Looking for natural ways to boost your immune system? Here are some ideas to get you started!
1. Get enough sleep and manage stress.
Sleep deprivation and stress overload increase the hormone cortisol, prolonged elevation of which suppresses immune function. Working on a healthy sleep regimen and learning to manage stress will be well worth the effort.
2. Use Thieves Essential Oil blend.
Apply a drop of the stellar blend on the bottom of your feet every night, and be amazed as your immune system thanks you. A blend of clove, cinnamon bark, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary, it is a powerhouse tool in your wellness arsenal.
3. Take a teaspoon of Elderberry Syrup daily.
Studies show that elderberry syrup works better than old nasty Tamiflu when you are sick, and lots of folks take a tsp a day to support their immune system. Good to have on hand. Let me know if you need the recipe.
4. Avoid tobacco smoke.
It undermines basic immune defenses and raises the risk of bronchitis and pneumonia in everyone, and middle ear infections in kids. Also, candles create the same problems. Toss them and get a diffuser.
5. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
A wide variety of veggies and fruit in various colors will provide your body with the nutrients your immune system needs. Not a fan? Ask me about the best high-nutrient drink on the planet to check off this box.
6. Consider fermented foods as well as pre and probiotics.
Fermented foods are paramount to good gut health, and you immune system relies heavily on your gut. Incorporate these into your daily life, sauerkraut or kimchee (not the kraut in a can, look in the refrigerated section), kombucha and kefir are also good options. YL's Life 9 and Mighty Pro are amazing additions to your probiotic routine, as well as Daily Prebiotic Fiber. Studies indicate supplements reduce the incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Fermented milk products have also been shown to reduce respiratory infections in adults and kids.
7. Catch some rays.
Sunlight triggers the skin’s production of vitamin D. In the summer, a 10-15 minute exposure (minus sunscreen) is enough. However, above 42 degrees latitude (Boston) from November through February, sunlight is too feeble and few foods contain this vitamin. Low vitamin D levels correlate with a greater risk of respiratory infection. Young Living's Super Vitamin D supplement is a great option for those winter months or for those who know they don't get enough outdoor time.
8. Go for the garlic.
Garlic is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and immune booster. Because heat deactivates a key active ingredient, add it to foods just before serving. I just chop up a clove and take it like a supplement. BAM!
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