We’re at that time of year where it seems we’re spending half of our time fending off colds and flu more than anything else. More than ever, this is the time to be eating well and nourishing our body so that it isn’t having to compete with toxins from a poor diet and lack of movement.
But there are foods that are specific to boosting our immune system during this time to give our body a bit of help. While you can get these benefits through supplements, I believe in nourishing with whole foods all the time so that our body maintains vitality every day and we aren’t going through such extreme highs and lows. When we are sick, however, vitamins can help on a therapeutic level.
Rose hip tea
Rose hips are the accessory fruit to a rose plant and contain 50 per cent more vitamin C than oranges and are incredibly anti-inflammatory. While there are some rose hip plants in Squamish, you’re best to buy fully prepared and dried rose hips to concoct into a tea. Sipping this tea daily during the colder months will help provide a boost to the immune system and warm you up inside. Find dried rose hips at Be Clean Naturally or teas that feature rose hips at Lucas Teas downtown.
Garlic
Garlic boasts a lot of benefits from helping normalize blood pressure to boosting our immune system through its abundance of beneficial chemicals. When it comes to helping our immune system it works in supporting our natural killer cells (the cells that fight non-specific sickness). Garlic can be used every day in cooking for an easy way to slide it into even the pickiest of eaters food. One of my favourite ways is to cut the top of garlic to open it up then pop it into the oven and allow it to roast. Once done, use it as a spread on crackers or sourdough - yum!
Peppers
Hot peppers of all varieties have wonderful immune boosting properties, especially as they can allow us to sweat out toxins and flush our systems.
Similar to rose hips, peppers have an abundance of vitamin C in them. Peppers are a wonderful addition to stir-fry or soups in the wintertime and now you can eat them knowing they’re immune loving too!
It is important to keep in mind that if you suffer from an autoimmune condition, that immune boosting foods can do more harm than good so always consult with your health practitioner before enjoying these delicious suggestions.
As always, these immune-boosting options will work in wonderful conjunction with generally eating well and moving your body.
