Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Boost Your Immune System

This type of year is rough. People are sick everywhere!!

Here are some simple practices you can do to help boost your immune system!

Eat yo antioxidants. We think we’re only harming our waistline when we eat refined sugar, processed foods, and other junk. Studies show that these types of food can actually weaken your immune system. Food is meant to be used as fuel and medicine, and when we do not consume it in that way we are not reaping the rewards it is meant to offer us. Think COLOR!!!

Get some Amazing Grass Green Super Food. I have berry flavor and I just drink it with water at breakfast, but you can also add it to smoothies. Check out the product on Amazon and read all the benefits….it’s AWESOME for you and helps strengthen your immune system.

Amazing Grass Green SuperFood, Berry

Get enough sleep. When your body is sleep deprived, your body automatically goes into survival mode and your immune system is compromised.  And speaking of sleeping, wash your pillow cases and sheets often.

Take some vitamin C. I have Emergen-C packets with added vitamin D and calcium. Kill a few birds with one stone! Actually, I would also add in a multi and probiotics to your regimen as well. Even if you eat healthy, the soil is not as nutrient rich as it once was, and most of our food still has deficiencies. I know there has been controversy, but I fullybelieve it is essential to supplement.

Teach/practice the “chicken wing.” This is what I call it with my kids because they think it sounds cooler, but basically it is just coughing/sneezing into your elbow. We are taught from a young age to cover our mouths with our hands, but if you don’t sanitize immediately after, you are simply spreading those germs to everything you touch.

Sanitize “high traffic” areas. If you don’t like chemicals, vinegar or hot soapy water will do the trick. Frequently wipe down door handles, knobs, counter tops, refrigerator doors, and other areas you or your family touch frequently.

Use your elbows to hit elevator buttons. They have been found to be one of most germ-ridden surfaces, along with gas pumps. I keep hand sanitizer in my car and use it when I finish filling up.

Exercise. I totally understand that some people don’t like to work out, but there are things I don’t like to do that I do anyway because it is important. You’ll look better, you’ll feel better, you’ll strengthen your heart and bones, you’ll heat up your sex life, and ward off diseases and cancer. Not to mention, exercise helps with stress and can lead to a stronger immune system. If nothing else, go on a walk!

Take deep breaths. Stress weakens our immune system, and something as simple as taking the time to breathe deeply a few times a day can reduce your stress levels.

Obviously it stinks to be sick, but healthcare costs and medicine can be very expensive. Plus, you can’t be the most effective version of yourself if you’re sick, whether that is being a good wife, mom, teacher, employee, friend, witness, whatever. Taking a few preventative measures to boost your immune system are so worth being healthy.

These are just ideas off the top of my head. What do YOU do to strengthen your immune system??

4 comments:

LeeAnn said...

Vitamin D!! In the form of D3. Because we aren't soaking up the rays of sunshine, we lack D in the winter. It plays a big role in the immune system.

Megan said...

I just want to say thank you for all of your health tips lately! I've been having the winter blues and I know just being healthier in general helps! I know what I should be doing but seeing your little reminders and the science behind it is awesome :) Also, love the "chicken wing," I have been sneezing into my elbow for years to avoid germs but now it seems more fun with such a cute nickname, ha!

Always Learning said...

Get out in the fresh air and sunshine as much as possible!

Mama’s Minute said...

Beautiful! I also pray to relieve stress, and it works well! haha! :) Love you and thank you for your inspiring blog! L^2