Home Remedies for Immunity
With seasonal change comes the return of the cold & flu. As the weather gets colder our immune systems are in need of more support. The days are getting shorter, but our lives are not slowing down. Cold temperatures tend to take a toll on our bodies and sometimes getting the recommended amount of rest is not enough to keep the germs away. So, here are some ways you can do it from your medicine cabinet.
This first hack is a great “immunity cocktail” that is amazing for preventing viral infections before it manifests. The best part? You most likely already have these ingredients lying around. All you need is apple cider vinegar, a lemon and some water! Drink this every morning on an empty stomach and watch it do wonders. Not only will this help boost your immunity, but it is also great for your digestive system and bloating. Helpful tip: wait about 20 minutes after taking it to eat!
Health Cocktail recipe:
- Take the juice from 1 lemon and combine with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Mix with water or take as an immunity shot
The next hack is one we do not hear about too often. However, one of the best ways to help boost your immune system is by consuming high-quality probiotics or small amounts of fermented food! According to the National Library of Medicine, probiotics are essential for fighting infections. Particularly, “lactobacillus-based” probiotics are good for preventing influenza-like infections from manifesting in the body.
This can also be done by consuming small amounts of high-quality fermented foods. One of our favorites is kimchi! However, it is important to note that talking to your doctor about changes to your diet is important before implementing any of these recommendations. If you ever need help in determining which probiotic and dietary changes are best suited for you, check out our website www.naturnalife.com to book a nutrition consultation today!
Kimchi Recipe:
- 1 medium head napa cabbage (about 2 pounds)
- 1/4 cup iodine-free sea salt or kosher salt (see Recipe Notes)
- Water, preferably distilled or filtered
- 1 tablespoon grated garlic (5 to 6 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce or salted shrimp paste, or 3 tablespoons water
- 1 to 5 tablespoons Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 4 medium scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Another great comfort for cold & flu season is ginger tea. Ginger is rich in antioxidants and has wonderful immune-boosting properties. You can either purchase it at the store or make it from scratch! The best part about crafting it from home is your ability to customize your recipe. We will get you started with some ideas.
Ginger Tea:
- Peeled ginger (amount depends on preference)
- 2 slices of lemon
- Honey (optional)
- Hot water
There are many ways to boost your immune system with basic ingredients you most likely already have! It is important to give your body some extra help as the winter season approaches! If you fuel your body right, you will have everything you need to take on this cold & flu season. Good luck!
References:
Alagawany, M., Attia, Y. A., Farag, M. R., Elnesr, S. S., Nagadi, S. A., Shafi, M. E., Khafaga, A. F., Ohran, H., Alaqil, A. A., & Abd El-Hack, M. E. (2021, January 8). The strategy of boosting the immune system under the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in veterinary science. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7820179/
Han, E. (2022, September 27). How to make easy kimchi at home. Kitchn. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-easy-kimchi-at-home-189390
