By Kimatni Rawlins aka The Vegan Cyborg
Yep, it’s that time of year again when everyone gets sick. From an immunity perspective, here are some best practices to protect against or reduce the symptoms of winter viruses, whether it’s the flu or the common cold, aka Rhinovirus.
- Take daily ginger/turmeric shots. These are available at Mom’s, Yes Markets, Roots, etc., or you can make your own if you have a blender.
- Drink water and herbal tea all day—specifically, an Echinacea or Ginger Lemon Tea.
- Of course, take your daily multivitamin and Vitamin D, which most of society lacks.
- Refrain from eating fried, junk, or processed foods. These foods rob your body of energy, which you need to fight off attacks. Nasty, acidic environments also become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. This is the perfect time to make that long-awaited lifestyle change.
- Refrain from consuming sugary foods or drinks since they compromise your immune system. That means no sodas or faux fruit drinks. If the label shows more than 10 grams of sugar per serving, toss it. This includes bottled iced teas, apple, orange, or other healthy-looking juices. You will be surprised at 30 to 46 grams of sugar per serving.
More importantly, consume vitamin C-rich fruits and veggies such as oranges, berries, tomatoes, cruciferous greens, and bell peppers. Make a berry fruit salad daily, as all berries are full of antioxidants. Sprinkle with cinnamon, which is another immune booster and lowers blood sugar.
Eat and drink clean.
