Boost your Immunity with Food!

The Healing Collective • November 3, 2022
GETTING SICK IN WINTER


 With the winter months upon us, falling ill is likely to happen. Getting sick can prevent us from being the best we can be in our personal and professional lives. Being healthy is one thing most people strive to be daily.

A “CURE” FOR THE COMMON COLD?


 I recently overheard a man at the gym telling his personal trainer “with all the advances in medicine, you think they would have created a cure for the common cold.” I thought to myself that it really isn’t about a cure-- it is about prevention! Boosting your immune system is key. A weak immune system will make it possible to get sick. An even weaker immune system can cause frequent infections that can last for many days or even weeks at a time.


BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY


 There are many ways to boost immunity including supplements, exercise, minimizing stress, and getting enough sleep; which are all important. One way that is sometimes overlooked is to eat healthy! Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables is important and your immune system will thank you. Avoiding excess sugar, gluten, and processed foods and replacing them with an abundance of fruits and veggies is a great way to boost immunity long term.

GUT MICROBIOME AND IMMUNITY


 Lisa Richards, the creator of the Candida diet, says that eating the right foods and getting the proper nutrition are the keys to a healthy immune system. Vitamins E and C, probiotics, beta-glucans, catechins, and soluble fiber all help build up immune cells that help boost the immune system. The gut contains between 70-80% of the immune system. If your gut is not happy and healthy, then you will not be happy and healthy. A poor diet can also cause a lot of inflammation, causing your immune system to fight battles elsewhere in your body instead of at the first line of defense: viruses and bacteria wanting to invade.

YOUR IMMUNE-BOOSTING SHOPPING LIST


 Stock up on during this season to build your defenses: bone broth, leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach, and collard greens), turmeric, berries including elderberry, citrus fruits, peppers, ginger, nuts and seeds and garlic. Tea such as green tea or herbal tea and water will help strengthen immunity as well. For unique immune boosting recipes, follow the link below!



Resources


https://chopra.com/articles/9-healing-foods-to-boost-your-immune-system


Recipes


https://www.foodmatters.com/recipe/12-immune-boosting-recipes

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