You are thinking of how to boost the immune system right? Well, your curiosity is justified. Everyone wants to be fit. Nobody likes taking sick days, or sniffling as you try to catch a taxi or get the kids ready for school. And not everyone can access Dr Phil, there’s a waiting list! Sympathetic to your plight, I have put together a list of simple hacks that will have you fit and bouncing on your toes in no time and every time!
How To Boost The Immune System
Too often, we’d rather have easy-to-make, sugar-laden foods as we rush off to work. Well, that has to change; your body needs you in prim, proper shape. Here is a list of my favorite immune system boosters. Let’s take a stroll we go, shall we?!
The Bold Step of Proper Dieting
Here are some food combos that can boost your immune system and keep you away from diseases. These food combos make you less vulnerable to sicknesses. Let’s get to it already!
Fermented foods
This includes yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and a host of others. If you’re like me, you probably would not like sauerkraut on your breath when you get to work, why not try yogurt? Trade your bowl of breakfast cereal for low-fat yogurt, topped with berries, if you like. Yogurt contains the “good” bacteria that help your T-cells flush out the bad bacteria and other microbial nuisance.
Shellfish
Yep! Lobsters, oysters, clams, mussels, and crabs contain wonderful amounts of Zinc. Zinc helps the immune system to function properly. And just think, a serving provides you with the recommended daily allowance of zinc (11mg for adult men, 8mg for adult women).
Green Tea
I personally love tea, and green tea just happens to be my favorite. Green tea gets the vote over black tea because it is steamed and not fermented. This preserves epigallocatechin gallate or ECCG, for short. ECCG is an antioxidant that is absent in black tea. It is also a source of L-theanine, an amino acid that helps in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells. So, the next time, you’re having a tea party, try some green tea, your body will thank you.
Miso Soup
Japanese cuisine is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and they are a foodie’s heaven. This dish, made from fermented soybeans paste is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gastrointestinal health and really boost your body’s immunity. You can make this dish yourself, have it delivered already made, or buy it ready to eat on Amazon, who knew?!
Fruits and Veggies
You’re wrinkling your nose, aren’t you? Fruits are okay, veggies, not so much. Lol, you need both. And there are really creative ways to prepare your veggies, you’ll see. The list below outlines some fruits and veggies you didn’t know were really good for you; you probably pass them in the supermarket.
Red Bell Peppers
Yes, red bell peppers. They’re a better source of vitamin C, containing twice as much vitamin C as the members of the citrus family and strawberries. Vitamin C is a great immune system booster and is required in definite amounts daily as it is an essential vitamin (this means the body does not produce it). Try red bell peppers in your salads, fajitas, soups, pasta dishes, and even in baking!
Spinach
Dark leafy greens contain vitamin E and spinach is certainly no slacker. Spinach also contains vitamins A and C, folate, magnesium, and iron. It boosts immune function and provides the body with the necessary nutrients for cell division and repair. You can eat spinach raw (good news, vegetarians!), or incorporate it in your lasagna, risottos, pancakes, curries, stews and pilafs. Exciting, right? Get out the pans and pots!
Acai Berries
Exotic, appealing, and delicious, this black-purple fruit is native to South America. It contains anthocyanins (potent antioxidants) which stimulate the immune system and combats oxidative stress in the body by swallowing up free radicals in the body. You could munch them at work, snuggled on your couch, or as a topping on your yogurts. Yum.
Almonds
These nuts contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps the absorption of fat in the body. You can pack them as part of your lunch or eat them as a snack; about 46 whole, shelled almonds will provide nearly 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E.
The Little Things That Really Matter!
The list could be surprising, but very effective. Do not underestimate the importance of these little things. Make it a habit to observe them and be disciplined enough to monitor your progress. Now scroll down and feed your thoughts.
Sleep
You need it. Getting regular sleep for a good period of time is essential, so binge-watching your favorite movie series till the early hours is not a good idea. Get some sleep, like a human being, you’ll feel better in the morning.
Hydrate
I don’t mean guzzling energy drinks by the hour, or drinking sweet teas. They have more sugar than you’d think was possible. Drink water, lots and lots of it. If you feel like you wouldn’t know when to stop or start, not to worry, your body will tell you. Listen to it and hydrate! Water does a lot more detoxifying than you think.
Control Stress
It is important that you minimize stress as much as you can because high stress levels wear out the immune system and make you susceptible to a number of diseases and infections. Read a book, spend time in the garden, grab a break between work hours to do some breathing exercises. You’ll do yourself a whole lot of good.
Throw Out The Cigarettes
Nicotine is a guilty pleasure, trash it! Your immune system doesn’t need the extra stress of trying to detoxify and at the same time, fight disease-causing microbes. Respect that.
Feeling Down Already? Here Are Some Quick Immune Recovery Hacks
Say, you think you might be coming down with something. You have got the sniffles, dry cough, slight rises in temperature, and feeling weaker than normal – all these are symptoms of what could probably be knocking at the door. Not to worry, I’ve got a batch of homemade remedies coming right up, so get the pots, pans, blender, mortar, and pestle. Let’s get to cooking!
Lemon Ginger Tea
Sounds soothing, doesn’t it? This blend will give you a wonderful kick. Lemons contain vitamin C, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and ginger has high levels of antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Add a dollop of honey and sip your way to greatness!
Ginger-garlic Shots
Get the shot glasses out! This baby combines the antiseptic, antifungal, and nutritive properties of garlic and the super anti-inflammatory properties of ginger to give a hit that relieves body aches, soothes away nausea, and strengthens the immune system. Add a carrot for some vivaciousness.
Turmeric and Honey:
It’s not goop. It’s a wonderful mix of antimicrobial elements that will attack both bacterial and viral infections and destroy them effectively. It works, trust me!
Herbal infusions
Try steeping elderberry, Echinacea, and Osha root. This infusion prevents immune system breakdown. The last ingredient isn’t strange, it is a root used by Native Americans that may boost immunity and at the same time protect the cells from oxidative damage. For optimal potency, keep in the refrigerator and consume in 24hrs.
Thank you for reading!
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Also Read: 17 Things To Do When You Are On Lockdown
