Your immune system has a hard time defending against viruses when it’s not performing at its peak. Luckily, there are simple changes you can incorporate into your day to help boost your immune system.
BOOST IT
Your immune system is made up of different parts working together to keep you healthy. Despite the complexity of its design, it’s easier to boost your immune system naturally than you may think. Here’s a few simple ways you can help your immune system stay on top during the cooler season.
SPICE IT UP
Add some spice to your meals in the form of chilli. These warming peppers not only deliver a punch of spice to your diet, they’re a good source of health-promoting vitamin C. Eating fresh kiwifruit, cauliflower, spinach or cranberries are other great ways to get more vitamin C into your system.
HANG OUT WITH A FUNGI
Mushrooms contain vitamin D and fungal polysaccharides, two nutrients known to promote a healthy immune system. Fungal polysaccharides are a type of starch found in mushrooms. Try adding a buttery tasting shitake, or meaty portabella mushroom into your next main meal, breakfast omelette or stir-fry.
GET PHYSICAL
Physical exercise, even in small amounts, can help improve your body’s ability to defend itself. There is a clear relationship between moderate exercise and illness risk. Since stress weakens your immune system, getting physical outside could be doubly effective at giving your immune system a boost.
STRESS LESS
It may be impossible to remove stress from your life completely, but it’s worth trying to reduce it. Many studies conclude that chronic stress negatively impacts the immune system. Stopping to take a deep breath can help manage stress, and may be the quickest way to give your immune system a little boost. Other natural ways to reduce stress include:
- Reducing your caffeine intake
- Taking up yoga/tai chi
- Connecting with friends or family
- Journalling
- Dance
SOAK UP THE SUNLIGHT
When your body is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D. Soaking up some sunlight might be the most fun way you can boost your immune system naturally, as vitamin D can help regulate immune reactions, according to some research.
MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITY
Hardly anyone these days gets enough sleep, but a lack of sleep can weaken the immune system. Research shows that tired people are more susceptible to becoming ill, compared to those who get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Getting a good night’s sleep can play an important role in your overall health and is one of the best ways to boost your immune system naturally. Here are tips to get more sleep:
- Get exposed to sunlight during the day
- Avoid exposure to blue light late at night
- Aim for a consistent bedtime, and wake time
- Hydrate during the day and avoid drinking too much near bedtime
- Swap out caffeinated drinks for non-caffeinated alternatives in the afternoon
- Create a slumber-inducing environment: dark, cool and cozy
- Skip heavy meals before bed
- Use calming aromatherapy in your sleep space
TRY GINGER
According to experts, fresh ginger is a great way to boost your immune system naturally. Studies have shown fresh ginger can trigger mucosal cells (like the ones in your nose and throat) to make a substance that makes it hard for viruses to attach to your body. Luckily, there are many easy ways to enjoy fresh ginger, including Ginger Shots or Ginger Juice made from fresh ginger.
Packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and vital nutrients, organic ginger is widely used as a food spice and wellbeing remedy. Ginger is also the perfect all-rounder when it comes to delivering a punch of flavour to foods while also being a traditional remedy for issues such as nausea, digestion and inflammation. If you’ve never tried ginger as a standalone tonic or in your meals, slice or grate fresh ginger into meals and drinks, or enjoy Organic Ginger Juice in one of its most convenient forms – bottled.
HOW IS THE GINGER PEOPLE JUICE MADE?
Made from antioxidant-rich, sustainably farmed ginger, this 99% pure organic ginger juice is fresh pressed using a proprietary juicing process to retain valuable actives found in fresh ginger then flash pasteurised.
POWERHOUSE JUICE SHOT RECIPE
PREP: 10 MIN | MAKES: 8 SHOTS
This make-ahead recipe is packed with energising ingredients and can be frozen in ice cubes and enjoyed over several days or weeks.
Ingredients:
- 2 C Organic Coconut water
- 1/4 C apples, chopped
- 1/4 C beetroot, peeled & chopped
- 1/4 C carrots, peeled & chopped
- 1/4 C lemon, peel/pith removed
- 2 Tbs The Ginger People Ginger Juice
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until ingredients are combined.
- Strain, refrigerate and enjoy a daily shot.
Note: Serves 8. Consume within 2 days or freeze leftovers into ice cubes to use later.
