As the months get colder and we head toward winter, the bugs start to increase and many of us dread the onslaught of relentless infections that start to come our way.
The pattern of getting sick and taking antibiotics is a cycle we want to avoid at all costs. Antibiotics are great if we are extremely unwell, however we really only want to use them as a last possible resort. The collateral damage from taking antibiotics can cause a significant impact on our beneficial gut flora. When our gut flora are impacted, we are more likely to get unwell, we don't digest our food as well and so the cycle continues.
Never fear, here are my top tips for getting control of your immune system again!
STRENGTHENING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
√ Eat more fruit and veggies. These foods feed the good bacteria in your gut and mucus membranes. These good bacteria are the first arm of our immune system. The increase of fruit and veg will boost immunity significantly.
√ Eat protein at every meal. The 2nd arm of our immune system, the one in our blood, loves protein, protein is essential for making and supporting all our fighter cells in our blood.
√ Avoid refined sugar. Sugar suppresses our natural immunity and feeds infection. Swap refined sugar and synthetic sweeteners to natural sugars from nature, such as coconut sugar, pure maple syrup and honey.
√ Get enough sleep. If you are burning the candle at both ends and not getting enough sleep then your immune system will suffer. Get off your screens and get to bed earlier. This goes for kids too. If you know you aren't getting enough sleep then make this your priority.
√ Stress is a killer for the immune system. Cortisol and adrenaline have a big impact on our beneficial gut flora (our first arm of the immune system) and our blood immune system (2nd arm of the immune system). If you know stress is a big part of your low immune picture then try really hard to work on lowering stress with breath work and taking time out away from your stressors.
√ Avoid allergens. If you are allergic to a food or environmental allergen do your best to avoid exposure to that food. When your immune system is constantly fighting a food you are allergic to it really struggles to fight off bacteria and viruses as well. Identifying and avoiding allergens is really important if you are in a cycle of constant sickness. See allergy testing options here.
WHAT TO DO AT THE FIRST SIGN OF ILLNESS
√ Rest. Allowing your body to sleep is vital for supporting the immune system to fight against infection. Too many of us try to just push through, but this depletes us further. Just taking time to rest and allow our body to recover is fundamental to supporting natural immunity.
√ Keep your electrolytes and fluids up. Coconut water is nature's natural electrolyte support. Drinking coconut water when unwell can really support your body to fight illness naturally and cope with fevers, which are so important for burning off infection.
√ Have hot water, garlic (optimal) ginger, lemon and honey drinks. Lemons are high in vitamin C and garlic, ginger and natural honey all have antiviral and antibacterial properties which are wonderful for fighting off infection. See recipe below.
√ Take Artemis Virogone 5 x a day as rapid immune defence. This herbal formulation will help the immune system to rally and kill infection pronto. Having this supplement in the cupboard to turn at the first sign of illness is your firepower for getting bugs out fast before they set in. This can also be taken as 1 dose daily to prevent infection and boost immunity.
√ Take Artemis Chest Relief 5 x a day at the first sign of respiratory illness. This herbal formulation is amazing at supporting the respiratory pathways to clear infection and recover from illness. Chest Relief provides powerful natural support to relax and soothe a tight chest and clear mucus from lungs and airways. I always have this one in the cupboard alongside artemis virogone. This can also be taken daily as a preventative measure to support the respiratory pathways.
SUPPLEMENTS TO SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
ADULT IMMUNE SUPPORT BUNDLE
CHILDREN’S IMMUNE SUPPORT BUNDLE
