It’s that time of year again. No matter where you go it seems that someone is coughing or sneezing! So how do you boost your immune system and stay healthy amongst all those germs? Here are some simple suggestions:
1) Adjust your diet for the colder temperatures. Cold salads are great in the summer and spring, but when the weather gets colder that’s often the last thing your body craves. Now I’m not saying don’t eat salads at all, or start eating fattening pasta dinners every night, no I’m talking about adding hearty and healthy comfort foods that will warm you up.
Time to take out your slow cooker from storage and start using it again! Healthy stews and soups are easy to make when you have the right ingredients on hand, and a well nourished body is much less susceptible to sickness.
2) Get enough sleep! It’s getting dark at 5pm these days, and it can be darn depressing if you let it get to you. Instead learn to re-adjust your lifestyle and try for earlier dinners and bedtime. A well rested body is much less susceptible to sickness.
3) Boost your vitamin C intake! Make sure that your diet is rich in leafy greens, such as broccoli and kale, as well as red peppers, oranges, lemon juice, and kiwi. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative stress. Vitamin C deficiency can weaken the immune system and make you susceptible to illness.
4) Keep your body alkaline. Another reason to eat your veggies is to keep your body alkaline. An acidic body is very prone to illness. Foods such as cucumbers, avocados, celery, red peppers and all leafy greens are very alkalizing and also vitamin rich.
5) Embrace Essential oils. There are several essential oils that help ward off viruses and pesky colds, and help to boost the immune system.
My two favorites are Young Living Thieves Oil and North American Herd and Spice Oregano Oil
Thieves oil, which I diffuse in my house daily, is known for its cleansing abilities and is great for supporting the immune system.
Even at the slightest sign of a sore throat or runny nose, I take Oil of Oregano, which contains anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal properties.
Here’s to staying healthy through the next few months!
Have a happy and healthy day!
Daniela Nahas