Top Tips for Keeping Your Immune System Strong this Cold and Flu Season
Keeping yourself healthy during cold and flu season may seem daunting, but there are some simple steps you can take to boost your immunity. When it comes to staying well this winter, prevention is key. Here are some of our favorite ways to keep your immune system in top shape so that you don't succumb to the dreaded cold and flu.
Elderberry Syrup
A natural remedy that has a long history of medicinal and a great all natural way to fight off cold and flu viruses. The berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which have been found to possess immunostimulant properties. If taken within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms it can help greatly reduce the duration of our symptoms. Our favorite elderberry syrup is J’s Homemade which is locally sourced with no artificial additives.
Turmeric + Ginger
Our favorite powerhouse combo!! Another great example of an all natural remedy that has been used for centuries. the presence of phenolic compounds are what gives these plants their strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Our vitality shots are made up of fresh juiced ginger and turmeric with some lemon juice and cayenne. If you have a juicer you can make these at home and take them everyday as shots or add to hot water and drink as a tea. we also love the ginger turmeric tea from Trader Joes!
Eat Well
Eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables will help give your immune system the nutrients it needs to stay strong. we recommend getting as large a variety as you can into your diet each week … think “eat the rainbow” and load your plate up with as many colors as you can! Be sure to eat enough protein and healthy so your body has the nourishment it needs.
Staying Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can also help flush out toxins from our body while keeping us hydrated—which is essential for overall health! Don’t forget that other drinks such as herbal teas or juices can also help keep you hydrated too. We love to start each morning with a big glass of lemon water to help start the day off on the right, hydrated, foot ;)
Infrared Sauna
Sweating is the body’s natural way of eliminating toxins. An infrared sauna uses a gentle dry heat that raises your core body temperature rather than heating the air like a traditional sauna, which helps your body to release way more toxins. The heat can also stimulate immune cell growth may stimulating the mitochondria and promotes deep relaxation in your body. If you are local to Fairfield County, CT checkout Enlighten Sauna Studio in Bethel… it is a beautiful, relaxing studio and the owner is very passionate and educated on all the wonderful benefits of the sauna and chromotherapy.
Deep Sleep
This might be the most important factor on this list! Sleep is a KEY factor in our overall health and ability to fight infection. When we sleep, our bodies produce a protein called cytokines, which target infection and inflammation. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep here are a few things to try: do your best to go to sleep around the same time every night, no blue light 1-2 hours before bed, make sure room is pitch dark, meditation or breath work before bed, try not to drink too much fluid before bed and if you are having some sip it slowly. CBD is also a great way to help your body relax and also doubles down as an anti inflammatory. Check out Vermont Hemp Health for nice variety of whole flower CBD grown on a beautiful farm in Vermont
Cold and flu season doesn’t have to be something that fills you with dread every year! By following these tips on boosting your immunity, you can make sure that this winter is one free from sniffles and sneezes. Get plenty of restful sleep, eat a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, rest when you need, and drink lots of fluids - all these things will go a long way towards helping keep you healthy during cold and flu season!