The wait is over and Autumn is finally here! The weather is changing and the New England foliage is in full swing. The last thing you want is a runny nose or anything to hold you back from all those outdoor activities we wait for year round. Although the general consensus on keeping a strong immune system is maintaining a healthy diet, that is not always entirely the case. All it takes is one pesky little germ to slip into the wrong place and we’re sick in bed for a week. Maintaining a strong immune system requires balance and harmony inside your body. This means it may be necessary for you to take some simple steps to leading a healthier lifestyle.
-Exercise daily
-Adequate sleeping schedule
-diet high in fruits, veggies & whole grain
-while consuming alcohol: MODERATION is key..
-wash hands frequently
Want to stay healthy this fall? Here are a few common foods that will help keep your immune system in check this season.
1. Want to kick the common cold?
Enoki, Shitake or Oyster Mushrooms have been known to help fight off cold and flu symptoms. Why? Mushrooms are loaded with ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant, that does not get destroyed during the cooking process like in most other fruits and vegetables. They are also an excellent source of fiber and can help to prevent disease. Mushrooms are a natural source of Vitamin D and provide one of the most powerful supplies of antioxidants , B group vitamins such as Riboflavin, Niacin and Biotin to the body.
2. Another Superfood!
High in antioxidants called anthocyanins, Acai Berries, typically found in juices and smoothies have been known to boost immunity, in addition to aging and disease. Try this smoothie for a taste of your own!
Super Antioxidant Blast Smoothie Recipe
- 1/4 cup fresh pomegranate juice or arils
- 1 oz (2 tablespoons) whole acai berry juice or 100 grams of frozen acai berry puree*
- 2 cups frozen wild blueberries
- 2 organic bananas
- 8 ounces filtered water
3. Leafy Goodness
Cabbage. A great source of immune-strengthening glutamine, easy and inexpensive. This season, try adding some cabbage (red, white or Chinese) to your pot of soup for some additional antioxidants and boost your meal’s nutritional value!
4. Dealing with Stress
Who would have thought almonds would be the answer to all my stress prayers? Just a 1/4 cup of almonds carries nearly HALF of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin E and according to WebMD, have been known to help bounce back from the effects of stress. Feeling stressed out? Need a quick snack on the go?Grab a handful of almonds on your way out!
FUN FACT: Almonds are actually stone fruits related to cherries, plums and peaches.
5. Black or Green?
Of course tea is the answer! Black or green will do your soul good in almost any situation. Loaded with germ fighting antioxidants, tea provides your body with a natural intake of caffiene (lower than coffee), just about 40 mg per cup in comparison to coffee, nearly 135 mg per cup. Drinking tea has been known to lower the risk of blood clots and heart disease, and helps to keep your arteries smooth and clog free. Tea is also GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH! Who would have thought? Tea actually contains fluoride and tannins that help to keep plaque at bay. Maybe consider adding a cup of tea to your daily dental care routine for healthy teeth and gums.
FUN FACT: A 5.6-year study from the Netherlands found a 70 percent lower risk of fatal heart attack in people who drank at least two to three cups of black tea daily compared to non-tea drinkers.
6. Freshen up your lungs!
Ginger warms the body and helps to break down the accumulation of toxins in the organs, particularly in the lungs and sinuses. It also helps to cleanse the lymphatic system, which is our body’s sewage system. By helping keep your airways and lymphatics open, ginger may help prevent the accumulation of the toxins that may increase your risk of infection. Ginger is also a great treatment or gas or upset stomach. Simply grab some ginger rolled in honey. This will help to settle your stomach and reduce inflammation.
Be sure to check back daily for new and exciting methods of home health care! Blog to come: methods of natural and DIY skin care.
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