits like rest, prayer, and quiet time
- Supporting gut and liver health
- Reducing exposure to toxins in your home and personal care products
- Using supportive tools like essential oils and targeted supplements
These consistent daily habits help create a strong foundation so your body can respond well during times of stress or illness.
What It Means to Live Without a Spleen (And Why It Can Feel Scary)
The spleen plays a role in supporting the body’s response to certain infections.
So when it’s removed—whether due to ITP, injury, or another condition—it’s common to feel:
- More vulnerable to illness
- More anxious about getting sick
- Unsure how to best support your body moving forward
I remember that feeling well.
But what I’ve learned over the years is this:
👉 While we can’t control everything…
👉 We can support how our body responds
👉 We can support how our body responds
The Shift: From Fear to Supporting My Body Daily
There was a time when I felt like my body was working against me.
Now, I see things differently.
Instead of focusing on fear, I began focusing on daily support—creating an environment where my body could function well, recover well, and stay balanced.
And over time, that consistency changed everything.
The Daily Habits That Strengthened My Immune System
These are the foundational habits I rely on every day—whether I feel great or feel run down.
1. Reducing Inflammation Through Nutrition
I began focusing on foods that nourish instead of deplete.
This includes:
- Whole, simple ingredients
- Reducing processed foods and sugar
- Choosing meals that support overall wellness
This isn’t about restriction—it’s about support.
2. Lowering My Daily Toxic Load
This was one of the biggest turning points for me.
I didn’t realize how much everyday exposure (cleaners, personal care, fragrances) could add stress to the body.
By making simple swaps, I helped:
- Reduce unnecessary burden
- Create a cleaner, more supportive home environment
3. Supporting Gut and Liver Function
These systems are closely connected to overall wellness.
When I began supporting them more intentionally, I noticed:
- Better resilience
- More balance in my body
- Greater overall balance
4. Managing Stress Consistently
Stress doesn’t just affect how we feel—it affects how our body functions.
For me, this looks like:
- Prayer and quiet time
- Slowing down when needed
- Creating space to rest mentally and emotionally
5. Using Targeted Supplements
I use supplements to support my body—not replace the basics.
They help fill in gaps and provide extra support during times when my body needs it most.
Supplements are not one-size-fits-all, but focusing on antioxidants has been important for me.
6. Daily Essential Oil Support
Essential oils have become part of my daily rhythm.
I use them to support:
- Immune health
- Emotional balance
- Respiratory wellness (when my lungs or sinuses need extra support)
When I Feel Something Coming On: My Go-To Support Routine
I used to panic at the first sign of illness.
Now, I respond with support.
Immune Support
When I feel run down, I often increase:
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
- Oil-infused supplements featuring:
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Lemon
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
Respiratory Support (Especially Important Without a Spleen)
Supporting my respiratory system has become a priority.
I turn to:
- Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and ravintsara
- Raindrop Technique to support the body and overall wellness
- Simple acupressure points that support comfortable breathing
The Most Important (and Most Overlooked) Step
- Warm fluids like tea
- Hydration
- Rest—even when I start to feel better
A Thoughtful Note on Antibiotics and Immune Support
This is something I’ve been asked about often—especially in the splenectomy community.
Many people without a spleen are encouraged to take antibiotics regularly as a preventative measure. This is something you should always discuss with your healthcare provider, as every situation is unique.
For me personally, I’ve taken a different approach. Because a large portion of the immune system is connected to the gut, I’ve been intentional about supporting my body in ways that help maintain overall balance.
In my own journey, I’ve chosen to reserve antibiotics for times when they are truly needed for bacterial infections.
As I’ve focused on strengthening my body through daily habits—nutrition, reducing toxins, stress support, and immune-supportive tools—
I’ve found that my need for antibiotics has become far less frequent. This isn’t about telling anyone what they should do—but simply sharing what has worked for me, and what has allowed me to feel more confident and supported in my day-to-day life.
A Note for Those Living With ITP
If you’re walking through ITP, I want to gently share this:
The habits that support your overall health also support your body’s ability to stay balanced.
Can natural approaches support overall wellness for those living with ITP?
Natural approaches can play a supportive role in overall wellness for those living with ITP by helping the body stay balanced.
Many people focus on:
- Reducing inflammation through nutrition
- Supporting the gut and liver
- Managing stress consistently
- Creating healthy daily habits that support the body as a whole
While every journey is different, these foundational habits can be a meaningful part of a long-term wellness routine. I have been in remission from ITP for 20 years with all of the healthy habits I have mentioned.
You Are Not Powerless
Whether you:
- Still have your spleen
- No longer have a spleen
- Are navigating ITP
- Or are simply trying to stay well
There are things you can do.
You don’t have to live in fear of every illness.
You can:
- Support your body daily
- Build resilience over time
- Walk through seasons of sickness with more confidence and peace
If You Want Support Getting Started
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone.
I love helping others learn simple, natural ways to support their bodies—especially when it comes to:
- Essential oils for immune and respiratory support
- Reducing stress in practical, doable ways
- Building healthy habits that actually stick
If that’s something you’re looking for, feel free to:
💛 Reach out to me directly
💛 Ask a question
💛 Or share what you’re currently struggling with
💛 Reach out to me directly
💛 Ask a question
💛 Or share what you’re currently struggling with
I’m always happy to help guide you in a way that feels simple and realistic for your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About ITP, Splenectomy, and Immune Support
Can you live a healthy life without a spleen?
Yes—many people live full, healthy lives without a spleen.
While the spleen does play a role in supporting the body’s response to infection, there are many ways to support your overall health and build resilience through daily habits, nutrition, and lifestyle choices.
How can I support my immune system without a spleen naturally?
Supporting your body naturally often comes down to consistency.
Some of the most impactful areas include:
- Reducing inflammation through nutrition
- Lowering your exposure to toxins
- Supporting gut and liver health
- Managing stress
- Using supportive tools like essential oils and targeted supplements
These simple habits, practiced daily, can make a meaningful difference over time.
Is it normal to feel more anxious about getting sick after a splenectomy?
Absolutely.
Many people feel increased fear or uncertainty after losing their spleen—especially when it comes to illness.
You’re not alone in that.
But over time, as you build supportive routines and learn what works for your body, that fear can shift into confidence.
What helps support the immune system when you feel like you’re getting sick?
When you feel something coming on, it can help to:
- Increase rest and hydration
- Support your body with nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants
- Use supportive wellness tools like herbal teas or essential oils
- Slow down and give your body time to recover
The goal is to support your body early and consistently. Don't wait until you're feeling terrible to start supporting your body!
Can natural approaches help with ITP?
Natural approaches can support overall wellness for those living with ITP by focusing on habits like nutrition, stress management, and supporting the body’s natural balance. While each person’s experience is unique, many find these habits helpful as part of their daily routine.
Where should I start if I feel overwhelmed?
Start simple.
You don’t have to change everything at once.
Choose one area:
- Swap out a few products in your home
- Add one nourishing meal per day
- Begin a simple stress-reducing practice
- Learn one or two essential oils to support your body
Small, consistent steps lead to lasting change.
As a survivor of Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP), I've walked the challenging path of managing this autoimmune disease. Now in remission, I've discovered a powerful ally in my journey to maintain good health: goji berries. If only I had known about these little red powerhouses during my struggle with ITP! Today, I'm sharing the potential benefits of goji berries for those battling this condition.
Goji berries are more than just a tasty snack. They're packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that may help increase platelet count in ITP patients. Here's how:
1. Fighting Inflammation: Goji berries contain anti-inflammatory compounds like betaine. By reducing inflammation, they may help decrease the immune system's attack on platelets.
2. Antioxidant Shield: Rich in vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, goji berries combat oxidative stress. This protection could improve platelet function and survival.
3. Polyphenol Power: Quercetin and rutin in goji berries may regulate platelet function, potentially preventing thrombotic complications.
4. Immune Balancing Act: Compounds like betaine and polysaccharides in goji berries might help modulate the overactive immune response in ITP.
While goji berries show promise, it's crucial to remember that more research is needed to fully understand their effects on ITP. As with any dietary change, moderation is key, and you may want to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you're on medication or have other health conditions.
Incorporating goji berries into my daily routine has been a game-changer for me. They're not just a superfood; they're a symbol of hope and healing. After my ITP got into remission, my immune system was still very unbalanced. Goji berries, along with some other lifestyle changes, continue to help keep me feeling my best.
If you're curious about using goji berries as part of an anti-inflammatory protocol, I invite you to learn more.
Click RESET to discover how to harness the power of goji berries for your health journey.
Remember, your path to wellness is unique. Let's explore natural solutions together, one berry at a time. FREE CONSULTATION
Even after 18 years in remission from ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura), one thing still blows my mind - the vastly different perspectives of western and eastern medicine on the root cause of this autoimmune disease.
Western doctors claim there is no root cause; that for some unexplained reason, the immune system simply "flips" and starts attacking the platelets. But traditional Chinese medicine sees it completely differently. TCM believes there is NOTHING wrong with the immune system itself. The problem lies with the platelets - they have become "sick" and toxic. So when the immune system destroys these tainted platelets, it is simply doing its job properly!
What could cause platelets to become toxic in the first place? Anything from built-up pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, heavy metals or other contaminants in the body can create this toxic state.
Let that sink in - there may be NOTHING wrong with your immune system! This contradicts everything we've been taught about autoimmune conditions. It calls into question the standard approach of suppressing the immune response and boosting platelet production. If the platelets themselves are compromised, then suppressing immunity won't fix the issue. And producing more tainted platelets won't solve it either.
Eastern medicine believes the path to true healing for ITP lies in restoring the health of the platelets themselves. This involves removing toxins from our environment and bodies, while infusing our cells with proper nutrients and bloodstream purification.
If you're one of the many struggling with the challenges of ITP, and the idea of a holistic, detoxification-focused approach resonates with you, I invite you to book a consultation. Together, we can explore ways to remove toxins from your environment and body through diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies. My goal is not to promise a cure, but to be a guide and support system as you seek to restore balance and create an internal environment where platelet health can thrive naturally. The path to healing begins with simple steps towards greater wellness.
I recently came across a research article that was written back in 2003 by the doctors who developed the Chinese herbal supplements for ITP. (Yes, the very herbal supplements that helped put me into remission.) The article discusses the differences in Western versus Eastern philosophy regarding autoimmune disease. Western medicine treats autoimmune disease as a completely random dysfunction of the immune system and seeks to suppress it, as it seems to have become “overactive”. Unfortunately, although powerful immunosuppressive drugs may actually raise platelet counts, the underlying imbalance of the body that caused ITP in the first place remains unchanged.
The article states, “Toxins in the tissues are a common cause of autoimmune disease. Toxic tissues or cells are attacked by the immune system in an attempt to rid the body of them.” In other words, in the case of ITP, the platelets have somehow become “sick” and the immune system is doing its job by destroying them. This would indicate that it is not a dysfunction of the immune system, but a dysfunction of the platelet itself. THIS TOTALLY BLEW MY MIND!!
What would cause toxicity of the platelets? “Toxicity can be caused by the build up of any foreign chemical to the body – pharmaceuticals agents, pesticides, contaminants, or toxic metals” (including mercury). THIS MEANS WE ACTUALLY *MAY* HAVE SOME CONTROL OVER OUR PLATELETS! If I can cut out ANY & ALL toxins that I possibly can, then I can begin to help my platelets heal. I find this INCREDIBLY empowering!!
The authors also discuss prolonged stress and depression, which I believe triggered the onset of my ITP. “Autoimmune diseases are often associated with low energy states in the body. Low cellular energy conditions hamper cell function and detoxifying activity, which can stimulate the immune system to attack the affected tissues or cells.”
The focus on treating ITP (and other autoimmune diseases) is to improve the tissue quality through improved nutrition, circulation, and detoxification. The article shared the research with their protocol of herbal supplements between 1996 – 2001. They followed 20 patients for 12 months. The mean platelet count of the participants was 16K. All had failed to respond to conventional therapy. Three patients had undergone splenectomy. They tested patients at 3, 6, 12 months. At the end of 12 months, 12 patients had platelet counts of over 140K, 5 patients had platelet counts over 100K, 3 patients had platelet counts over 50K, 0 patients experienced “no effect”.
In the conclusion, the doctors also state, “Excess anxiety, fear, and anger are all stressors that can add to the suppression of platelet production and destruction.” Knowing that stress played a HUGE role in the onset of ITP for me, I am a firm believer in finding ways to reduce stress. I also have made it a point to reduce ALL unnecessary toxins in my home. This includes: artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals in cleaning and personal care products. I’m certain that if I hadn’t made so many lifestyle changes since getting into remission, I would have re-toxified my platelets and I would have relapsed.
Click below to access the full article:
Are you an ITP warrior? Let's keep in touch!
I'm happy to share more of my story!
For more information about the lifestyle changes I made that keep me in remission, here is another blog post you'll find helpful:
I was diagnosed in 2003 with a platelet count of 2k. Drs tried prednisone, win Rho, chemo, IVIG, Rituxan, & splenectomy. Splenectomy didn't work at all. Prednisone helped, but wasn't a long term treatment option. Long story short, I decided to try alternative treatments. I found a protocol of Herbal supplements that were formulated specifically for ITP by doctors who were trained in both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine.
It wasn't a quick fix. Natural treatments tend to take longer than pharmaceuticals. It took about 1 year to get into remission. In hindsight, since I didn’t make any other lifestyle changes at the time, it is very possible that’s why it took so long for the herbal supplements to be effective.
It wasn't a quick fix. Natural treatments tend to take longer than pharmaceuticals. It took about 1 year to get into remission. In hindsight, since I didn’t make any other lifestyle changes at the time, it is very possible that’s why it took so long for the herbal supplements to be effective.
Although the herbs helped me achieve remission, I made many lifestyle changes later which I attribute my staying in remission. To be honest, if I had NOT made these changes, I don’t think I would still be healthy 17 years later!
* I changed my diet and removed foods that cause inflammation (gluten, dairy, refined sugar, all processed food). It is a commitment to “eat real food”, but I feel so much better. I have come to realize that gluten causes me full blown inflammation indicated with a fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue. I found an anti-inflammatory protocol that has been extremely helpful.
* I removed cleaning products & personal care products from my home that contain harsh chemicals & artificial fragrances. There are so many things lurking in our homes that we don’t even think about. I got really good at reading labels: sodium laurel sulfate, parabens, “fragrance”. These all disrupt the endocrine system (hormones), cause cancer, and keep us sick!
* I started using essential oils for many things such as managing my stress, balancing my hormones, and supporting my immune system. I realized that, for every essential oil I could use to support my health…there was something in my cupboard I could get rid of that had a toxic ingredient. It was a win/win!
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