Natural Ways We Can Help Boost Our Immune System
There is no doubt about it, it's a worrying time right now, self care and the wellness of our loved ones has never been so important. We’re all worried and, with eyes glued to the news it's a time of high anxiety for us all. There has never been a more important time to look after ourselves, our family, friends and neighbours.
It may feel overwhelming and out of our control but there are some things we can do right now that can help boost our immune system.
A good night's sleep - we know this is cliche coming from us, but a good night's sleep really does improve our immune system. Researchers from the University of Tübingen in Germany have found that specialist immune cells called T cells contribute to the body’s immune response when a potentially harmful foreign body enters the system. The researchers who led this study found that a good night’s sleep can boost the effectiveness of these certain specialised immune cells, giving us a better chance of fighting off any nasty bugs heading our way.
Our advice, have a bath, switch off your phone and get yourself to bed.
Citrus fruits - high in vitamin C, they boost our white blood cells which do wonders for our immune system and are great for fighting infections. Swap your morning coffee for a hot water with lemon or have a grapefruit instead for breakfast instead of toast. Good to know - our bodies don't have the capacity to store Vit.C so we need to be mindful to include it in our diet everyday.
Propolis - a natural resinous mixture produced by honey bees from substances collected from parts of plants, buds, and exudates. propolis has proven antibiotic and antiseptic properties and is also known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Just to note -If you have had an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to bee stings or bee products (including honey), you could react to propolis in the same way.
Exercise - it's so important for our overall health. Take a brisk walk, do some stretches, go for a bike ride. Do what you can to keep your body moving, Exercise strengthens our white blood cells, which fight infection, the healthier we are the better our immune system is going to cope.
Limit your alcohol - A glass of wine might be just what you want after a day in quarantine with the kids but moderation is super important for a healthy immune system. Try reaching for the herbal tea instead and soon the urge for a rioja will pass.
Eat well - immune boosting foods include;
Citrus fruits, lemon, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, limes
Red peppers - full of vitamin C (ounce for ounce 2 x as much as citrus fruit)
Spinach is rich in vitamin C. and loaded with antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems
Turmeric is naturally anti-inflammatory.
Almonds are high in vitamin E and are rich in nutrients including unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, magnesium, copper and manganese. They are brilliant for the brain too.
Ginger - Ginger is a strong antioxidant that has been shown to naturally boost the immune system. It contains lots of vitamins, some of which are magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium all beifical in boosting the immune system and fending off bugs.
Mental health is also so important right now, take a walk, breath in fresh air, talk to friends and family and stay connected.
Sending love to you all.
Team noctu x