Let’s be real; there’s always some illness lurking around the corner, trying to attack our immune system. It’s like, can we catch a damn break?! If only everyone would stay home when they’re sick, and germs didn’t exist, amirite? But, unfortunately, we can’t control what other people do. We can, however, control ourselves, and that’s what my family and I do to stay safe.
#1 We Like Our Supplements
Okay, listen up, people. We don’t mess around when it comes to our supplements. We load up on Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc to boost our immune system. Let’s face it: it’s nearly impossible to get all the vitamins and nutrients we need from our messed up food supply. Most of the crap we eat today in the western world has zero nutritional value. So, we gotta give our bodies what they need to survive, or we’re screwed.
And get this, researchers from Spain found that COVID-19 patients with low levels of zinc in their blood didn’t do as well as those with healthier levels. So, we have that in the cabinet too! More info here.
I am not a doctor. Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement.
#2 We Limit Sugar
Look, I know sugar is debatable when it comes to being an immunosuppressant, but we do know that eating too much of that sweet stuff can screw up your body’s nutrient balance. And, if you mess that up, you’ll have some inflammation and metabolic disruption, which nobody wants.
So, at my house, we don’t keep sweets or sugary drinks in the house. If we don’t buy it, we don’t eat it (often). It’s that simple.
#3 We Get Outside & Move
Seriously, get your butt outside and move around. It’s a no-brainer. According to Dr. Stephen Chen, exercise can mobilize millions of immune cells, which is like an army of soldiers ready to fight off illness. And they’re all primed and ready to go when you exercise.
Oh, and by the way, if you’re outside and you’re alone, take off that damn mask! There’s no scientific reason to wear it when you’re by yourself in the fresh air. Give your lungs a break, for heaven’s sake.
#4 We Drink Water, A lot of it.
Hydration, hydration, hydration. It’s key to a healthy life, especially when your body’s facing a potential threat. Our immune system relies on the nutrients in our blood system, and over half of our blood is made up of water! So, drink up, buttercup.
#5 We Eat Our Greens! I know, I know, some veggies can be gross. But, listen to me, these greens are your friends. They contain antiviral agents that can help boost your immune system. We’re talking arugula, beet greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, red cabbage, turnip greens, and watercress.
If you want to get nerdy and learn more about how these veggies impact your immune system, look into isothiocyanates (ITCs) and their immune-boosting capabilities. Trust me, your body will thank you.
#6 Essential Oils
Okay, okay, I can already hear some of you rolling your eyes, but hear me out. Essential oils are the bomb .com. And, yes, some of them can help boost your immune system and prevent the spread of illness. We use Lemon Oil to clean surfaces in our home. Lemon has some kick-ass antibacterial properties for cleaning, and it smells damn good too. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, so it’s a win-win situation. We also love Eucalyptus oil, which has decongestant and expectorant properties that support a healthy respiratory system. It’s like a breath of fresh air, y’all! We diffuse that bad boy at least once a week to keep our home smelling fresh and feeling healthy.