Ok, Ok, so maybe "stay calm and immune-boost on" hasn't taken off as a catch-phrase yet, and let’s be honest it never will ... but you know what should catch on? Boosting our immune systems through things that you can do every.single.day. I have been asked a lot lately why I am not in panic mode over the corona-virus, and what my secret is for never (knock on wood) getting sick. While I do not have the secret sauce or magic combination, what I do have is a list of ways you too can keep your immune system in optimal condition, with a few quick and painless steps. We follow these in our household, but keep in mind I am not a medical doctor and am not handing out medical advice.
Side note: stay calm. Really. Stress degrades your immune system. So that virus you’re constantly worrying about catching? Yeah, the stress of worrying is actually setting your immune system up to actually allow you to catch it. That might not be medical jargon, but you get the jest. So take a pause on hoarding all those rolls of TP and cans of Spaghetti-O’s (think Blast from the Past) and maybe do these instead…
Foundational Practices
Wash yo’ hands. I am not sure why so many people are acting like this is a new thing and you would be shocked with the amount of people I have witnessed in a public restroom come out of a stall and not even glance in the direction of the sink. Put soap on those bad boys, sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to yourself, heck, sing it twice before you rinse. Don’t cough on people. You can do this.
Eat a Nutrient-Dense Healthy Diet that includes grass-fed meats, plenty of vegetables and fruits in a multitude of colors, healthy fats, and is as close to its original form as possible. I read recently of a lady who witnessed the shelves of her grocery store being picked clean of all the vegetable oil, sugar filled, processed junk, and thought perhaps those foods might be doing more harm to the consumers than the virus might. I can’t help but feel like she is probably right. You are not doing your immune system any favors by feeding it junk and expecting it to help you fend off a virus. Stick to whole foods and provide that body of yours all the micronutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Get to bed. Like now. While you’re fast asleep, your body is regenerating cells, resting and digesting, and helping your immune system power up. When you skimp on sleep, you’re Thymus Gland is taking a hit, and your Thymus is in charge of your immune system. Help that Thymus out and get to bed. You do not need to watch that entire season of Sex Education tonight. No, you don’t.
Bonus Supports
Along with following a healthy lifestyle that is low on stress (well, as long as we can manage in this day and age anyway), full of healthy nutrient-dense foods, and making quality sleep a top priority, we also add a combination of the supplements to our routine depending on need. As always, please consult your physician before starting any new supplement routine, as these are what works for me, and might not be suitable for you!
Immune Boosting Orange Smoothie, to which you can score the recipe here, that is chockfull of vitamin C, inflammation fighting turmeric, healthy fats, electrolytes and yumminess. This is sure to be a family favorite and who doesn’t love a good smoothie?
Oregano Oil, my personal favorite to keep stocked in our house is from Biotics, but there are tons of other greats brands. This works wonders on upper respiratory issues as well as bacterial and viral issues in the gut. A top favorite for me!
Elderberry and Zinc Lozenges are another staple for us. Instead of reaching for candy or sweets, I pop one of these instead and help boost my immune system while I am at it.
MegaSpore Probiotic is the probiotic of choice for us, and for good reason! This is a spore based probiotic and keeps my gut immunity running in optimal shape.
For a full list of my supplement recommendations for boosting your immune system and helping your body recover from sickness, you can view, and even order here.
You all. I will say it again. Keep Calm and Immune Boost On. Yep, still not catchy, but unless you’re helping your immune system, don’t judge.