As the new normal of quarantining with our families has begun to set in, we have all learned a few things about precaution and patience. Whether you are working remotely, becoming your children’s schoolteachers, or are practicing social distancing in your home – there has been an undeniable restructuring of our lives and it has come with some challenges. While there are certain requirements that have been implemented to help protect the safety of you and your family in public places, there are still many ways to help protect you at home. A few of the most critical are eating real food, practicing a healthy lifestyle, and practicing self-care.
Eat Real Foods – Make sure your family is eating and drinking immune boosting food to fight any viruses and flus that come through this season. You will want to start by eating plenty of vegetables. Most and citrus fruits such as: grapefruits, clementines lemons, and limes are also good to eat as they are packed with Vitamin C. It is important to get a healthy dose since your body does not store it. There are a few foods that are of utmost importance during cold and flu season. These foods deliver important nutrients into our bodies that help fight off unwanted viruses and bacteria. Here is a list of our 5 faves:
- Broccoli – Packed full of immune boosting vitamins and minerals, the key to keeping this vegetable’s super vitamin powers intact is to eat it raw. This way it does not break down any of its composition.
- Garlic – This infection-fighting weapon has been valued since the early civilizations of mankind for its immune supporting properties – plus, it is delicious! So, do not forget a healthy dose of this Rockstar root vegetable in your next meal.
- Ginger – While an excellent substitute for pain relievers and nausea medication, this Japanese root vegetable also carries high levels of anti-inflammatory properties.
- Turmeric – Filled with curcumin, an immune boosting property, this root vegetable is also antiviral. Taken daily, turmeric is said to ward off all illnesses.
- Elderberries – Our favorite immune boosting food, the Elderberry plant boasts both berries and flowers that act as a full-service health provider to the body. Both the berries and the flowers are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that guard your cells from infection. In addition to daily immune support, this plant also has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces stress hormones, relieves symptoms of constipation by cleaning the bowel walls and creating movement, fights off respiratory illness, supports kidney function, and lessens headaches. Our Elderberry Syrup is an elixir that has been used for thousands of years to treat and prevent common cold weather illnesses such as coughs, colds, and the mild flu. Made with organic elderberries and come in sizes ranging from 8 – 64 ounces, look no further for your immune protection food source. Purchase your Elderberry Syrup HERE
An easy way to stay on top of eating real foods is to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Using these services is also a great way to enjoy ultra-fresh seasonal foods, expose your family to new fruits and vegetables, gives you the opportunity to visit the farm where your food is being grown, and a great way to support local farmers. Wellness Living Company’s Elderberry Syrup is currently being distributed through two CSA’s: Round Right Farm and The Family Cow. If you are looking for help finding a CSA in your area, Localharvest.org is an excellent website to find a farm that fits your family’s needs.
Self-Care – For every 50 minutes of computer work you or your family members partake in, it is important to take a 10-minute break. I am not a doctor, but I have read several articles discussing the rise in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (aka Dry Eye) caused from too much screen time. This disorder blocks the tear ducts from producing tears, causing some real issues for remote workers and learners. It is also good to take a break for mental health purposes. Get up and walk around, make a cup of tea, or sit outside for a few minutes. It always helps creativity and brain function get a fresh start on work a few times a day.
Practicing a Healthy Lifestyle – Stretching regularly helps to break up the tension in your neck, back and hips that may have grown stiff from sitting at a computer all day. Stretching allows your muscles a chance to open up and breathe, which protects them from injury. With the looming anxiety of becoming infected with a virus, its best to keep the risk low for other illnesses and injury to keep your immune system strong. Another important activity to keep routine is getting outside for a few minutes when the sun is shining. This will give you a boost of essential vitamin D and gives your lungs a break from recirculating indoor air. The outdoors is always a great sanctuary to revive your air passages and give your mind a break. Adding in even a small dose of exercise will get your blood flowing, making sure the cardiovascular system is working properly to support your immune system. A walk, yoga, or simply chasing the kids around the yard to get your body moving is all you need. Kids love to play outside in the snow, so make sure to give them an extra push out the door when the flakes start falling. Fresh air can be enough to lift anyone’s mood!
By following these few tips, your family will stay healthier through the Winter season. Getting essential vitamins and nutrients allows your body can fight off alien illnesses and keep your household vibrant and safe. Follow us monthly for more immunity information and we hope you have a blessed holiday!
