Strengthen Your Gut:
70 percent of your immune system is actually in your gut! The microbes in your gut not only help you digest food, but they also regulate your metabolism, hunger, weight, and immune system! Adding probiotics into your diet can keep your gut engine running properly. Probiotics, also known as good bacteria, help reduce inflammation and prevent infection. You can add probiotics into your diet in many ways, they can be taken in a capsule form, powdered form, or you can ingest them through fermented foods such as saurkraut, or my favorite Kombucha. Kombucha is a drink found in many health food stores. It also packs vitamin B, to boost your energy!Keep Up Your Exercise Regimen, but Don't Skimp on Sleep:
We know that exercise is a mood booster. But did you know its also an immune booster?! Just another reason to get in your daily workout and torch calories. Keeping up on your exercise regimen is an important factor for staying flu free this winter. But so is catching some zzz's. Aiming for 7 hours of sleep each night gets the body rested and rejuvenated to tackle those viruses. Skimping on sleep can lower your immune system function as well as interfere with a good workout. Keep up on sleep to have the energy to tackle your strength session! Get Your Greens in!
Ditch those over processed foods for foods high in nutrients and antioxidants! Overly processed foods cause inflammation in the body and decreases immune function. So next time you are at the grocery store, avoid the inside aisles where the packaged and processed foods live, and shop the outer parts of the store that contain your fresh foods. Eating foods high in antioxidants will boost your immune system. Zinc is another important mineral for fighting that cold that is creeping in. Dark leafy greens, nuts, and salmon contain zinc which has antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-bacterial properties. Just the thing you need to kick that cold to the curb!
Reach for a Natural Hand Sanitizer:
Many hand sanitizers and household products contain triclosan, which studies have shown to cause hormone disruption in animals. So instead of reaching for the toxic hand sanitizers, try making your own with a few all natural ingredients. I love dropping a few drops of lemon oil and OnGuard essential oil in with some water into a small spray bottle. It is just as easy to access as the old toxic sanitizer! Or try sticking just to the old method of soap and water.
Stay healthy this winter with these tips!