Bolster Your Immune System

Winter is a tough time for our immune systems because of all the people we come in contact with that have a cold or the flu.
There are things we can
do this time of year to help ward off the bugs.
1) Exercise(duh): I know, I know. Getting out there in the cold
to jog or walk is a ridiculous thought. Go to a gym or plug in your
favorite Pilates or Yoga video.
Just get the cardio going ang get that lymphatic system moving the
immune cells through your body.
2) Be Happy: Stress and depression lowers your immune system. Do
things bring you joy. Your hobby or going for a drive, socialize. Just
something that gets your mind of your stress. RELAX. BE HAPPY.
3) Add Color To Your Plate: The more colors you eat, the more broad
spectrum your immunity boost will be. It has to do with PHYTOCHEMICALS
(that's what gives fruits and veggies their color-it's their immune
system) Reds, Oranges, Red-Purples, Orange-Yellows, Yellow-Greens,
Greens....you see where I'm going with this?
Tomatoes, grapes, pomegranates, blueberries, papaya, kale, spinach,
pears, endive, sweet potatoes, carrots etc....
4) Avoid Cool, Raw Foods: Traditional Chinese Medicine advises
eating as few raw foods as possible during winter because they are hard
to break down. It takes more for your body to digest and breakdown these
foods. To keep things humming you should try warming and cooked foods.
Soups, sauteed veggies, lean proteins, eggs, oatmeal.
Garlic, Ginger and scallions keeps the body warm also and helps to
strengthen your QI (chee).
5) SLEEP: Your body takes the down time of sleep to repair itself and
to detox and heal. If you do not get enough sleep at night, try napping
when you can, like on the weekend. When you are sleep deprived your
body has a harder time to repair itself.

With all that in mind "Stay Healthy and Happy"