5 Simple Steps To Supercharge Your Immune System

1. GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Who doesn’t love a Netflix binge?  However, eight hours sleep is about more than just beauty - it’s your body’s time to regenerate - strengthening the infection-fighting antibodies and cells.  Cutting back to less than 6 hours is a sure-fire way to lower your defences. Boosting your diet with Ashwagandha can really aid restful sleep too.  Lose your phone at least an hour before bed, catch up with a couple of  chapters from your reading list and then clock up those ZZZZZZZ’s! 

2. DITCH THE DODGY

None of us are saints 100% of the time, but c’mon guys - you know what is dragging you down - if you can’t cut them completely - at least cut them right back!  Smoking,

alcohol, sugar-packed fizzy drinks and snacks or those fat-filled salty savouries and processed foods all compromise your health and reduce your ability to fight off infection.  Swap out with some Cold Pressed Juices and make your own trail mix with immunity boosting nuts, seeds and dried fruits. 

3. EXERCISE REGULARLY  

You may not be able to get to the gym or follow your usual routine if you are stuck at home for any reason - but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on exercise.  Dust off your old game-station or Wii and let loose. Get Alexa to blast out your guilty pleasures or pump up the volume of your favourite music channel on TV or the radio and dance like no-one is watching - Yeah!

4. CHILL OUT AND DE-STRESS

Nothing escalates your cortisol levels like stress.  In the short term, cortisol is good - helping you rise to the occasion but over time, increased cortisol levels can negatively impact your immune system.  Simple steps like relaxing in a soothing Epsom salts bath by candlelight can work wonders, or try some breathing exercises or meditation. If that’s not “your bag” - soft music in a darkened room can seriously soothe the soul!

5. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Building and maintaining a healthy immune system is all about the fuel you are using.  Ensure your daily intake is high in Vitamin C (great for boosting immunity), Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E - a great antioxidant to help fight off infections. Go 2s: fibre in the form of fruit, potatoes, nuts, oats, lentils and brown rice; Good fats like oily fish, avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil; Good carbs like whole grains, brown rice and pasta, quinoa, nuts, beans and pulses; Phyto nutrients found in red, orange, yellow and dark green leafy veg, garlic, onions chives and dark chocolate (yes - it’s on the list); Foods that are high in yeast and bacteria like sauerkraut, kombucha or kefir.  For an extra boost, or if and when these are hard to source, you’ll find all you need in Nutriseed Green Blend, Total Superfoods and Superfood Protein - for fabulous nutrient dense and delicious smoothies - yum!