Ahhhhh-CHOOOO!!! We’re all too familiar with the sneezing, congestion and runny noses that accompany the changing seasons as the snow falls and the cold creeps into the air. Now is the perfect time to strengthen and support your precious immune system which continuously defends your body against millions of tiny bacteria, microbes, parasites, toxins and viruses that enter our bodies in the foods we eat.
A Booster Shot for Your Immune System
Thankfully, we have the power to choose foods that support, sustain, nourish & enhance the function of our hard-working immune systems. Give the following 5 treasures from Mother Earth a try this Winter to develop the strongest immune system you’ve ever had!
Squeeze, please
Citrus fruits are juicy gems loaded with the immuno-protective Vitamin C. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits & lemons help inactivate histamine (the culprit behind your congestion & runny nose) as well as reduce levels of C-reactive protein, the compound connected to inflammation & chronic disease. Citrus fruits also have antioxidant activity, antibiotic qualities & leave an alkaline residue in your blood providing an ideal healing & health promoting atmosphere for all of your cells & organs (acidity prevents the absorption of vitamins & minerals). Try a squeeze of lemon in your morning tea, half a grapefruit with breakfast & add some orange slices in your big green salad at lunch!
Spice Up Your Life
The benefits of super spices are truly quite nice! Onion, garlic, cinnamon, curry, cumin, coriander & turmeric each contain powerful compounds that rev up T-helper & natural killer cells, the warriors & defenders of our immune systems! They keep our arteries healthy, lower cholesterol, relieve pain and prevent cancer. Experiment with these sassy spices to amp up the flavour-meter of your meals!
Have you gone nuts?
Winter is the perfect time to incorporate a variety of these tiny yet potent gems from the Earth into your diet! Loaded with Vitamin E, a powerful & protective antioxidant, nuts & seeds help fend off numerous bacterial, viral & respiratory infections. Zinc is also a powerful inflammation fighter, regulates hormonal function, fights free radicals, removes toxins & heavy metals from the body and boosts energy, mood & metabolism. Try a variety of almonds, cashews, brazilian nuts, sunflower & pumpkin seeds! Munch & crunch!
Oh, LaLa OMEGA!
Fish, mixed nuts, ground flaxseed, & fish oils contain essential fatty acids that help formulate prostaglandins which are required for nerve transfer and regulating both allergy & inflammatory reactions. Omega-3s also help strengthen our cells & neutralize the attack from environmental toxins & pathogens.
Probiotic Power!
Probiotics increase the presence of good bacteria in the intestine to help fight inflammation by killing microorganisms present in the food we ingest. 80% of the immune system relies on gut health! Foods with probiotics include natural yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and other fermented products.
5 More Natural Tips
Here’s some more natural ways to boost the health-protective power of your beautiful body:
- Sleep more: zZzZzZz!
- Use essential oils – mMmMmMm!
- Laugh: a day without laugher is a day wasted!
- Meditate: get your Zen on!
- Exercise: increase your heart rate and sweat out the toxins!
By incorporating the tips above and avoiding sugar, artificial sweeteners, smoking, saturated fats and other foods and practices harmful to our bodies, we can dramatically enhance the function and effectiveness of our immune system resulting in vibrant energy, health and happiness!
Kristina Skoko is a Registered Nurse and currently studying to become a Certified Holistic Health Coach. She is a marathon runner with a passion for maximizing health and fitness by eating a clean and green diet! Her goal is to help you discover your best and brightest self with fresh, feisty and fabulous foods! For more inspiration and motivation, follow her on twitter.
