As a kid, getting sick didn’t seem like such a bad thing.
It meant no school and lots of chicken noodle soup, movies, and smarties. Yes, smarties. So really, who was I to complain?
But as an adult – I hate getting sick! First of all, I just don’t have the time to lay on the couch and netflix all day (though I wish I did!). Secondly – work, kids, meals, laundry, and cleaning are still calling my name, whether I’m sick or not.
So, really – I don’t have time to get sick.
And sickness doesn’t discriminate against anyone with a weak immune system. If there’s a target point – it’ll be hit. A strong immune system is critical to keeping those pesky cold’s and flu’s away, but also for protecting the integrity of your gut, and preventing inflammation and disease.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Your immune system is the most complex system in your body, next to your nervous system, and is essential for survival. As I mentioned in this article, your immune system is your body’s first line of defense against invaders.
It protects and fights against foreign substances that are harmful to your body like viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and environmental toxins. It also prevents damage and removes these substances from your body.
Your immune system is so amazing that most of the time you don’t even know it’s doing its job. And that’s exactly how it’s supposed to work!
However, when this system is compromised or weakened – you get sick.
This can happen due to an aggressive pathogen or new pathogen to the body, but it can also happen when your immune system gets weak.
STRENGTHENING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Living with a weak immune system is like going out in the snow in your underwear … you’re basically asking to get sick. And, though many things can cause a weakened immune system, it’s up to you to take action to make it stronger.
No, I’m not talking about popping a vitamin C pill when you start getting stuffed up.
I’m talking about taking care of your immune system all year long so you don’t get sick at all!
Research has shown that getting a minimum of 7-9 hours of sleep per night, reducing your stress, and exercising at least 30 minutes a day strengthens your immune system and prevents sickness.
But it’s also important to eat a healthy diet, as well as balance out your nutrient deficiencies in order to support your immune system through the days that little sleep, high stress, and zero exercise are inevitable.
EASY WAYS TO BOOST IMMUNITY
While there are things you can do and foods you can eat to boost your immune system right now, booking in a consultation with me for a personalized nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement protocol is the best way to make sure you’re supporting your system in the best way possible, for your health now and in the future.
Until then, try boosting your immune system the same way nutritionists do …
- Red bell peppers are a fantastic source of vitamin C, even better than oranges. Eat them raw with your lunch or as a snack.
- Broccoli contains antioxidants like vitamin A, C, E, and it’s loaded with fibre and makes the perfect side to dinner. Eat it raw or lightly cooked to get the most amount of nutrients.
- Lemon also has lots of vitamin C, and it contains electrolytes to keep you hydrated – an important defense against sickness. Add a squeeze to your morning water.
- Raw honey is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal – helping to fight off most bugs. It’s great added to your green tea (which is full of flavonoids, an antioxidant, too).
- Berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are all rich in antioxidants to build up your immune system. Pair them with some organic yogurt for the added benefits of probiotics (a key for a healthy gut, which has a big impact on your immune system).
- Garlic contains immune boosting sulfur and can easily be added to any dish.
- Ginger is also anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory and pairs well with lemon and honey in a stir-fry.
- Deep Immune by St. Francis Herb Farms has to be one of my favourite herbal tinctures for enhancing immunity. Echinecea, oil of oregano, and colloidal silver are in a tight race for second place.
- Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant for immune health and a delicious snack.
- Turmeric is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for boosting immunity, especially in my Immune Boosting Gummies recipe (below)!
Of course, there are a lot more foods, supplements, and herbal remedies I could recommend to help you boost your immune system – but this gives you a good start. Booking in a consultation with me will also allow me to customize a protocol specifically for you to help boost your immune system and prevent sickness, inflammation, disease, and to protect your gut.
You can also download a free copy of my 20 Immune Boosting Snacks PDF right here.
And you’ll definitely want to try making some simple Immune-Boosting Gummies to help you fight off sickness. I like to get a batch in my fridge by Summer’s end. Enjoy!
