Immune-Boosting Do’s and Don’ts

Today’s Blizzard forecast is prompting these reminders to stay healthy this winter:

Immune Support Do’s

Move your body often, including 23-minutes or more of daily Essentrics®. Wifi streaming, DVD’s, free episodes of Classical Stretch on PBS an dlive classes give you options.

 

 

 

 

 

More Sleep; Fewer Carbs  Our bodies seek alignment with nature and the changing seasons; do your best to reduce carbs and get 9-9 1/2 hours sleep in the winter by going to bed earlier (hey…a bit less Netflix)

Include one or more of the 3 Musketeers for your immune system daily: garlic, onions and ginger. See my Soups and Stews blog post for ideas, and recipes in my book, Take Back Your Body.

Organic bone broths not only improve your immune defenses, but also help you get healthy again fast when you do pick up a cold or flu.  Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of cayenne for optimal benefits.

Wash Your Hands often with hot water and regular soap (including after handling a menu).  I don’t recommend anti-bacterial soap which contributes to the growth of superbugs.

Immune Support Don’ts

Don’t Touch your face in public (and wash hands often)

Minimize sugar, processed grains, vegetable oils and anything in a box.  Drinking one soda lowers immune function by 50% for up to 4 hours. Try 50/50 honey and apple cider vinegar to curb cravings.

Don’t stay stuck in negative thoughts and fear. It’s been shown to lower immune response and most of what we are afraid of never happens and robs us of the present moment. Practice gratitude instead.