Flu season is quickly approaching. That’s why it’s so important that your body’s immunity is in tip-top shape to be able to handle anything that comes its way. How do you know if your immunity is strong? Ask yourself a few questions:
Do you:
Eat a diet high in processed or sugary foods?
Have food allergies or sensitivities?
Have mercury dental fillings?
Have close family members with a degenerative illness?
Breathe poor-quality air on a daily basis?
Feel tired or under the weather most of the time?
Have frequent colds or flu?
Have gastrointestinal problems?
Rarely exercise?
Get less than 8 hours of sleep a night or suffer from insomnia?
Live in or near a major city or a busy street?
Live near high-voltage power lines, cell phone towers or a nuclear power plant?
Live under constant stress?
Have recurring yeast infections?
Regularly drink tap water, fizzy drinks or sodas?
Show signs of premature aging?
Smoke or drink often?
Have teethmarks around the sides of your tongue?
Use a computer or cell phone daily?
Use a microwave often?
The more questions your answered “yes”, the more likely your immunity is low.
Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Eat well: Limit or eliminate processed or sugary foods from your diet and replace them with whole foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality protein, nuts and seeds.
Sleep: Getting good quality sleep is one of the best things you can do to boost your immunity. Sleeping allows the body to reset and recharge the organs so they can work properly. Shoot for at least 8 hours of sleep and, if you can, take a siesta during the day. Naps are great.
Neti pot: Every day we breathe pollution and particles into our bodies that can make us sick. Use a neti pot to cleanse debris and germs from the sinus cavity. Neti pots are available in pharmacies and health food stores.
Reduce stress: Stress has been shown to lower immune response, paving the way for days of feeling not so great. Practicing yoga, meditation, journaling and talking to supportive people in your circle can ease the stress that life brings.
Take care of your skin: The winter months can wreak havoc on your skin. And germs can enter the skin easily. Stay moisturized and prevent dry, cracked infection-prone skin. Try pure shea butter or coconut oil often to keep the skin supple and protected.
Mind your gut: Recent studies suggest that there is a link between a strong immune system and a healthy gut environment. Eat prebiotic and probiotic foods and feed your gut healthy bacteria to fight off illness.
Exercise: Daily movement is essential to optimal health. Exercise increases your immunity by flushing out bacteria out of the lungs and airways, which could decrease your chances of getting sick. It also balances immune-suppressing hormones.
