
Winter is HERE and it’s that time of year when everyone seems to be coming down with something, but the last thing we have time for is the sniffles, sore throat and everything that accompanies a cold. I’ve provided you with my TOP FIVE NATURAL IMMUNE BOOSTING TIPS to prevent those nasty bugs:
1. CONTRAST SHOWERS
Contrast showers are easy to integrate into your everyday routine to help give you that little extra immune boost. Contrast showers can also help to improve circulation, sleep, reducing inflammation and removing toxins. Interested in how to do it?
Heres the step-by-step:
Get into the shower at a comfortable warm temperatureIncrease the heat of the water to as hot as you can bear it for approximately 3 minutes (make sure your whole body is exposed to the water)Turn the water to as cold as you can tolerate for about 1 minuteRepeat the above steps 3-5 times and make sure you always end on COLD- your body will naturally warm itself up
2. PROBIOTICS
Taking a good quality probiotic with a variety of different strains (we are looking for at least 10 billion colony forming units) on a daily basis can help to support your immune system. We need to have healthy gut flora so that the body can help to fight off potential illnesses. Probiotics help to modulate this flora and compete with the unhealthy bacteria in the lining of the gut. This is so important because our gut houses something called the GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue) that helps to regulate immune responses.
3. A.C.E.S. + ZINC
You want to make sure you are getting enough nutrients and antioxidants so you can prevent illness. Supplementing with Vitamin A, C and E, plus Selenium and Zinc provide a great base to make sure your immune system is optimally functioning. Research has demonstrated that Vitamins A, C and E all support the functioning of our immune system and help mount the defence against infections. Zinc is integral for the normal development and function of the cells that fight of infections. Selenium, another essential micronutrient, is important as it helps to reduce oxidative stress and support our innate and adaptive immune responses.
4. GINGER, LEMON + HONEY TEA
My personal FAV, I find this so comforting to have (even if I am not feeling under the weather). Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory as well is very well-known to help prevent nausea and soothe an upset stomach. Not only is ginger a great anti-inflammatory, it is also a potent anti-oxidant that supports the prevention of disease. Honey helps to decrease the frequency of coughs and some say can help to improve the quality of sleep. It should be noted that the soothing effects of honey should not be given to children under one. Lemon provides some supportive Vitamin C, but not enough of a therapeutic dose, so this is great to pair with your immune supportive supplements.
5. DEEP IMMUNE TINCTURE
Herbal remedies to support your immune system are amazing and you can usually find at your local health food stores. They are great for preventing illnesses or at the sudden onset of sniffles or sore throat, they help to jump start your immune system and get you fighting that infection. You want to look for products filled with amazing adaptogenic herbs that help your body fight stress and potential illness, such as Astragalus, Codonopsis, Reishi, Siberian Ginseng, Shishandra and more. A product I recommend frequently and personally use is St. Francis Deep Immune. However, it is important to note that some of these herbs can interact with medications so you should always consult with an ND before taking any health products/supplements.
Interested in supporting your immune system to prevent colds and flus this year? Book your 15 minute consultation to get started today!
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