It’s Fall!
I love fall, but along with the new nip in the air and fall cooking, this time of year also means cold and flu season. And this year, the problem is compounded because COVID 19 and the Delta variant are still raging in our communities. First and foremost, I am a proponent of getting vaccinated, for both COVID and the Flu.
So if you are eligible, get-er-done!
Vaccination is the best way for your body to create inmate protection against these viruses, but we can still help our immune along by doing a few simple but fundamental things! So here are my favorite ways to boost your immune system and feel good during this season (and always)
Sleep
Try to get around 8 hours most days. Sleep is a time of repair and reorganization for your body including your immune system.
Eat Whole Foods
Leafy Greens – Fresh Leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula should be a daily visitor to your plate. They are high in fiber and so many vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that keep you healthy. Cruciferous Veggies – (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts) for the sulfur-containing Sulforaphane’s, which among other things keep your immune function on track.
Garlic – contains Allicin, a powerful anti-inflammatory, and immune modulator
Berries – Delicious and high in Vitamin C & Antioxidants
Exercise
Move Daily, and mix it up throughout the week with cardio and strength training.
Include Spices
Turmeric (+ black pepper) – Contains curcumin a powerful anti-inflammatory and boosts immune function. Why the black pepper? Because the black pepper makes curcumin bioavailable aka, makes it so our bodies can absorb and benefit from the medicinal qualities of curcumin
Ginger – huge anti-inflammatory properties, Nuff said.
Cinnamon – anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal…and it makes everything delicious!
Manage your stress
Stress is inflammatory and if your body is dealing with chronic inflammation from emotional stress, your immune system is in overdrive all the time and isn’t able to fight off new invaders as well. My favorite stress management tools besides exercise, are Mediation and Breathwork.
