Did you know that the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is super important for immune health? In fact, studies have shown that those with lower levels of vitamin D are more likely to get upper respiratory infections. If you suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, supplementation will be essential to boosting immune health.
Winter is in full swing which means colds and flus are popping up. The great news is that there are steps you can take to boost your immune system to fight off the germs that come with cooler weather.
Tip #1: Support with Zinc & Vitamin D
Zinc is a mineral that’s important to the body in many ways. Zinc keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth.
It is now clear that vitamin D has important roles in addition to its classic effects on calcium and bone homeostasis. … Vitamin D can modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses. Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection.
Tip #2: Try Probiotics
Boosting your gut health is essential to building a strong immune system as the majority of our immune system resides in the gut. Try supplementing with a high-quality probiotic or enjoying probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and unsweetened coconut milk yogurt.
Tip #3: Get to Bed Earlier
Getting enough sleep is so important not only for your immune system but for your overall health. Being well rested will help to boost your immune system and help you fight off the germs this cold/flu season.
For this week’s challenge, I challenge you to try at least two of these immune-boosting foods or activities.
- Get to bed earlier
- Manage stress
- Get some sunshine, daily
- Drink more water
- Try green tea instead of other forms of caffeine
- Add more greens to your diet
- Try adding berries to a morning smoothie
- Add coconut to your diet
- Enjoy garlic
- Try probiotics