Boost Your Immune System
During the winter, it seems there is always a flu or virus going around and despite all efforts, you probably get sick at some point right? Well, good news - incorporating these 3 small but effective changes in your life will boost your immune system naturally, decrease your risk of getting sick and increase your energy!
1. Eliminate Processed Sugar for 30 days
Sugar is an immune suppressor, it negatively impacts your body in multiple ways. Not only is it void of nutrients, it depletes existing nutrients by pulling vitamins and minerals from the body to metabolize. Sugar is the most prevalent food in our society and the most addictive food on the market. This is why sweet cravings can sometimes seem uncontrollable. To reduce blood sugar while eating sweets, the body releases the insulin hormone. However, sometimes sugar level goes too low. As a result, the brain signals you to eat more sugar, causing that strong craving for sweets. Eliminate processed foods with added sugar and starchy carbs - which convert to sugar in the body. Stick to it's natural form found in fruits and vegetables. Doing this for 30 days will eliminate your cravings and balance your blood sugar and insulin levels when you reintroduce it. During this elimination, your body will remove unhealthy cells and build new ones, while drastically increasing your immune system and preventing you from getting sick!
2. Supplement Antioxidant Vitamins
Three major antioxidant vitamins are Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and the mineral Zinc. These nutrients will boost your immune system and keep your body strong all year. They're found in colourful fruits and veggies, specifically those coloured red, orange, yellow and purple like broccoli, beets, carrots, kale, and apples. Although found in many foods, it's best to supplement with quality vitamins, as the RDA (required daily intake) are rarely met through food, especially to boost immunity.
3. Improve Your Sleep
Sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system and the body's ability to fight off colds and flus, leading to greater risk of getting sick. Sleep also impacts the body's ability to fight illness when it is present. Body temperature goes up at night to fight infection. A lack of sleep means the body cannot fight illness. A common theory is to keep fever down, when it is the body's natural response to heal. The best way to ensure sufficient sleep is to try and adopt a consistent schedule. Avoid computer or TV screens 30 minutes prior to bed and avoid caffeine in the afternoon.
As a recap, to stay healthy and keep energized, eliminate added sugar for 30 days, supplement and eat antioxidant-rich vitamins Beta-Carotene, C, E and Zinc and improve your sleeping habits.
