January 13, 2021
By: Paige Anderson
It’s flu season. And we are still in a pandemic. And the world has gone crazy. In 2021, we face our toughest battle yet for staying healthy during the on-going pandemic and beyond. The cold winter months combined with flu season have already proven to be a deadly one in most areas of the country. Studies have shown that the average age now for those who test positive for covid is between 29-49. Hospitals beds in cities like Los Angeles for example are at their ICU capacity. Stress and hardships have taken a toll on mental health. These are only a few examples of what we have endured in 2020. Our immune system meanwhile is working overtime to keep us healthy.
Now more than ever, we must make informed choices to boost our immunity. Some world leaders are saying that 2021 will be the toughest year ahead! Here are 3 natural ways for the sisterhood to keep our spirits high and our immunity strong to power through the flu season.
1. Sunshine
Sunshine is natural and free. It strengthens your immune system just by stepping out of your door and looking up. Let the sun bathe you in it’s healing energy. Just 10 minutes will produce positive effects. Our body creates a hormone called melatonin that we obtain from the rays of the sun. It is critical in helping us rest. You may also experience:
- Reduced stress
- Maintaining strong bones (Vit D)
- Helps keep the weight off
- Fights off depression
- Can give you a longer life.
If you live in a very rainy and cloudy area that snows often like Paris or Seattle for example, I highly recommend a light therapy lamp for daily use. I live in upstate New York and like the model below. It’s affordable, practical and easy on my skin and eyes. It has totally changed my quarantine meditation game.
2. Citrus and Greens
Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections. The great news is that almost ALL citrus fruits and leafy greens are high in vitamin C. Our bodies do not produce or store it so we need daily vitamin C for continued health (75mg for women and 90mg for men).
3. Tea, CBD Water & Supplements
Green tea and black tea are packed with flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that enhances our immune function. It is a great way to hydrate and calm ourselves. Green tea is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine. Studies have shown that this amino acid helps in the production of germ-fighting compounds in our T cells. CBD water is also a great way to hydrate and calm our nervous system. Vit C supplements are also a great idea to add! We need at least 500mg daily to keep our levels high. Also keep in mind that while Vit C may help us recover from a cold quicker, there is no evidence yet that says it is effective against covid.
In addition to everything previously mentioned, I take a women’s supplement that aids in maintaining a healthy weight while also boosting my immune system. It is designed for a female’s body. Now that I’m entering that perimenopausal age, it also helps with my hot flashes. A gift from 2020, I guess.
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