We all have times when we could use a little extra boost to our immune system. Cold and flu season is undoubtedly part of that time, or this unprecedented time now when we’re more likely to contract Coronavirus. Here are three simple things you can do daily to strengthen your immune system. For best results (or any results at all), implement daily. Start slowly and keep at it.
Eat Plenty of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
All systems of your body, including your immune system, work best when they are correctly fed. This includes your immune system. Stick to mainly whole foods-based diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you feel like you might be a little under the weather or suspect that you may have come into contact with someone sick, increasing your intake of Vitamin C may help as well. Eat a few citrus fruits. red, yellow, orange peppers, Broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are other great options. (see below for an immune-boosting combo that I love)
Note: this is not the time to practice 80/20 (80% clean eating/20% somewhat toxic eating). Nor is it the time to start baking up a storm (yes, you can use alternative flours but many of these recipes still contain a lot of sugar) or grabbing unhealthy “comfort” foods. Your immune system needs every bit of nutrient content food to be in tip-top shape at this time. Avoid eating processed foods as best as you can. It takes a lot of time and effort to digest them, and you don’t want to weigh your body down with extra work when that energy could be used to boost your immune system or help you get well sooner. (that’s why I love frozen veggies, too. They have very little processing)
Get Some Exercise
In addition to eating well, get out there, and get regular exercise. For best results, work out in the fresh air. Something as simple as a quick daily walk can help you stay well and strengthen your body. It has the added benefit of helping you to de-stress. I don’t have to tell you that you’re more likely to get sick when you are stressed out. Use daily exercise to de-stress and stay well. It will also help you with the last way to boost your immune system.
Make Time for Sleep
This last tip is easy to skip over, yet it is the most important one for most of us and the one that can give your immune system a significant boost. It’s getting enough sleep. Make the time to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Practice good sleep hygiene. Don’t let the word scare you. It means turning off your phone and other screens a few hours before bed. Keep your bedroom calm, quiet, and at a cool temperature that encourages sleep. It also includes establishing and sticking to a bedtime routine. As a bonus, you’ll feel more energized for everything else you have to do all day.
RECIPE
CREAMY SWEET POTATO SOUP
Serves 4
Soup with sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin. Flat lay, top view
- 2 sweet potatoes, chopped
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 13.5-oz can of coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
Add the chopped sweet potato, apple, garlic, onion, vegetable broth, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, and black pepper to a large pot over high heat. Cover and let it boil. When the pot begins to boil, turn down the heat to medium and allow the pot to simmer until the sweet potato is soft (about 15 to 20 minutes). You can serve the soup as is, or you can blend the soup using an immersion blender or high-speed blender.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
EVERYDAY WELLNESS COMBO
Here’s a way to take care of yourself every day by supplementing with highly absorbable Vitamins, Minerals, and Probiotics. The Everyday Wellness Combo features XFactor Plus and ProBio5 for immune support (75% of our immune system resides in the gut). It also includes Vitalbiome and Ease Capsules to help supplement your day with essential products for a healthy, happy you!*
To Your Health,
Patti
