Spring Into Action With an Immunity Boost
At first glance, it seems we get sicker when the average temperature changes. But there may be other reasons why we are “under the weather,” and a main factor is stress. When tension is prolonged or unrelenting, it becomes known as chronic stress. Constant worry about things like work, family, or world problems are examples of chronic stress, and can cause mental symptoms including anxiety, sleep problems, and depression. Another side effect of constant worry is a weakened immune system.
Natural immunity — a protection achieved without immunizations or drugs — occurs through a combination of diet and mind-body choices. Through mindful attention to what we consume, and how we treat ourselves in general, we can improve our ability to handle stress without becoming sick.
SPICE FOR LIFE
These are just a few immune-enhancing natural supplements worth your consideration.
Astragalus is an inexpensive herb regularly used in Chinese medicine. It’s often used preventatively to boost immunity in people who frequently suffer from colds and other respiratory infections, while it also promotes faster recovery in those already dealing with an infection. Astragalus is especially effective when taken as soon as symptoms appear. Bonus: it’s one of the most-researched medicinal herbs and is considered safe to take daily.
Ginger has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2,000 years, and it’s no wonder, given the range of the herb’s impressive powers: it kills cold viruses, is a strong antioxidant, is antimicrobial (kills bacteria), eliminates congestions, suppresses fevers and chills, and contains anti-inflammatory agents as well as natural antibiotics. A pleasant-tasting root, it’s great cooked in recipes or taken as a tea with a little lemon and honey.
Lemon juice offers medicinal properties because it contains immunity-boosting vitamins such as Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Heating lemon juice reduces its sour taste and eliminates some of the acidic qualities. When it’s warmed — and especially if consumed first thing after waking — lemon juice stimulates the bowels to eliminate toxic waste. Because lemon contains vitamin C, it prevents cold and flu illnesses as well as soothes illness symptoms including headaches and sore throats.
MIND-BODY
One secret to stress management is to be patient, offer yourself compassion, and to respond to challenges from a place of peace and calm.
Yoga’s twists, bends, and deep breathing stimulate your immunity to help it perform better. Some poses open up the back, which in turn recharges the kidneys, allowing your body to filter out waste. Yoga poses that constrict the abdominal area stimulate lymphatic fluid to flow, while poses that open the chest stimulate the thymus gland.
Nutrition is always important, and a diet high in fruits and vegetables has the phytonutrients needed to enhance immunity. You can take all the supplements in the world, but nothing beats the real thing: whole, fresh, organic food, eaten in a calm space with a spirit of gratitude.
Sleep and immunity are undeniably linked. The body repairs itself almost exclusively as you snooze. Sleep deprivation is linked to lower immune function as well as being a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Most adults should get seven to nine hours each night. Fall in love with sleep. Make it a pleasurable experience: take a bath beforehand or snooze with a lavender-filled pillow. And take some deep relaxing breaths as you drift into slumber.
Sheree Clark, EdM., AADP, CHHC, is an inspiring author, television show host, health coach, and raw vegan chef. She’s written about and presented on topics ranging from raw food 101 to overcoming career burnout. Currently, she hosts a television show called “Fork in the Road with Sheree Clark” and advises private practice health and nutrition clients. This article was originally published in YogaIowa’s Spring 2017 issue.
