I started this little article when the Coronavirus was at its height, but have added to it over the years with natural health hacks that keep my body running smoothly, even with 6 autoimmune diseases! I thought it might be helpful to share some of these immune-boosting tips & tricks with you.
When I'm weary of getting sick or feel a cold coming on, I try to implement the following foods (lots of plants) & healthy habits into my daily routine. Ideally, I'd like to live every day like this & feel my best, but that's definitely not always the case in the fast-paced society we live in.
I'll start off the day with an unsweetened aloe juice shot* (4-6 oz.), which is an anti-inflammatory. Anti-inflammatories are a must as the immune system becomes vulnerable when inflammation occurs in the body. It is also extremely difficult for your intestines to absorb the proper nutrients it needs when your GI tract is inflamed. You need these nutrients for every day life, but especially when it comes to flu season & supporting your immune system in fighting off viruses.
Next, I brew myself a nice cup of immune-supporting herbal tea. I used to switch it up between prepackaged tea bags (Cusa, Yogi, Traditional Medicinals), but after learning more about mass-produced tea, I've realized that there is little nutritional value in prepackaged tea bags. "Herbs found in tea bags are finely cut so that you can make a quick tea, but that causes them to be oxidized by the time they land on the store shelves" (Wszelaki, 2021, p. 343). Not to mention, the bleached paper or plastic bags that prepackaged tea is typically sold in. Now, I like to buy** or dry my own herbs to create tea blends at home. Whatever tea you choose, be sure to buy organic as non-organic tea leaves are sprayed with tons of harsh chemicals, destroy the environment, & harm the farmers harvesting the leaves. I suggest adding local honey & lemon to your tea for their added benefits as well. Lemons contain antioxidants & liminoids, which are known to reduce the risk of cancer. Make sure to buy high-quality honey as it's packed with antioxidants, & purchasing honey that's made in your environment can help with seasonal allergies. Plus, when you buy local you're supporting your community & native bees!
With my morning tea, I'll get some Elderberry (Sambucus) into my system - either through a tincture, capsule, or syrup. Elderberry is filled with vitamins & antioxidants that are known to fight inflammation & boost your immune system. I've used both Nature's Answer & Quantum Health.
Along, with your tea, be sure to stay hydrated! I try to drink at least 32 fl. oz. of water before consuming any solid foods. Drinking water (especially with lemon) in the morning helps to cleanse your digestive system, & keeps your skin hydrated during these cooler months.
Once I hydrate & have my morning tea, I enjoy a breakfast of healthy fats, protein, & fiber to ignite my metabolism for the day. According to Magdalena Wszelaki, author of Overcoming Estrogen Dominance, "Protein, fats, & fiber slow down sugar ingestion, prevent sugar spikes & crashes." For me, the PFF breakfast typically looks like gluten free/dairy free/soy free avocado toast topped with healthy herbs/greens/sprouts, or a bowl of greens with salmon or homemade fennel meatballs topped with microgreens & sauerkraut. Make it your own, & make it delicious!!
And, that's my morning!
Throughout the day, I continue to stay hydrated with lots of mineral water & electrolytes. Did you know that filtered water is seriously lacking all of the important nutrients that our bodies need to absorb from water? Crazy! A natural way to boost your electrolytes is by consuming organic coconut water, or adding a little lime & Himalayan sea salt to mineral water. Limes are high in Vitamin C & anti-inflammatory, while the sea salt adds in those electrolytes.
When my day comes to an end, I wind down with another cup of herbal tea with a dash of honey & lemon wedge. I try to de-stress allowing my immune system to settle, whether that be through an Epsom salt bath, meditation, yoga, a good book, qi gong practice, or a walk with my family (time outside & in nature is key). Figure out what practices help you de-stress, utilize them in your daily routine, & remember to not force anything.
I am not a doctor, & am in no way telling you to go out there & purchase all of these items, I simply wanted to share what works for me, in hopes that some of these tips might be able to help a few folks. Please comment with any health hacks that work for you! The more we help each other, the more likely we are to create a happier, healthier world. Stay healthy & happy, my friends!
Pro Tips
When I'm feeling really crummy, I add a little extra into my immune-boosting daily routine via Wishgarden. My products of choice from their array of herbal remedies are the Kick-Ass Immune Activator & Deep Lung & Bronchial Support.
I also find taking Zinc, Vitamin D, & Vitamin C very helpful. But, be sure to take Zinc on a full stomach, as it has made me sick whenever I've consumed it on an empty stomach. And, always check with your doctor first!
Echinacea is also a great wellness herb, igniting immunity by producing more white blood cells.
Avoid alcohol, sugar, dairy, gluten & caffeine as consuming these foods can cause inflammation, depleting your immune system.
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*My favorite is Lakewood Organic Aloe Juice. I believe that Trader Joe's sells a giant jug of unsweetened aloe juice for about $12 as well.
**Where I purchase herbs: local apothecaries/bulk stores, Rishi Tea & Botanicals, & Everything Tea
Sources: Wszelaki, M. (2021). Overcoming Estrogen Dominance: Resolving Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance with Nutrition, 28-Day Meal Plans, Herbs, & Supplements. New Type Publishing.
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