5 Simple ways to Strengthen Your Immunity
Our immune system is responsible for keeping us healthy and strong, fighting germs, toxins, fungi and viruses using a complex collection of special blood cells along with a variety of organs in our body.
If our body is unable to produce these special antibodies or the organs charged with supporting our immunity are weak, we may find ourselves susceptible to a variety of infections or diseases.
Eating specific foods and having good life habits can help.
Here’s 5 simple ways to strengthen your immunity:
1) Consume Probiotic-rich Fermented Foods and Beverages
The best way to boost your immunity is to introduce fermented foods into your diet. The probiotics (healthy or beneficial bacteria) found in these foods are far more effective than any supplement. Stock up on naturally-fermented or cultured fruits and vegetables (sauerkraut, chutneys, kimchi, kale, carrots), drinks (kombucha, lassi), dairy (kefir, yogurt, sour cream) and more (unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, miso). Just 2 oz. per day is all you need to boost immunity.
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2) Healthy Whole Foods/Avoid Sugar
Super natural immunity begins with the bounty of nature (whole or unprocessed). First choice should always be what’s fresh, local and seasonal. Get cooking with quality Unrefined fats (i.e. virgin coconut oil, organic butter or cold-pressed olive oil) and try to limit refined white sugar, which has been shown to suppress our immune system. Check out my ebooks for sale that are packed full of nutrition, delicious and easy to make!
3) Get Plenty of Sleep and Reduce Stress
A good night’s sleep allows our body to regenerate and rejuvenate. Stress can tax our adrenals, which can lead to weight gain, anxiety, insomnia or fatigue. When the nervous system is calm and relaxed it can create valuable energy, manage stress and help to support the body when fighting an infection. Here’s my challenge to you…set up a regular routine for bedtime! Go to bed at a regular time every night, close down the electronics and create a calm state of mind before you even hit your bed. Here are some more tips on how to reduce stress and get a goods nights sleep.
4) Support Your Body’s Natural Detoxification Systems
There are many benefits to cleansing toxins or pathogens naturally. Include filtered water with lemon, chlorophyll-rich foods (dark leafy greens, seaweeds & green herbs), berries (especially blueberries, elderberry), fresh ginger and turmeric. Deep breaths throughout your day can also help the lungs naturally detoxify and relax tense, stressed muscles.
5) Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been seen to influence immunity and may be best taken in a supplement form in conjunction with food sources such as organic butter, eggs & wild fish.
Cindy is a registered acupuncturist, certified Pilates instructor, holistic nutritionist and a foodie. She works with her patients to support their whole body health, emphasizing self care, living a positive life and nourishing the body and mind. Cindy is the owner/creator of My Fit Over 50, a website dedicated to health of women through menopause.