Winter is here, bringing cold and flu season. But that doesn’t mean you have to get sick. If you are giving your body what it needs to boost your immune system, it will take care of the rest! I find that the morning is the easiest time to set up an immune-boosting routine.
8 Daily Immune Boosters
1. Start with a BIG dose of Vitamin C
Every morning I have a cup of hot lemon water, followed by Zija Moringa drink. In the winter months, I make sure to have a smoothie loaded with immune boosting phytochemicals, vitamin C and beta-carotene. My favorite fruits and vegetables? Berries, oranges, kiwi, apples, red grapes, carrots, kale, and spinach.
Don’t wait for the first sign of infection to start fueling up: studies show that taking large doses of vitamin C once a cold begins does not shorten its length or severity, but regular daily doses of 75 to 90 mg will help. The most important thing is to be consistent. A daily smoothie or drinking your Zija Moringa drink does just that!
Moringa, often called the “Miracle Tree”, is found in Zija Moringa drink. I have been drinking it daily for the past seven years and at the age of 53, I rely on NO medications. It is a real superstar for boosting your immune system and carries with it many, many health benefits. It’s kind of like Mother Nature’s Super multi-vitamin.
Gram for gram, Moringa has:
- 7 times the vitamin C of an orange,
- 2 times the vitamin A of carrots,
- 3 times the potassium of bananas,
- 4 times the calcium of milk and
- 2 times the protein of yogurt
These nutrients are all absorbed better by your body then the dairy form! Moringa provides immune and anti-inflammatory support, promotes healthy digestion, heightens mental clarity, increases energy, provides natural anti-aging benefits, regulates blood glucose levels and promotes healthy circulation.*
Yowza! Now you know why I love Moringa! And my kids drink it, too! Major bonus because I know they are getting the nutrients they need no matter what they eat 🙂
This smoothie is packed with vitamin C.
2. Get Your Vitamin E
This vitamin helps you resist the flu and upper-respiratory infections by boosting production of T-cells, a type of white blood cell that fights infection. Try sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, and walnuts — sprinkle on your morning smoothie or cereal! Two tablespoons give you more than 1/3 of your daily requirement of vitamin E.
3. Freshly Brewed White Tea
Tea contains a potent class of chemicals called catechins, which stimulate the immune system in addition to having specific antiviral properties. A recent study reported that white tea is the most potent germ-fighting form of tea. Add a thumbnail piece of ginger to your cup for an additional antiviral punch.
4. Get Your Vitamin D
It plays a key role in immunity and it is impossible to get enough from the sun during the winter months.
5. Exercise
Regular exercise enhances immune function and helps your body avoid succumbing to illness in times of stress. Try yoga: twists, backbends, and inversions stimulate important immunity components — the adrenal glands and lymphatic system — helping them perform better. Your goal: Move for 30 minutes a day
6. Laughter!
Laughter has documented immune-enhancing effects. A study (Psychosomatic Medicine, Nov. 2006) found that people with positive “sunny” attitudes were less likely to develop colds and if they did, symptoms were perceived less severe compared with the unhappy, negative study subjects.
I listen to a silly radio show “Maddy in the Morning on Kiss 108” (you can access this on I Heart radio).
I can always count on starting my day with a good chuckle!
7. Lather Up
While some contact with germs is a good thing — it strengthens your immune system — washing your hands is crucial for preventing illness. Antibacterial soap and piping-hot water aren’t necessary; just apply soap to wet hands and rub vigorously for 15 seconds (it’s the scrubbing that matters).
8. Get Enough Sleep
Inadequate sleep is known to depress the immune system. When you’re run down, you become more susceptible to illness. Stress releases cortisol, which has direct, negative effects on your immune system. Balance your routine with regular doses of meditation, yoga, or slow, deep breathing to relieve stress. How much sleep do you need? For most people, 7-8 hours a night is optimal.
Here’s to eating well and not getting sick!
Denise
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Zija’s products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.