PRACTICAL WAYS TO BOOST & SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
by Kristy Crandell, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
We awaken each day inundated with news of the Coronavirus leaving us with a heightened sense of anxiety and uncertainty. We are, however, not helpless in this situation as there are things we can be doing now to boost and support our immune system.
Here are few practical ways to protect us and our loved ones.
Change our perspective and focus on the positive
Focusing on positive aspects of these surreal times play a large part in boosting our immune system. Studies conducted in the 1980’s and early 1990’s concluded that the brain is directly wired to the immune system. Stress can suppress parts of the immune system and, over the long term, lead to increased levels of inflammation. Positive emotions can actually help to reverse those negative effects of stress. So, during these strange and isolating times, let’s have a perspective change and foster positive emotions. Here are a few opportunities in which we can do that:
We have an opportunity to strengthen connections with our loved ones
We can finally slow down long enough to savor the small moments
We can find opportunities to help those around us and see the good in others.
Add Vitamin A rich foods to your diet
According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, Vitamin A is their number one choice for protection against viruses. Foods rich in Vitamin A include: kale, collard greens, spinach, butter, eggs, cod liver oil and organ meats such as beef liver and chicken liver.
Add Vitamin D rich foods to your diet
Vitamin D works synergistically with vitamin A to strengthen our immune system. Great sources of Vitamin D include cod liver oil, butter from grass-fed cows, fatty fish like tuna and salmon as well as egg yolks from pasteurized eggs.
Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to your diet per day
Coconut oil’s medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are believed to fight against lipid-coated viruses. These MCFAs disrupt the virus membranes preventing them from growing and maturing.
Add sauerkraut for a Vitamin C boost
Cornell University found that fermented sauerkraut can have as much as 600 to 700 mg of Vitamin C per cup as opposed to fresh cabbage which contains approximately 30 mg of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells which help protect the body against infection.
So, in addition to boosting our immune system let’s seize this opportunity to strengthen the connection with our loved ones, savor the small moments, embrace positivity and look for ways to extend kindness to others. One more thing, breathe. This too shall pass.
If you’re interested in working with Kristy, contact us at hello@wellspacesf.com or 415-632-1010 or book a free consultation with her directly through our online portal.
