Change of season is a challenging time for the body and mind to adapt and adjust. Therefore it is quite easy to get sick or catch a flu especially when one is living a busy life and there are daily stresses to deal with. To prevent from getting sick, the proactive approach is to look after one’s immune system and also the state of your mental emotional health. Immune system, digestive system and state of mind are directly related. We can easily integrate a few things in our daily routine to keep these three in balance. I would like to share some Ayurvedic and Herbal Wisdom that can be applied to your daily life with ease. Below are few immune building tips to inspire you:
- Consuming plenty of fruits and foods rich in vitamin C – all citruses, including citrus peel (make sure it is organic), papaya, berries
- Turmeric is an amazing immune building and anti-inflammatory spice. It can be used in cooking or fresh in salads or can be made into Golden Milk. Check out my recipe for this creamy, comforting and immune boosting drink : Golden Milk Gorgeousness
- Fermented foods like Sauerkraut and Kombucha are highly beneficial to your gut health thus enhancing your immune health.
- Reishi and Chaga – Medicinal Mushrooms are known for their immune building properties in Chinese Traditional Medicine. A little goes a long way. 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Reishi or Chaga extract powder in warm water will not only protect your immune system, it will build a robust immunity going forward. Check out here for more information. I have a blog post sharing my experiences with Reishi, Click here to read.
- Miso soup – mix a tsp of miso paste and 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in vegetable broth or chicken broth and drink a small cup before breakfast and dinner. It not only nourishes the cells but acts as an appetite stimulant.
- Using warm spices in cooking or tea will help keep your digestive system warm and immune strong – cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove, turmeric, black pepper, fennel, fenugreek.
- Eating small amount of raw or cooked garlic is very helpful if you want to protect your immune system or get over a flu or cold. It is important to note that garlic reduces blood pressure. It also has sulfur. Some people might feel the the effects, so tune in to your body and decide how much is just enough.
- Other Herbs and Supplements that are really helpful: Olive Leaf Extract, Zinc and Selenium, Vit D3 and K2, Vit C, Echinacea tincture
- If you are having fruit based green smoothies, they can be cooling on the system especially. Adding warming spices to balance it out is a good idea. Spices like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom and cayenne.
- Regular exercise will not only move the blood and lymph but also de-stress your mind and release happy hormones – endorphins. It works wonders for body and mind. A combination of brisk walk, resistance training, yoga or pilates is great. Consistency and enjoying your exercise is the main thing.
- Regular warm oil Ayurvedic Massage will improves the circulation and activate the lymphatic system, thus keeping your immune strong.
- Get plenty of sunshine to keep your Vitamin D reserves full and mood uplifted. Vitamin D is an important immune booster. If you don’t get enough sunshine taking Vitamin D3 supplements combined with Vit K2 for optimal absorption is recommended.
- Dressing according to the season is very important to stay healthy.
- Meditation is an important tool to de-stress the mind and strengthen the immune system. A daily ritual of 10 min meditation is enough to do the magic for you.
Below are some informative science based articles on human gut health and immune health and their inter-connection –
