Optimize Health and Immunity

Some things we can’t control—but good self-care practices optimize our health and immunity. Now more than ever, it’s time to take control of your health. We will get through this together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Eat Well: Now more than ever, this is important, as it is paramount for a healthy immune system. Three meals a day loaded with organic food, lots of veggies and fruit can boost the immune system. Foods like greens, mushrooms (not button), turmeric, ginger, matcha, garlic, marrow-based soups, and citrus can all boost the immune system. Fruits and vegetables have fiber and are loaded with antioxidants, all helpful to boost your immune system.
2. Decrease Immune-Depleting Food and Drinks: Avoid junk food, alcohol, and sugar! You should also limit caffeine, which can dehydrate you – or make sure you drink a glass of water for each cup of coffee you drink – or balance the coffee intake with herbal teas like rose hips which is high in vitamin C, chamomile which is relaxing, green tea which is detoxifying and lemon verbena. Squeeze lemon juice into your water and tea for an added detoxifying benefit.
3. Get Plenty of Sleep: Sleep is the best medicine – and more is better! Turn off electronics at least an hour before bedtime, and no TV in the bedroom—especially the news. Take advantage of the pause in normal activities.
4. Get Outside: Go outside and into a park to take a walk in the fresh air – just make sure to maintain your social distancing. Nature resets our brains and induces a state of calm. Trees and flowers are blooming – a perfect reminder of renewal.
5. Take Vitamin D3 supplement: The ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D plays an integral role in skin protection and rejuvenation. It contributes to skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism. It also enhances the skin’s immune system and helps to destroy free radicals that can cause premature aging.
6. Breathwork: With your tongue at the roof of your mouth, inhale through your nose for 4 counts; hold your breath for 7 counts; exhale for 8 counts through your mouth, making a “whooshing” sound. Repeat for about a minute, or until you feel calmer.
7. Eat Good Bugs: Not literally, but it’s a good time to feed your gut good bacteria. Look for a multi-strain probiotic supplement with at least eight strains and at least 25 billion units. Take it first thing in the morning and at bedtime on an empty stomach. Foods like kimchee and pickles also deliver good bacteria to the body.
8. Use a Gratitude Journal: Write down reminders of why life is good – your home, having enough food, friends and family… Gratitude helps calm the mind.
9. Try Essential Oils for Anxiety: Rose, lavender, and vetiver can be calming, but do not use these directly on the skin, unless they are cleared for such application. DBISC Ultra Hydrating Serum provides calming oils that hydrate, rejuvenate and relax – and can also be used on dry hands, hair and cuticles (AllIntherapyclinic mental health).
10. Exercise: Moving your body has positive immune boosting effects. Again, go outside and take long walks. Yoga can be calming and immune-boosting. Any movement is a positive one!
11. Self-Care: Small ritual acts can help increase the production of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. This can be a bath, skincare, a foot rub, cooking, or really any healthy habit that brings you joy. You now have time to put on a mask (try DBISC Hydrating Mask and/or Pore Minimizing Mask), sit in the tub and luxuriate! And do put on a protective mask when you must go grocery shopping!

Image credit: Trainer Academy