Keep Your Immune System Strong
Are you super excited about Xmas time but also a little bit over the top? Stressed with so many social events and extra things to do, added to your already super busy agenda?
Yes, I admit, even if Xmas is one of my favourite time of the year, it can be overwhelming and stressful. Our immune system can get a little tired, that’s why these days, we should make a conscious effort to improve the sorts of food we get into our body. Because, did you know that over 70% of our immune system is in our gut and what we eat forms the foundation of our health? The healthier our gastrointestinal tract is, the healthier we are. .
I consider myself a person who thinks and takes care about my health, but even some times I ease myself and let bad food decisions, over work and too many social events overcome my good health. Last week I’ve been knocked out for a horrible virus which attack my stomach and digestive system. After a couple of days of fasting, now, I’m making sure that I’m getting my daily dose of fresh fruits, veggies and quality protein every day, so my body can repair quickly. I love adding anti-inflammatory nutrients such ginger and turmeric to my daily food and also magic immune boosting foods.
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GINGER
I’m addicted to it! It helps to boost immune function and combat cellular damage. It stimulates digestion, gut motility and bowel function, while helping to relieve bloating, cramping and nausea.
TURMERIC
It’s active ingredient, curcumin, is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, detoxifying and wonderful for digestive health. Studies have shown curcumin helps to prevent cancer cell growth and management of inflammatory conditions as arthritis, asthma, eczema and inflammatory bowel disease.
Have a golden latte as a late snack, add it to your soups or even in muffin batters.
CITRUS
Popular for being an excellent source of vitamin C. It helps maintain the body’s defence against bacterial infections and assist in healing. The use of vitamin C can reduce the duration and symptoms of colds.
So in stressful periods and cold weather load your intake of lemons, oranges, grapefruit and limes.
WHEATGRASS
Packed with vitamin C, B complex vitamins, beta carotene, calcium, potassium and magnesium, it’s one of the most nutritionally dense greens on earth. It supports liver and immune function by boosting the liver’s ability to flush out toxins.
PROBIOTICS
We have already talk about how wonderful they are. Probiotics help you digest nutrients, boost the detoxification of your colon and support your immune system. Add sauerkraut to your sandwiches or salads, have yoghurt or kefir with granola for breakfast or hydrate yourself with a good glass of kombucha, all are excellent probiotic options.
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MANUKA HONEY
It’s a honey produced from the nectar of the manuka tree, originally from Australia and New Zealand. This type of honey is antimicrobial and antiviral, helping to combat many species of bacteria. It also help to support a healthy immune system. Add a spoonful to your hot tea everyday or even just have it on its own.
PROTEIN
Good quality protein, such as organic, grass-fed, wild caught, cultured are essential for a strong immune system. Every process in the body requires protein, to repair the body, to assist in recovery from injuries and illness, to prevent muscle wastage… A deficiency of high quality protein can result in many immune problems as depletion of cells, inability to make antibodies, etc.
A homemade chicken soup or a bone broth is a light and comforting entrée that work wonderful as an anti-inflammatory in the body as well as helping with respiratory infections.
And you, how do you make your immune system stronger and ready for busy periods? Please leave a comment below so I know all your secrets for a healthy winter!