“How can I boost my family’s immune system?” is the # 1 issue I consistently hear from my clients and customers (especially moms). Along with some other very relatable questions and laments like⬇
“Help – we are constantly getting sick, what can I do?”
“I can’t take it anymore, I am going to lose my mind”
“So help me if I miss another day of work!”
You get the picture. Many of us have been sidelined by the dreaded cold or flu, had vacations ruined by a sick kid or missed an important meeting thanks to the never fun game of ‘’pass-the-cold”. I am here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way. Cue the hallelujah song.
As an expat living overseas with two little germ magnets, I was quite surprised by the laissez faire attitude when I questioned why we were often sick.
In addition, I was shocked (and a bit grossed out) by the number of snotty nosed kids (let alone exhausted moms) I saw everywhere I went. As a scientist, I knew there had to be a better way. So I studied, researched and went back to school to learn how to keep my family healthy naturally.
That is not to say we never get sick, I mean come on I have two kids, one who loves to eat dirt and lick trash cans, and both go to school with other snotty nosed kids. We were no strangers to illnesses, but I can honestly say that the duration, frequency and severity of the colds we get now has greatly diminished since embraced the healthy living path.
Pstt…Since we’re talking about school, don’t forget to check out the 3 ways to keep your kids healthy-back to school edition.
Want to know our secret to staying healthy year round?
First off, think of your immune system sort of like protective body armor that keeps the outside threats from entering your body. We tend to not pay too much attention to the system until something penetrates through a crack in the armor and we start to feel a bit ill. We then realize how much we depend on this protective layer.
Our body is dependent on a strong immune system; the good news is that there are simple ways to keep your immune system in check and not just by avoiding destructive habits, stressors, and toxins, but by embracing natural immune boosters and adopting behaviors that support immunity. It also doesn’t hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve.
My Top Tip For Boosting Your and your family’s Immune System
Focus on your gut
Good gut health = good immune health = a boost to your family’s immune system
Your amazing body is the prime environment for pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites to flourish. So when it comes to living a healthy life, the work of a strong immune system is to limit these microorganisms from gaining access into the body and preventing them from causing illnesses. 75% of our immune system supporting bacteria lie in our gut – yes your gut!
Let me repeat that, 75% of our immune system lies within our digestive system. So it is vitally important to your immune system to keep your digestive system working optimally. That means it is imperative to put good things into your body since everything we eat and drink passes through the gut along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Inside the gut are like 100 trillion million live microorganisms that promote normal GI function, protect the body from infection, regulate metabolism and perform numerous other important tasks to keep us healthy.
Here are 3 simple ways to keep your gut healthy and boost your family’s immune system…
Eat Gut Healthy Foods
1. Incorporate foods with active cultures such as fermented food into your diet – kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha or a even a good probiotic will go a long way to keep the germs at bay (hey that rhymes!).
2. Cut back (like way back) on sugar and processed foods that have detrimental impacts on gut function. Excess sugar in the diet is proven to weaken the number of cells that attack the bad bacteria in the immune system. Plus it’s just simply not good for you. Eat more nutrient dense foods that are rich in antioxidants and try and eliminate excess sugar, packaged or processed foods. If you need sweets, find healthy alternatives such as sweet potato or chickpea brownies to satisfy your sweet tooth.
3. Eat the Rainbow – No I am not talking about fairies and unicorns (that’s gross plus I hear they don’t taste very good). I’m talking about fruits and vegetables of the colorful variety, the brighter the better. Fueling your body with a variety of quality fruits and vegetables is highly beneficial to not only your immune system but your overall health and well-being. Make sure that your plate has more colorful fruits and veggies on it, than the meat and starches. Plan your meals to incorporate incredible immune system boosters such as Citrus fruits, Red bell peppers, Broccoli, Ginger, Spinach, Turmeric, and Papaya. Remember five servings a day or “funf pro tag” as they like to say here in CH. There is actually a catchy kids song about it.
Keeping your gut healthy is imperative for a healthy immune system strong enough to fight off the evil invaders. Need help showing your gut the love it deserves? Want to make lasting changes in your diet that your entire family will appreciate? Book your free wellness consult today and let’s get you on the yellow brick road to health and wellness.
Want to learn more tips for boosting your immune system? Get part 2 of my Immune System Series here.