It’s that time of year when the leaves begin to drop, the air’s turning crisp and the pumpkin spice is in abundance.
It’s a special time of year and a great time to make sure your immune system is functioning optimally.
So how can we take a holistic approach to our health, naturally boost our immune system, and increase our body’s ability to keep us well this year?
Here are 8 simple tips to fuel your health and help you best enjoy this beautiful and magical season.
1. Get adjusted
Chiropractic care checks for, and removes, any interference within your nervous system so that your body can function the way it is designed to.
Your nervous system controls all the functions in you body, including your immune system, so in order to function optimally it’s important that we have a healthy nerve supply telling our brain what’s going on, and then effecting all of the cells, organs and tissues within our body.
Regular chiropractic care support healthy nervous system function and allows your brain and body to communicate clearly, without interference.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known to have a direct immune-modulating effect on CD8 cells, proving it to be a potent weapon against influenza and other illness.
It’s important to remember that just because you are exposed to a virus does not mean that you will get sick.
If your immune system is operating optimally, your chances of contracting a cold, flu or flu-like illness are very slim.
Vitamin D is important for overall healthy immune function and produces over 200 antimicrobial peptides in your body, which kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, so optimizing your vitamin D levels will help you fight off sickness and stay well.
Sun exposure is the best way to optimize your vitamin D levels, but can prove more difficult during the winter, in which case supplementation may be necessary. You can shop and save 15% on a variety of the supplements I trust here.
3. Get plenty of sleep
It is important to remember that our body heals and repairs while we’re sleeping; so if we’re not sleeping, we’re not giving our body the time and ability to heal and keep us well.
For more on this, check out 5 Steps to Better Sleep and How to Wake Up Feeling Rested, and 10 Minutes of Stretching for Better Sleep.
4. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated and drinking at least half your body weight in oz. of water daily is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
This means if you weigh 150 pounds, you want to shoot for drinking at least 75 oz. of water every day.
Remember once you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.
Pro tip: Add a bit of fresh lemon, lime, berries, cucumber, or salt to your water. Doing so will not only add a bit of yummy zest, but it will also allow your body to better recognize and utilize your water.
5. Be mindful of your stress
We all face stress, but when it becomes chronic or we become overwhelmed with it, our body becomes less able to adapt to it, and therefore keep us well.
Find at least a few minutes daily to sit quietly in the sunshine, enjoy a warm cup of tea, read a book, or do something that grounds you and allows you the space to breathe. This is my favorite brain hack and meditation app for stress relief. Use this link to get a free 15-day trial!
6. Move your body
Motion increase your circulation, blood flow and development, which helps your body to fight illness and fuel your brain.
Moving your body does not need to be going to the gym or doing an intense workout- in fact, sometimes doing so can even hinder your goals.
Yoga and walking are great because they allow you the benefits of exercise without greatly elevating your stress hormones.
The true key, however, is to move your body in whatever way feels good to you. If you like to dance, dance. If you don’t enjoy going to the gym, don’t. Movement shouldn’t feel like a chore, but rather play. Do what brings you joy.
7. Incorporate essential oils
Essential oils are a great way to support holistic care.
They’re nature’s medicine and have been used for hundreds of years.
Many essential oils have immune boosting properties and are an incredible natural defense.
When it comes to essential oils, quality is extremely important, so look for an organic, therapeutic grade oil. This is my new favorite go-to for essential oils.
8. Limit processed foods and sugar
Sugar, which is abundant in processed foods, decreases the function of your immune system and your body to adapt to stress.
Reducing processed foods and sugar in your diet will help your body to stay well and fight off unwanted illness.
Keep in mind that artificial sweeteners are no better, however natural sweeteners like raw honey and pure maple syrup are great alternatives for adding some extra sweetness into your life.
Be well.
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