As winter approaches, we tend to spend more time indoors, and we come into contact with foreign pathogens that are spread through the air or via contaminated surfaces. While we can do our best to wear masks and wash our hands frequently, there are additional things we can do to support our immune system so it functions at its best.
Here are a few top tips to support your immune system this winter:
Eat a diet that is easier to digest, assimilate and eliminate without immune burden. This means eating organic or biodynamic ripe fruits, vegetables, grasses (while avoiding grains), nuts, seeds, sprouts, sea vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, and spices. Helpful microbes in our guts break down these fibers to short chain fatty acids that directly stimulate immune cell activity.
Eat GGOBE to help your body detoxify naturally. GGOBE stands for the sulfur-rich foods: Garlic, Ginger, Onions, Brassica sprouts and Eggs. These foods help to produce glutathione, an antioxidant that helps the body to neutralize free radicals and to detoxify and eliminate toxins.
Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of water and herbal beverages, at least one gallon per day. Proper hydration helps the body to eliminate toxins and pathogens. Hydration also keeps the skin and mucus barriers intact and functional.
Identify and remove hidden immune burdens. Consider LRA by ELISA/ACT® delayed allergy testing to identify your personal immune system burdens. The LRA (lymphocyte response assay) by ELISA/ACT® tests your personal immune response to up to 500+ common foods, colors, preservatives, environmental toxins and medications. When you identify and substitute for dietary immune burdens, you make your immune system better able to fully function for both protection and repair.
Get plenty of sleep. Quality sleep is essential for proper immune function. Prepare for sleep about 30 minutes before bed by taking a salt and soda bath (1 cup each of Epsom Salt & baking soda in a warm bathtub) while practicing abdominal breathing and a relaxation response or active meditation. Sleep in a darkened room with no screens or distractions.
Minimize stress. Anxiety and fear reduce and repress immune defense and one’s ability to repair. Add a mindfulness or meditation practice to your day. Increase exercise and movement.
Supplement key nutrients. Certain key nutrients can be helpful in strengthening the immune system. Vitamin C helps certain immune cells move to the site of infection and kill the offending microbes. Vitamin D3 regulates genes and immune system cells. It’s also been shown to help prevent seasonal flu. Zinc is crucial for the normal development and function of immune cells.
Following these top tips will help support your immune system this winter!