5 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immunity and Beat Cold and Flu Season

We’ve all been there. First, your throat starts getting a little scratchy, then your nose starts to get a little sniffly and finally, the aches and chills set in.

It can be hard to stay healthy during cold and flu season, but not impossible. In fact, there are plenty of natural remedies that can boost your immunity and help get you through the winter months without having to call in sick.

Here are the top five things you can do this cold and flu season to boost your immunity, naturally.

1. Manage your stress

When you’re stressed, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol, hormones that can suppress your immune system. While it can be tempting to try and “push through” and keep working during tough times, it’s important to give your body ample opportunities to rest and recharge.

To start, try a breathing exercise or a body scan to help you de-stress. We would also highly recommend one of our acupuncture or massage therapy treatments. Not sure which service is right for you? You can book a FREE Naturopathic Consultation and Call here.

In terms of nutrients and herbs, magnesium, chamomile, and lavender can help calm your nervous system when you’re overstimulated. Adaptogens like ashwagandha, lemon balm, tulsi, and skullcap help balance your hormones so you feel less stressed and more focused.

However, It’s important to note that while most adaptogens are generally safe for everyone, certain varieties like ashwagandha are not safe for those who are currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or have autoimmune conditions. Talk to your licensed health care provider before incorporating these into your diet.

Last but not least, get some sleep! If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, darkening your room and reducing screen time before bed can help.

2. Add some immune-boosting foods to your diet

You’ve probably heard it’s a good idea to consume foods like ginger, honey, and garlic when you feel a cold coming on, but do you know why? These herbs and foods are considered “anti-microbials.” That means that they can kill those pesky microorganisms that make us sick and stop them from growing.

The best way to consume ginger to support your immune system is to boil it and drink it daily like tea. You can also add some raw unpasteurized honey to your cup for added benefits. You’ll also want to consider adding herbs like astragalus root, goji berries, and mushrooms to your regular diet.

3. Harness the power of hydrotherapy

Staying hydrated can be a great way to flush out harmful toxins and strengthen your body’s immune response system. But drinking a ton of water and tea isn’t the only way to keep cold and flu symptoms at bay.

For instance, you can…

• • Take contrast showers. Alternating between hot and cold water can help boost your energy, improve your circulation, and strengthen your immune system.

• • Prepare a steam inhalations treatment. Slowly inhaling and exhaling steam can open your sinuses and help medicine penetrate deeper into your lungs.

• Try on some wet warming socks. While it might sound a little strange, wearing wet socks to bed can increase circulation and relieve congestion.

4. Balance your gut

Think probiotics are only good for your digestive health? Think again. This ‘good’ bacteria can help your body fight off the ‘bad’ bacteria that can make you sick. It can also help your body better absorb vitamins so you get more of their immune-boosting benefits.

To balance your gut, make sure to eat a diverse diet rich in dark leafy greens, fresh fruit, and prebiotic foods. Just be sure to lightly cook your veggies to get the biggest nutritional bang for your buck.

5. Check your Vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D plays a big role in supporting a healthy immune system. In fact, research shows that having a Vitamin D deficiency can decrease your body’s ability to fight off infections.

If you find yourself getting sick more often than usual, you should talk to your doctor about getting your Vitamin D levels checked. You could also start taking a Vitamin D supplement or an herbal supplement like astragalus to strengthen your immune system. Getting more fiber in your diet can also help regulate your blood sugar and hormones and reduce inflammation.

While the above tips are great places to start, the number one thing you can do to beat cold and flu season is to focus on your health all year round by working with a licensed health provider. Here at Aurum Medicine and Wellness, our team is committed to helping our patients be more proactive with their health care and help them nourish their body from the inside out.

Ready to start your healing journey? Book your FREE Naturopathic Consultation today.