5 Ways to Boost Your Immunity

With COVID-19 being a major global concern right now, I wanted to pass along some simple ways that may help boost your immunity. Your best defense against viruses is a strong immune system.  These tips have been given to me over the years from holistic doctors and my acupuncturist. If you’re interested in trying any of these, please research them first and also consult your doctor if you have questions. Everyone is different and some of these may not be right for you.

Xoxoxo

D

“An Apple A Day”

There is something to this saying!  I never knew where this saying came from but found this online…..the aphorism was coined in 1913 but was based on the original form with a different rhyme, some 149 years ago in Wales: “Eat an apple on going to bed and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.”

I recommend eating red Organic Apples because of the amount of pesticides that are found in non-organic apples, not only on their skin, but in the flesh as well. Also, red organic apples have more antioxidants called Polyphenols.

15 benefits to eating an Organic Apple everyday:

• Boosts immune system
• Good source of daily fiber intake
• Liver detox, helps to remove toxins
• Improves weight loss
• Promote good gut bacteria and acts as a prebiotic
• Antioxidants good for your heart & brain function
• Reduces cholesterol
• Balance blood sugar levels
• Decrease risk of diabetes
• May prevent cancer
• Reduce risk of asthma & improves lung function
• Alkalizing for your body
• Healthier teeth & eyesight
• Aids in prevention of dementia and also Alzheimer’s
• Hydrates skin

Apple Cider Vinegar

Drinking ACV is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy every day and is a well-known and popular home remedy.  It’s definitely an acquired taste and might take a little time to get used to.

Bragg Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) with the ‘Mother’ is one of the brands I recommend (there are many other organic, raw, unfiltered brands available, too).  The ‘Mother’ means that it contains strands of proteins, enzymes and friendly bacteria that is great for your “gut”. It has a murky appearance, but the ‘Mother’ is known for having the most of its health benefits.

A common dosage is 1 teaspoon to 2 Tablespoons a day either used in cooking, food preparation or in a glass of water. The dosage is recommended 1 to 3 times a day, but not to drink it excessively.

These smaller 2 oz. bottles made by White House Foods are a perfect size to travel with.  Click HERE for link to purchase on Amazon.

Lemon Juice

Adding organic lemon juice to my water and food has taken time to adjust to the tartness, but now I look forward to the taste.  I recommend buying Organic Lemons because of the amount of pesticides that are found on non-organic lemons.

10 Benefits of Lemons

• Great source of Vitamin C
• Supports weight loss & helps to stabilize your appetite
• Improves skin quality and helps to prevent acne
• Aids in digestion
• Freshens breath
• Prevents kidney stones
• Regulates pH balance – it’s considered alkaline for the body
• Anti-inflammatory
• Helps relieve allergies
• Help control blood sugar levels

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Water + Apple Cider Vinegar + Lemon Juice: 

Starting my morning with a glass of room temperature purified water and 1-2 Tablespoons of ACV and either a half or whole organic juiced lemon has become a daily habit. It’s a great way to hydrate every morning after a night’s sleep and also to cleanse and detoxify the body.

5 Major Benefits of Drinking a Glass of Water + Apple Cider Vinegar + Lemon Juice:

• Reduce Inflammation
• Boost Energy & Metabolism
• Support Digestion & Weight Loss
• Cleanse the Liver & Remove Toxins & Metals from the Body
• Promote Healthy Skin & Minimize Signs of Aging

A dash of cayenne pepper, a dash of cinnamon or a little bit of honey can also be added to the drink recipe to add more benefits.

? Cayenne pepper has been shown to increase metabolism & also help to drop blood pressure.

? Cinnamon is helpful in balancing blood sugar & is also one of the best antioxidants on the planet.

? Honey is a natural sweetener, but is also an antioxidant that has antibiotic properties.

Astragalus

During the years I was trying to get pregnant, I started taking Astragalus after meeting with a holistic doctor and acupuncturist.  Astragalus can be found as a supplement in the raw, root form or in a capsule or tablet form.

The recommended dosage of the adaptogen herb is 1 capsule, 1 to 2 times a day.  Dosage for you may depend on factors including your age, gender, and medical history. Speak to your healthcare provider to get personalized advice.  There are many brands to choose from. Always check the labels to make sure of ingredients, seal of approval from a third party organization and where it was manufactured.  Currently, I’m taking this brand below:

15 Benefits of Astragalus:

• Supports healthy immune system
• Supports healthy liver
• Supports cardiovascular system
• Supports rebalancing metabolism
• Regulates Diabetes
• Anti-inflammatory
• Could fight and prevent cancer
• Slows or prevents the growth of tumors
• Antioxidant
• Aids in Healing Wounds
• Anti-Aging properties
• Prevent infections
• Relieves Stress
• Improve kidney function
• Alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy

Again, always consult with your physician first before taking herbal supplements to make sure they are right for you and also to make sure they do not interfere with medications you take currently.

Probiotic

An unhealthy digestive system can effect your body in many ways.  An unbalanced digestive system can be the cause of many reasons including: a poor diet, medications, insufficient water, unhealthy habits, environmental exposure and stress.

There are many brands to choose from and research should be done to figure out which one is right for you. A probiotic that is right for me may not be the correct one for you. Everyone’s body and needs are different and should be taken into consideration when choosing the right one for you. I take this one below and have taken a few different ones over the years.

8 Benefits of Probiotics:

• Boost digestion
• Boost immunity
• Restore good bacteria in the gut
• Supports a gas + bloating challenges
• Improve fertility
• Prevent and help with infections
• Overall well-being
• Clear up skin problems

Again, always consult with your physician first before taking a probiotic to make sure this is right for you and also to make sure it does not interfere with medications you take currently.