Winter is here and so is the stress we often experience around the holidays. It’s important to know what we can do to keep our immune system up and running in order to stay healthy.
Your immune system is comprised of complex interactions with many moving parts, and these components work together to protect the body against infection and disease. The immune system is very intricate and will only remain strong and function appropriately if it is cared for properly. This means providing the right environment, getting all the right nutrients and avoiding those things that can depress immunity.
Here are eight ways to help your immune system function at peak capacity:
1. Movement
Exercise can boost the immune system and help fight off any potential pathogens.
Increasing lymphatic function will help rid the body of its “cellular sewage”. Try rebounding (low-impact exercise utilizing a “mini-trampoline”), aerobic exercise, yoga, stretching, dry brushing (scrubbing skin with a dry, stiff-bristled brush), massage or use an inversion table to increase lymph flow.
2. Hydration
Hydration is critical for transporting nutrients and removing waste. Drink half your weight in ounces. Avoid sugary juices (even if “natural”) and sip on bone broth, herbal teas, lemon water, or herbal infusions instead.
3. Diet
Eat a range of nutrient-rich whole foods. Dark-colored veggies are great as they have a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Get lots of detoxifying and immune-boosting foods like garlic, onion, ginger, cayenne and other spices. Eat fish and try some fermented foods to keep your gut healthy!
4. Sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Keep your room dark and cool, and limit screen time before bed. If that’s simply not possible, try setting your phone to a warmer color (in settings), or try https://justgetflux.com/ to take away the blue tone on your computer screen that inhibits melatonin production.
5. Stress
Help combat the effects of daily stress through deep breathing, meditation, laughter, progressive muscle relaxation, exercise, or anything else that helps you de-stress!
6. Rest
Different than sleep! Let your body rest by taking a break from work, getting outside in nature, enjoying time with friends, and any other restorative activities you enjoy.
7. Essential Oils
Thieves oil is a blend of clove, cinnamon, rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus essential oils that has been used for a long time to enhance immunity. Other favorites include thyme, tea tree, peppermint, oregano and frankincense. These can be used in a hot bath, topically with a carrier oil, on a warm cloth as a compress, in a diffuser or as steam inhalation.
8. Supplement
Taking extra vitamin C, D, and zinc in the winter can help ward off harmful invaders by strengthening the immune system. Other supplements, such as echinacea, astragalus, probiotics and colloidal silver, can help shorten the duration and lessen the severity of an illness once you’re sick. Some of my personal favorites when I’m starting to feel something come on are elderberry, olive leaf and medicinal mushrooms.
Most of these supplements can be found at your local health food store. You can also check out Emerson Wellevate if you haven’t already. See below to learn how to order online or by phone.
About the author: Kate Swords received her Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States in Portland, Ore., and is currently pursuing the Certified Nutrition Specialist credential. She also has Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University. Kate works as a Lifestyle Educator in the Functional Medicine department, coaching patients on evidence-based nutrition and natural therapies to prevent and treat chronic conditions. She believes in the whole person approach to wellness and enjoys helping others find their path to healing by empowering them through education.
How to order Wellevate Supplements:
DMC Primary Care has an easy way for you to purchase the supplements you need over the phone or online. Take advantage of a safe place to order quality supplements that are stored and shipped properly to ensure efficacy!
- Follow the link below and you will be directed to the wellevate ℠ registration page: https://wellevate.me/dmc or call 1-855-935-5382.
- Enter your email in the registration field and click the blue “Register” button below.
- Simply enter your name and address.
- You’re ready to order!
Why order through Wellevate?
- Free shipping on orders over $49 and a flat rate of $4.95 for orders under that amount.
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- World Class Customer Support associates available via phone, email or live chat (M-F 8:30am-8:00pm EST).
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