"All disease begins in
the gut.”
- Hippocrates
Each day you encounter hundreds of chemicals, bacterias, and other health hazards that weaken your immune system. Over time, the wear and tear on your immune system makes it harder and harder to fight disease, infections, illnesses, viruses, and bacterias in addition to providing general bodily maintenance. The key to building a strong and robust immune system is to give it what it needs so it can function at the highest level possible.
The foods we eat greatly affects our immune system function. Foods that are high in added sugar skyrocket our blood sugar and cause widespread inflammation as an immune system response. Avoiding added sugar in your diet is step #1 when it comes to keeping a healthy immune system.
Even if your diet is balanced and consists mostly of whole, unprocessed foods, it is still common that you will have nutrient deficiencies. Tracking everything you eat is one way to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need, but an easier way to fill in nutritional gaps is through supplementation.
Various herbs and spices have been used as medicine since ancient times, and they are just as healing today. Herbs contain different vitamins, minerals, and compounds that help boost the immune system, and the right combination can give your body the nutrition it needs to stay healthy all year long. Follow the recommendations below to learn how you can boost your immune system today.
Herbs that Boost Your Immune System
One of the keys to a healthy immune system is optimal gut health. Herbs that improve digestion will help you to absorb nutrients from food more efficiently which improves whole body function. The following herbal supplement formula will help you to improve your digestion and is loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that will help your body fight free radicals that harm your immune system.
A staple in your spice cabinet, garlic powder does more than just enhance flavor. Chemical compounds found in garlic help the body fight infections and lower blood sugar. Taking garlic in capsule form is an easy way to increase your intake and roughly ⅛ tsp of garlic powder is equivalent to 1 clove of garlic.
Recommended Dose: 500-1000 mg, 1-3 Times a Day
Recommended Capsule Size: One 00 capsule
When it comes to improving digestion, nothing compares to ginger. This root has been used for thousands of years as a digestive aid and it has the power to help your body absorb nutrients more efficiently from the food you eat. Take a dose of 500-1000 mg with each meal to optimize your digestion.
Recommended Dose: 500-1000 mg, 1-3 Times a Day
Recommended Capsule Size: One 00 capsule
In addition to providing effective pain relief, turmeric is a powerful immune system booster. This popular Ayurvedic herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and daily supplementation will add a layer of protection for your body’s immune system.
Recommended Dose: 750-1500 mg, 1-3 Times a Day
Recommended Capsule Size: One 000 capsule
Boost Your Immune System with Better Sleep
If you’re not giving your body the rest it needs to recover, your immune system is not operating at its full capacity. Fixing your sleep is one of the best ways to boost immunity and allow your body to repair itself. During sleep, your body clears away toxins in the brain and body that build up throughout the day. Not getting enough sleep means you aren’t clearing away toxins as efficiently as possible.
Boosting your sleep quality can be simple and the following recommendations will help you to get a good night’s sleep every night.
How to Use Essential Oils for Better Sleep
Certain essential oils have a calming effect that can help you to fight
insomnia, fall asleep faster, and help you stay asleep through the night so you
can wake up refreshed each morning. Try the following formula in your diffuser
and you’ll be on your way to better sleep:
●3-5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
●3-5 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
●3-5 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
●3-5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
●3-5 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Additional Tips for Better Sleep
In addition to essential oils and herbal supplements, there are other methods to help you get a great night of sleep. The following tips will help you sleep deeper and wake up full of energy:
Keep Your Bedroom as Dark as Possible
Exposure to artificial light before bed can affect your circadian rhythm by inhibiting the production of melatonin in your body. Make sure to turn off your television 2-3 hours before bedtime. Avoid browsing the web on your computer or smartphone, and if you do, consider using a pair of blue light blocking glasses that will block the blue light spectrum, which is the type of light that is most harmful to sleep.
Take a Warm Bath Before Bed
A warm bath or hot shower before bed can help you to relax sore muscles and sleep more deeply. After your body exits a warm bath or shower, it has to cool itself rapidly which will help to induce sleep. Consider adding 2 cups of Epsom salt or other healing salt to a warm bath for additional relaxation benefits. A 10-20 minute Epsom salt soak will help to boost magnesium levels in your body which can improve your sleep quality and reduce muscle soreness.
Meditate
Meditation before bed is another practice that will help quiet your mind and relieve stress so you can get to sleep faster. Each day is filled enough worries, and meditation is a great way to help you declutter your mind. Just 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation can put your brain in a relaxed state and help you to improve your sleep each night.
Avoid Caffeine After 2 PM
We all love our morning coffee, but make sure to stop drinking coffee or tea with caffeine by 2 PM. Caffeine is not actually a stimulant as most believe, but it works by blocking our perception of fatigue. Caffeine has a half-life of approximately 6 hours, which means that it is still blocking the fatigue signals in your brain up to 6 hours after drinking.