Immune Support

Sleep

Research has shown that a good nights sleep will assist with many health concerns including immune support.  In Chinese medicine we talk about sleep being yin in nature. Sleep allows:

• Our body to restore
• Our organs to relax
• Allows the blood to fill through the muscles
• It allows our nervous system to calm down
• Anchors our mind allowing us to reset

Sleep hygiene tips

• Limit naps to 30 mins
• Avoid stimulants (coffee, nicotine and energy drinks)
• Avoid eating a large, rich or spicy meal close to bed (this will stimulate the liver)
• A little natural light in the bedroom (avoid fluorescent lights)
• Establish a good routine (phones one sleep mode or out of bedroom)

For more ideas watch our video on sleep hygiene here

For more information on how sleep can affect us watch this video on sleep

Exercise

Make sure you fit in some exercise everyday. This could include:

• Gentle walk around the block
• Playing basketball with the kids in the backyard
• Yoga
• Pilates

This is important for the release of endorphins. Of course if the sun is shining a walk outside will get you that daily movement and dose of vitamin D which is also plays a role in immune support.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that will help protect your cells from harmful free radicals, and enhance your immune system. Eat foods such as:

• Kale
• Broccoli
• Kiwi fruit
• Leafy greens
• Berries

Gut Health

Majority of the immune system lies within the gastrointestinal tract so eating whole foods and supporting gut health is paramount. To support your gut you can add these probiotic foods to your diet:

• Bone broth
• kimichi
• sauerkraut
• Kifir

Avoid refined sugars as these will cause inflammation and promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria in your gut, and as always everything in moderation.

Click here for a delicious Huang Qi (Astragalus) Miso Soup. This is full of everything you need for the extra bit of immune support. For more recipes click here.