Over the past few weeks our world has changed dramatically. Most in our society has had to transform from remembering to wash their hands before eating anything to washing their hands every 15 minutes, using a hand sanitizer in between and trying to determine which type of face mask would offer them a glimmer of hope to save their respiratory and immune system.

As part of my regular practice, I empower my clients to take control of their health by strengthening their immune systems so that if and when they come into contact with viruses, their bodies will hopefully be strong enough to mount a winning defense. One thing to consider is that your body does use what you put into it in order to build the army that is known as "The Immune System”. There are foods, supplements and even essential oils that can play a vital part of arming your immune soldiers.

Using food to support your immune system is vital for your health.

GREEN TEA

• Green tea is one of the most powerful ways to introduce antioxidants into your body!  Green tea also helps to boost your T Cells by providing them with the amino acid  L-theanine.  One cup of green tea per day may be just the boost your body needs to kick-start the immune system. 

GARLIC

• Garlic in its whole form has a high concentration of sulfur containing compounds, which your body can use to keep itself healthy. Adding garlic to your dishes or sauces is a great idea.  Please note that capsules of garlic (usually touting how there is no “garlic smell”) are usually not whole garlic, they are compounds of only certain parts of garlic given in dosages not found in nature. Eat real garlic that is sliced, chopped or blended into your dish.

GINGER & TURMERIC

• You have likely heard about Ginger and Turmeric for years as it relates to health.  They both have properties that are anti-inflammatory. Adding ginger and turmeric (even in powder form) to your meals will be of great value. Remember when using Turmeric to also add black pepper to your dish in order to allow the body to absorb it properly!

BROCCOLI

• Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables that you can put on your table!  Vitamins A, C and E are jam packed into this veggie. The key to getting all of the nutrition from it, however, is to not overcook it. One of my favorite ways to prepare Broccoli is to allow about 2 cups of florets to steam for about 5 minutes allowing them turn a bright green color. While steaming, I put 2 Tablespoons of coconut oil, salt, pepper and nutritional yeast in a bowl and toss the freshly steamed florets in the bowl. The heat from the broccoli allows the coconut oil mixture to melt and bind the seasoning to the florets.

While boosting your immune system in the time of COVID 19, it is essential to take control of your respiratory system and arm it with as many soldiers as you can. We all know about "Social Distancing" and we try desperately to not touch our faces. The truth is that if this virus does not make it to your eyes, nose or mouth, it cannot harm you.  But since the virus is invisible we need to take extra measures to make sure our respiratory system has a fighting chance.  I recommend diffusing essential oils into the air of the room as you sleep.  A combination of Eucalyptus, Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil and Clove can go a long way in preparing your respiratory and immune systems for a fight.  Adding citrus oil like lemon, lime or orange to that mix gives added protection and makes the scent more appealing.

There are also a host of supplements designed to help kick-start your immunity like Elderberry, Zinc, Vitamin C and others. Now more than ever practitioners are setting up Virtual Appointments. Currently I see more people virtually than I do in person and many practitioners like myself have the ability to have Professional grade supplements delivered right to your door. I strongly suggest setting up a meeting with a practitioner to discuss your specific health needs before spending too much money on supplements. Virtual visits are usually less expensive and much safer for some of the most vulnerable among us.

As we navigate through this pandemic and come out on the other side, please remember that you are not POWERLESS. Your body is waiting and ready for you to give it the tools it needs to help fight and win!