Immunity Boosting Tips
Mar 24, 2020
Immunity is the balanced state of multicellular organisms having adequate biological defenses to fight infection, disease, or other unwanted biological invasion.
And now more than ever it's the top of mind for many of us.
I've always urged my community to take action to boost and protect their immune system. In my opinion, it's everything.
See, when your immune system is strong, you could walk through JFK shaking hands with everyone and you wouldn't getting sick.
You may think that being exposed to viruses, bugs and bacteria automatically means you'll get sick, but this is a big misunderstanding.
Your immune system is designed to fight the battle for you, provided it has what it needs at all times.
Despite having autoimmune issues and health challenges, I pretty much never get sick. I battle depression and anxiety - but I'm grateful that I've got a powerful immune system when it comes to colds and sicknesses!
Today I'm sharing my top immunity boosting tips, specifically with regard to nutrition.
Top Tips for Boosting Immunity Through Nutrition
Top Tip #1 Emphasize Fruits and Vegetables
Even if you are finding success on a low carb lifestyle, it's super helpful to lean on our antioxidant-friends, fruits and vegetables. While I'm a proponent of macronutrient balancing, with the predominance being on carbohydrates, you may still be a bit afraid of carbs. But...
Carbs are the only real source for fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
And, you literally will not find any Vitamin C in anything other than fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful immune system boosters.
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, frozen might be just as good for you as fresh. Don't rule out frozen foods that are harder to get year round, like berries.
Top Tip #2 Reduce all forms of sugar
Sugar shuts down immunity for a few hours by shutting down the cells that attack bacteria. In some ways, it puts your white blood cells to sleep. If you eat sugar - even a little bit - throughout the day, you could be suppressing your immune system for the entire day.
Normally I don't have an issues with including some sugar in your diet. I tend to encourage more natural sugars like maple syrup and honey, but even still - these should be considered "sugar."
In times of heightened sicknesses, it's really best to completely avoid sugar at all times.
Top Tip #3 Reduce alcohol
Similar to what I shared above about sugar, alcohol is considered a "super sugar" because it has nearly double the calories, gram for gram, as other forms of sugar. In my opinion, it might even be worse than drinking soda.
Additionally, alcohol is taxing on your liver- one of the important organs of detoxification. Your liver is being bombarded daily with toxins. Alcohol increases the total load on the liver, causing it to be sluggish in its ability to keep you health.
Top Tip #4 Get Creative with Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic, and Kelp
These adaptogens are super foods in terms of their power to help your body in all of its natural processes. Additionally, these foods are antiviral, reduce inflammation, and are super nutritious providing vitamins and minerals that support many functions in the body.
Top Tip #5 Temporarily Reduce Grains and Dairy
For many people, these foods tend to cause inflammation. Even if you don't suspect you have any issues with these foods, it's a good idea to cut back during times of heightened sicknesses. Included in this list is also eggs, as they too are often inflammatory for many people.
Bonus: My Daily Immune Boosting Blender Drink
Warning: this drink is not for the faint of heart! It's a powerful solution that will keep you healthy and vibrant. I literally feel so much better each day when I drink this.
I drink it nearly every day, usually around lunch, in combination with protein and fat. Lately I've been doing wild caught sockeye salmon, with a side of sweet potatoes or green beans, and the drink on the side.
How to Make it
- Put 8oz of water into a blender
- Add a big chunk of peeled ginger
- Add 2-3 big handfuls of frozen spinach
- Add 1-2 big handfuls of frozen kale
- Add a big handful of fresh parsley
- Add 1/2 grapefruit, peeled
Blend and drink! (And don't forget I warned you)
Do you find this article helpful? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!
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