Immune Boosting Tips for Winter Wellness

Winter's Little Helpers

  The holidays, and the lead up to them, can be stressful and all-consuming.  We have a tendency to run ourselves ragged, not paying attention to the calls of nature to get more sleep and eat nurturing food. By the time the new year rolls around many of us are completely spent!  If you work in an office or a school, or if you have children, or travel on public transport, or in general are surrounded by other people - you are likely exposed to lots of cold and flu bugs.  One fabulous idea is to strengthen your immunity by taking my Winter Wellness Cleanse, but if you aren't able to do that right now, here are a few quick tips to help you through the season.
 

Vitamin D:

In the northern hemisphere during this time of year our exposure to sun is little to none.  Even if the sky is blue and the sun shining we are usually draped from head to toe in thick clothing so our skin is not able to absorb the levels of Vitamin D we need to stay well.  Low vitamin D levels can play a large part in depression and a weak immune system, making us more vulnerable to what ever bugs are going around.  There are many over-the-counter options to choose from - ask in your local health store which is the best kind for you. I have personally been advised to take 2,000 to 4,000 i.u.'s daily during the winter season

Nourishing Soups:

The winter time is a great time for making hot soups.  You can throw in a myriad of immune boosting ingredients in to a hearty soup.  Include turmeric, cayenne, seaweed, miso, root veggies, dark leafy greens and brown or wild rice.

Sleep: Pay attention to the dark evenings and try to get to bed early.  It really is hibernation season.  Our bodies expend a lot of energy staying warm, fending off colds and digesting heavier food, so more sleep at this time of year is really important.  Try to begin your wind down ritual earlier each evening during the winter, and aim for at least one night a week tucked in by 10pm.   

Oral Hygiene: 
Paying attention to your mouth is of utmost importance.  Get yourself a tongue scraper to remove any unwanted morning gunk from your mouth upon awakening, and be sure to floss and brush regularly.  And remember to frequently change your toothbrush.

Greens & Root Veggies: 

I know, I keep mentioning these, but greens are essential to vitality and root veggies help to keep you grounded and have warming energy. 

Movement:

It's less appealing to get yourself out of bed for your morning run or to go to the gym when the temperatures drop, but it's really important to keep moving to stay healthy. 

Hydrate:

Drink lots of plain and simple (filtered) tap-water.  Keep your body hydrated to compensate for the dryness of the season - both outdoors and from centrally heated buildings.
Wash Your Hands: AVOID anti-bacterial soaps which also kill all the good protective bacteria, and are bad news for you and the environment. Nothing like good old-fashioned soap and hot water!  Wash your hands before food handling, after using the loo.

If You DO get sick - STAY HOME: 

You are doing nobody a favour by showing up to work or a social event if you are sick.  If you are coughing and sneezing you need to stay home and get better.  Be respectful of others and remember that some people have more vulnerable immune systems than others - what is just a small cold to you could lead to worse in someone else.  Rent movies, read books, take naps, bathe, eat soup, drink tea and stay home to mend.  Actually this should be tip number one ~ STAY HOME when you are coughing & sneezing, pleeeeeeease!