The good news is that what you learn now can be implemented from the beginning of April next year, ensuring you have your natural health remedies ready. Preparation is the key to maintaining optimal natural health and wellbeing.
The Power of Vitamin D:
When it comes to our immune systems, the number one vitamin our bodies need is Vitamin D. This essential nutrient is crucial for our overall wellbeing. As a Functional Wellness Practitioner, I recommend testing your vitamin D levels at least once a year, either before or after winter. Knowing your levels helps you understand if you need to supplement or maintain them. My aim is to set higher, optimal ranges for my clients to ensure they thrive, not just survive in life and health. Sunshine is a natural source of Vitamin D, so spending 20-30 minutes a day outside during summer is an excellent way to increase your levels. If supplementation is required, choose a product that contains both Vitamin D and Vitamin K, as they are fat-soluble and should not be taken with water alone.
Vitamin C and Zinc for Immune Support:
During times of illness, Vitamin C and Zinc are fantastic nutrients to boost your immune system and help alleviate symptoms quickly. At the first sign of feeling unwell, consider taking higher doses of both. Regularly checking your zinc levels through blood tests is recommended since stress and sickness can deplete zinc stores. Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and kiwifruits, along with zinc-rich foods like oysters, shellfish, and sunflower seeds, can be incorporated into your diet to enhance your immune support.
Nurturing Your Gut Health:
The immune system is closely connected to our gut health. By focusing on gut health before getting sick, we can take a preventive approach to boost our immunity. Try incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your daily diet, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut kefir water, or coconut probiotic yogurt. Alternatively, you can take a probiotic supplement. The benefits of fermented foods are noticeable, improving bloating and stool health. Remember to introduce these foods gradually to avoid any digestive discomfort.
Daily Habits for a Healthy Gut:
Daily habits are essential in maintaining good health. Stress can lead to leaky gut, so establishing habits that promote gut healing is crucial. Consider adding collagen, bone broth, or a gut-healing supplement to your daily routine. These will help improve nutrient absorption and provide you with better energy throughout the day.
Avoid Sugar During Illness:
When you're feeling unwell, steer clear of sugar. Sugar suppresses the immune system and hinders your body's ability to fight off infections. Regardless of your regular sugar intake, eliminating it entirely during illness is crucial for a speedy recovery.
Prioritise Sleep and Manage Stress:
Lifestyle factors significantly influence our immune system's strength. Quality sleep is paramount, as cortisol levels decrease melatonin production, a hormone essential for sleep and recovery. To aid your recovery, try to minimize stress levels as much as possible. If you haven't already, consider using stress pee strips to monitor cortisol levels and take necessary steps to manage stress effectively.
Taking a proactive approach to boosting our immune systems is vital for maintaining optimal health and wellbeing. By implementing these strategies, you can pave the way for a healthier and more resilient immune system, ensuring more energy and resilience.
Lemon Ginger Turmeric Wellness Shots: When you find yourself under the weather, you can try making Lemon Ginger Turmeric Wellness Shots to support your immune system:
- Turmeric
- Lemon
- Ginger
- Black pepper
Shelley Gawith has been our member since 2022.
M: 021 168 3699