Boost Immunity the Natural Way
It’s that time of year where it seems like clockwork we start getting sick. If you are anything like me, you aren’t interested in numbing out your symptoms with over-the-counter syrups and pills. You want to actually heal the places in your body that need love and attention.
A really healthy body is dependent on a healthy immune system. It’s our body’s way of defending and protecting us! When we are run down and feeling vulnerable it can be difficult to get in front of any illness coming our way. I’ve got 12 ways to keep your immune system running like a champ this Fall and Winter in a gentle and natural way:
1.) Invest in Probiotics- Find a high quality probiotic to take daily. Probiotics provide healthy and friendly bacteria to your system that builds up immunity and helps get your digestive tract flowing. Look for billions not millions (viable cells) on the label. Finding the right probiotic can be overwhelming, I know, but I've found a great resource that reviews several of the top brand and even puts them into different categories of what kind is right for certain health issues. Check it out here!
2.) Avoid Anti-biotics & Over-the-Counter meds- It can take 6 months for your micro biome to recover from one week of prescription anti-biotics! Unless you are severely ill, I recommend you not take anti-biotics. Also, if you are going to eat meat, please choose organic so you aren’t ingesting the anti-biotics that conventional meat is pumped with. Over-the-counter pain relievers and other medications can damage your gut and lower your stomach acid (which you totally need to help fight off those nasty viruses and bacteria).
3.) Immunity Supplement Trinity- Zinc, Vitamin D, & Vitamin C are a beautiful combination to take daily to help combat any sickness you feel coming on or when you just feel completely run down. You can get vitamin C from peppers, citrus, berries, broccoli & brussel sprouts. You can get zinc from pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, dark chocolate or cacao powder, grass fed beef, cashews, chickpeas, and spinach . The best place to get Vitamin D is from the sun, but you can also get it from salmon, sardines, tuna, eggs, raw milk, and mushrooms. You can also find a quality capsule form of all three and add it to your vitamin routine!
4.) Just add Bone Broth- This powerhouse does amazing things for our guts. And did you know that almost 80% of your immune system is in your gut? Sipping this delicious and nutritious broth can do wonders for your immune system and that pesky cold. I’ve even heard of vegetarians who will add bone broth to their diets because it’s just so nourishing! Try my crock pot bone broth, it's super easy!
5.) Medicinal Mushrooms- These babies are anti-viral, have anti-cancer properties, and boost the immune system. The top 3 are: Reishi (my personal favorite), Shiitake, and Maitake. Make sure you find organically sourced mushrooms that can be taken as a capsule or in powder form for tea or tinctures.
6.) Sex- Oh yes! Sex boosts oxytocin in our bodies. Oxytocin reduces stress, induces sleep, relieves pain, and improves mood. All of these things contribute to a boost in our immune system. Not a bad way to stay healthy!
7.) Let the Sunshine in- We usually see more cloudy days than sunny days this time of year. So when the sun is shining, get outside and bask in it (without sunscreen please!). Not only is the sun the very best natural source of Vitamin D out there, it is also a powerful antiseptic and antibiotic!
8.) Natural Antibiotics- If you are already experiencing illness, some of the best natural antibiotics you can add to your “medicine cabinet” are: garlic, oregano oil, manuka honey, colloidal silver, and Echinacea. I suggest keeping at least two of these powerhouses in your home at all time.
9.) Exercise- Not only does it help your mood, heart, and weight; it can also improve our body’s response to infection. Make sure that its moderate exercise and that you aren’t overdoing it. Add some recovery days to your routine to temper the strain you could be putting on your body.
10.) Sleep- Sleep deprivation creates serious inflammation in our bodies which then leads to a suppressed immune system. Try to stick with seven to eight hours on a consistent basis and also keep your circadian rhythms in check by spending time outside during the day and at night.
11.) Suppress your Stress- Chronic stress wrecks havoc on our body’s immune system. Try meditation, breath work, yoga, nature walks, whatever it takes to begin to calm your nerves. The worry and strain we put on ourselves does us no good, and in the end leaves us vulnerable to serious health problems. Find a way to center yourself and your body and mind will thank you.
12.) My Immunity Tea- this is the recipe for my immunity tea that I drink almost nightly after I've put my little ones to bed. It's has anti-bacterial properties from the the ginger and anti-inflammatory properties from the tumeric. I also add a little cayenne peper for the antioxidents that can help your immune system. The manuka honey is an extra boost and will have you well on your way to feeling like an immunity rock star. Here's the recipe:
1/2 tsp organic tumeric powder (or 1 TBS fresh)
1 tsp organic ground ginger powder (or 2 TBS fresh)
pinch of cayenne pepper
1-2 tsp manuka honey (or organic stevia)
1 1/2 cups of hot water
Add all the ingredients to your favorite mug and sip slowly, enjoying the love and care you are giving to your body!
Our immune system is our safety net, our freedom fighter, and our health champion. We must help it out from time to time in order to live the healthiest and happiest life we can. Show it some love this season with some of these yummy natural health boosters.
Xx,
Beth
