Rituals to Strengthen your Immune System
Having a strong immune system is more important today than ever before. But did you know certain habits could be weakening your body’s biggest defense mechanism? Here’s how to boost your immune system with food.
What does the immune system do?
Let’s start with the basics. The immune system is your body’s first line of defence against germs and bacteria. But if your immune system can’t fight off those invaders, you’re more susceptible to illnesses, such as the flu or the common cold.
Different organs, cells, and proteins work together to keep you healthy, but external factors can strengthen or weaken your immune system. When you support your immune system, it supports you right back by keeping you healthy!
Wellness rituals and tips for staying healthy
Move your body
Move through downward dog daily or go for a fall bike ride and let the cool breeze blow across your cheeks. It doesn’t matter what activity you choose, as long as you’re moving for 30 minutes a day, you’re supporting your immune system. Regular exercise also helps to support your lymphatic system and helps increase blood flow.
Create a soothing nighttime ritual
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night is essential if you want to feel your best. Sleep deprivation makes you more susceptible to illnesses… so if you want to avoid coughing, sneezing, and sniffling, you should definitely make sleep your number one priority during “sick season.” When you’re fatigued, you’re more likely to engage in less-healthy habits like picking up fast food, skipping a workout, or indulging in sweets.
Start listen to your body, take the time to try different rituals, and understand what works best for you.
Spend time in nature
Stress can wreak havoc on your immune system, so keeping calm is one of the best ways you can support your immune system.
Go for a walk, hike, visit a farmers market, or enjoy a picnic in the park. Not only will you be able to enjoy the fall foliage, but you’ll also get the added benefit of soaking up some essential vitamin D. Reading a few pages of your favourite book on your balcony will already be a great help for both your body and your mind!
Support your immune system with superfoods
How can you add immune-boosting nutrients to your diet? A great way to start is by limiting your intake of sugar and processed foods and eating more fruits and veggies as well as superfoods!
Your Super mixes contain nutrient-dense superfoods rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants. Adding just one teaspoon to your daily routine will give you a top-up of greens and micronutrients to support your body’s natural activities.
Turmeric, cacao, herbal adaptogens, potent plant greens such as spirulina, wheatgrass and barley grass have all been studied and shown to offer benefits for some people suffering from chronic health issues.
Recipes to Help Boost your Immunity the Natural Way
How to boost your immune system with food
In addition to not smoking, reducing your stress and getting enough sleep, good nutrition plays an important role in the health of your immune system. T cells need nutrient-rich whole foods to function properly and initiate effective responses against pathogens. This is because the majority of immune cells live in the stomach.
By eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables, you’re actually fueling your immune system and making it stronger. But which foods contain the most immune-boosting superpowers?
Functional mushrooms
Functional mushrooms differ greatly in their levels of nutrients but mushrooms such as chaga and reishi have been shown to have a positive effect on your immune system. Both contain active compounds that stimulate white blood cells and protect the immune system from infection. Get their benefits in the Magic Mushroom mix.
Spirulina
This blue-green algae is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet! It’s rich in phytonutrients, copper, iron, manganese, potassium and B vitamins. And thanks to its high levels of antioxidants, it’s a natural anti-inflammatory. Spirulina is mostly found in powder form, like in the Super Green mix.
Chlorella
Like spirulina, chlorella is a green algae superfood! Chlorella is rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and much more. A 2012 study published in “Nutrition Journal” showed that immune cell activity improved after taking chlorella tablets for 8 weeks. You can find Chlorella in the Super Green mix!
Turmeric
This golden root has powerful immune-boosting properties! Turmeric has high concentration of curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory that signals the immune-system to fight against bacteria and viruses. You can find turmeric in the Golden Mellow mix.
Ginger
Similar to turmeric, ginger boasts many anti-inflammatory compounds and can help protect your immune system. It also contains the bioactive substance gingerol, which can help lower the risk of infections. You can find ginger in the Golden Mellow Mix.
Acai berries
Acai berries have taken the smoothie world by storm! These “beauty berries” are known for their high amounts of antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory effects and help boost production of cytokines that regulate the immune responses. You can find Acai in the Forever Beautiful Mix
Blueberries
Blueberries are high in vitamin C, A, potassium and dietary fiber. But more importantly, these tiny but mighty berries are packed with anthocyanins, which give them anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, blueberries can help reduce damage to cells and boost your immune system. You can find blueberries in the Forever Beautiful Mix
