Autumn is here and with it, the host of bugs, cold and sniffles that come with the change in seasons. But what are the best ways to boost your immunity and fight off disease?
Foods
Ginger! you can make ginger tea, eat raw ginger, or add ginger to your broth or soup. Garlic will boost your immunity. If you’re sick, garlic is a great way to rev up your immune system. Some hardcore friends of mine have even been known to suck on a clove of raw garlic for a few minutes to get its benefits (yum). I like to add into a beetroot and carrot juice.Supplements
My clients work hard to build their strength and keep healthy, but I’ve seen them repeatedly struggle with a cocktail of supplements that can be baffling and ineffective. Lyma brings together the right combination and dosage of patented ingredients to deliver you ultimate wellbeing; better sleep, optimised energy and higher immunity. The Lyma formula includes a clinically-proven dose of Wellmune - a patented form of beta glucans which support the immune system in its vital functioning, fighting off infection. Too many supplements contain ingredients which simply don’t affect the body, often merely passing through it. Lyma was designed to counteract this with the highest absorption levels possible so that they disperse to the areas where the body can best absorb them.Cold Exposure
Exposure to cold can boost your metabolism which can lead to increased immune power. A blast of cold water at the end of your morning shower can really help. Cryotherapy can also be useful for recovery and will have an effect on keeping the bugs at bay.Exercise
Training and exercise may also protect you from the flu bug and If you’re not already sick, doing some HIIT or a resistance workout is a top choice way to get your defences up. At SBC I coach my clients to work hard and rest harder to really decrease the stressors on the nervous system. Overtraining could make you more vulnerable so make sure you get the right balance and balance your yin and yang accordingly (boxing/yoga).Sleep
Sleep is the primary time where your immune system recharges, hence depravation is the worst. The prime time to tap into natural repair is right around 10pm. At this time our body is making human growth hormone (which helps repair our body) and helping repair our immune systems. Try to sleep in complete darkness. Like a bat cave. No light (even from a TV on standby) at all.Fermented Food
Start eating sauerkraut or kimchi. The fermentation processes in which these foods are prepared produce beneficial bacteria (probiotics) which have an important role in your gut health. Most of your immune cells are located in your gut so the healthier your gut, the healthier your immune system will be. Research suggests that just a teaspoon of sugar will inhibit your immune system for up to four hours, so avoid it - this includes grains, starches alcohol and wine.Stress Management
Stress comes in many shapes and sizes. If you're stressing about things, it’s important to remember that most of the things you're worrying about will never happen. Make sure you know that it's ok not to have all of your life together and try to go with the flow. My tips to reduce anxiety and boost immunity in the process: meditation, yoga, massage, charity work, learning something new. Even after a fight with a loved one, your immune system can be weakened for up to two days so try to avoid conflict with your close ones when feeling poorly or under the weather.
