7 STEPS FOR BOOSTING
YOUR IMMUNITY
NATURALLY
THE BEST OFFENSE IS A GOOD DEFENSE WHEN IT COMES TO
ACHIEVING A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM.
Getting
sick during the autumn months can feel inevitable, and like a simple fact of
life, we start to feel as those we must learn to accept that this dip in
immunity comes with this transitional season. But the truth is, there are a few
key steps we can take to help us to stay healthy and immune to the office cold
or school flu.
By
thinking ahead and prepping accordingly, you and your entire family can get a
leg up on your immune system and outsmart the pitfalls of getting sick.
Here are seven natural ways to boost your immunity
this Fall.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
The
first and most important tip is to pay attention to when your body begins to feel run
down. Don’t ignore
your internal cues, which can range from feeling tired and being more easily
irritable to having difficulty regulating your temperature, experiencing
itchiness in your throat or behind your ears, becoming easily winded or
experiencing a change in appetite or cravings.
Get
that bit of extra rest or TLC! Our immune system is directly connected to our
24-hour circadian rhythm. Our sleep-wake cycle is part of this system and is
regulated mostly by the presence of dark and light. While our body is resting,
the immune system cells can focus all efforts and energy on a strong attack
against viruses and bacteria. If we ignore our circadian clock, eventually, our
health becomes compromised because the body couldn’t regenerate and heal. So,
make sure to clock in the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
COOK
WITH BONE BROTH
Bone
broth provides a wealth of nutrients that are easy to digest and are known to
rebuild and rejuvenate the system while facilitating healing in even the most
complicated of cases. It contains both anti-inflammatory and gut-healing
proteins, offers healthy fats for rebuilding strength, and includes highly
bioavailable minerals that are the building blocks for immunity.
START
YOUR DAY WITH A FRESH MUG OF WARM LEMON WATER.
Starting
each morning sipping on this powerful immune system combination can not only
help alkalize our bodies and cleanse it of toxins, but it offers an extra hit
of vitamin C that’s essential for staying bright and healthy.
TAKE
THE “ALMIGHTY” GINGER SHOT.
Whether
you’ve come down with the latest bug or want to add a boost to your daily
detox, immunity shots provide a concentrated dose of anti-inflammatory,
immunity-boosting ingredients that fight the effects of everything from
hangovers to the start of a cold. Take a ginger shot at the first sign of an
immunity slump.
FIND
SOME TIME TO BE IN THE SUN
Vitamin
D is a primary source of fuel for our white blood cells, which are our body’s
first line of defence against pathogens and microbes, whether they are fighting
bacteria, virus or fungus. Therefore, to prevent illness, we should definitely
stock up on Vitamin D supplements in preparation for the cooler months. Our
bodies have the innate capacity to synthesize vitamin D from our skin’s direct
exposure to sunlight, but not nearly enough for optimal health. D is especially
critical during the winter months and for those living at higher latitudes
(more northern cities) that do not get as much sunlight hours, especially as we
start spending more time indoors. It is recommended to test your vitamin
D levels prior to supplementing..
ADD
VITAMIN C TO YOUR DIET
Vitamin
C might seem like played out immunity tip, but it’s power simply cannot be
underestimated! Vitamin C is essential for strong immunity. As a critical
antioxidant utilized for preventing damage to our organs and glands and skin,
we benefit from Vitamin C not only by taking it as a supplement but even more
so by incorporating it into our diet daily.
Vitamin
C is found in the obvious places such as citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges,
lemons, limes), but another and even a more well-rounded source, is in the form
of dark leafy vegetables. Turnip greens and Swiss chard are at the top of the
list of veggies that pack the most punch of Vitamin C.
When
supplementing, taking Vitamin C in the “liposomal” form is the most
bioavailable (readily absorbable) for your body’s uptake and assimilation into
your cells! Liposomal products essentially have a protective barrier around the
desired nutrient, that does not allow it to be affected or broken down by the
hydrochloric acid in our stomachs. This allows the desired
nutrient/supplement/vitamin to arrive unfazed and intact to the targeted
tissues.
Check
out a bundle of Dr. Lana’s favorite immunity supplements here.
GARLIC
IS YOUR FRIEND.
We
know munching on garlic doesn’t sound like the most pleasant immune tip;
however, its potent antimicrobial, antibiotic and antiviral powers make it a
must-have during the autumn months. This remedy is as old-fashioned and
powerful as it gets: although it seems extreme, eating a raw knob of garlic can
knock out even the most stubborn colds. For colds and cases of flu, it also
provides decongestant and expectorant effects, allowing for the breakdown and
expulsion of stubborn mucus. Garlic, in addition to Vitamin C and a slew of
enzymes and minerals such as sulphur and selenium help boost immunity and kill
cold bugs before they get cozy and start to wreak havoc on your health.
We hope these
tips get you through another eventful fall season with a supercharged immunity.
Autumn is all about new beginnings, so keep thriving and set your goals and
intentions for this new exciting transitional period.
0 Comments