Tips on Bolstering your Immune System Like A Boss
But first: Proper hand washing, not touching our faces, and social distancing.
Touchwood but if you're so far unscathed, safe and sound but keenly aware of the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus news through lunchtime conversations, family group chats and quality content blazing forth on social media, let’s keep it that way.
It's a good idea to prudently prep yourself ahead of time for all the possible scenarios (getting ready your groceries, hand sanitizer, a reasonable amount of toilet paper) and staying on top of the news via reliable sources like the World Health Organization.
News about possible vaccines is proliferating through whatever communication channels we're on and we need to stay positive. However, it was reported that these vaccines are still at the development and testing stages.
While the world of medicine and science prepare the human race for a possible panacea against the pandemic, let us remember that human beings are no strangers to viruses. We are the product of millions of years of adaptations. So, keep your chin up and take this time to sit back, reflect, and revitalize your system.
Here are some tips on how to bolster your immune system and find a balance in the midst of such chaos.
1)Spices & Herbs For Immune Boosting
Viruses are biological agents containing nucleic acids that carry information and use living host cells to create copies of themselves. There are very few treatments, allopathic or natural, that can destroy a virus outright because a virus must run its course.
However, the list of natural remedies here comes as close to stopping a virus in its tracks as Mother Nature can get.
We urge you to incorporate spices like ginger, turmeric, garlic, onion, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper into your everyday cooking. They are known to contain healing properties and popularly used as immune-boosting remedies generations before manufactured drugs or supplements were derived from them.
The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of Western medicine, once said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”
2) Stay Hydrated With Lemon & Honey
Honey comprises an array of plant-based compounds that act as antioxidants. Manuka Honey contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic that is effective as an antibacterial or antifungal natural wholefood. Take note that the quality of honey has many variables.
A warm cup of tea layered with quality honey makes a sick day less grey.
For instance, you can strengthen your immune system with Jarrah Honey (Eucalyptus Marginata). To the surprise of many, Jarrah contains 2-3 times the amount of antioxidants compared to Manuka Honey. Consuming it brings about a higher level of antibacterial activities; it also boasts of skin-repairing properties! We love these ones from The Honey Colony because they’re pure and potent.
3) Let The Sunshine In
Sunlight is the key. Luckily for us living near the equator, little miss sunshine is available most of the time throughout the day. The cholesterol in our skin cells naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun, bringing about vitamin D synthesis to keep our immune system robust. Having said that, SPF Sunscreen also comes highly recommended to those intending to bask in the glorious sun.
While you’re at it, grab our favorite towels created by local artisans that are highly absorbent, extra lightweight, and quick to dry. They're perfect as simply a towel or a blanket at the beach/park.
4) Get your Heart Pumping
Our body’s immune system is the result of a chain reaction we put it through:
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What we eat and when we eat it
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The way we treat our body
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Our fitness routine
Everything we do is always on a slow simmer, a combination of the things we eat and things we do to keep fit. Sometimes we take two steps forward and then one step back - it's OK to be human. But bear in mind that by slacking off on one component, our immune system bears the pendulum side effect.
So what do you do? Follow steps 1, 2, 3 and now 4.
When it comes to keeping healthy, your body (apart from your doctor, of course) knows best. Let go of all the sizzle reel of ideas about which exercise is best and just listen to what your body is drawn to. Sometimes you want to do HIIT, and sometimes you want to do yoga. All is well.
Can’t head to the gym because it’s germy? NO PROBLEM. Your home can be your temporary gym when you turn everything from your kids, milk cartons, or dumbbells into your exercise equipment and buddies.
It could be more fun!
Exercise causes your body's antibodies and white blood cells to circulate more rapidly, which means they may be able to detect and zero in on bugs more quickly. Being active also suppresses stress hormone production in your body which reduces your chances of falling sick. Consistent exercise is an amazing natural remedy for our immune systems. Just 30 mins of moderate-intensity cardio activity at least five days per week will bring illnesses squealing to a halt.
5) Meditation
With our days being impounded by a whirlwind of demands and activities, it can get overwhelming even for active, healthy people. A simple but hard-to-establish, and much-talked-about solution? Meditation.
https://youtu.be/OccjH_2ddQc?t=10
To be in meditation is to find a balance between our mental, emotional and physical states. When we meditate, we enter into a transformative state that alters our awareness by naturally increasing our ability to feel joy and peace. The effects of true meditation are long-lasting and with deepened regular practice, it improves the aspects of our lives. Practicing present-moment awareness especially in this period of turmoil will allow us to see the bigger picture of a situation.
