Welcome to My World – Jump Start Your Immune System Naturally
Hello World! Do you ever wonder how to boost your immune system; and better yet, how to do so “naturally”? I found this to be very interesting and it is always better to do things naturally as it is so much healthier for you.
Do you drink enough water each day?
Nutritionist’s Best Tips for Jumpstarting Your Immune System
It’s the winter blahs, or the summer doldrums, or dog days of summer; whatever lowers your immune system. You’re tired, rundown and longing for different weather. But will you be ready when it arrives? You can be, if you start now.
Nutritionist and wellness coach Angela Martindale has a few tips to help
Do you feel like this Winter tree sometimes?
you shake off winter or any season, fire up your metabolism and reboot your immune system; as Martindale puts it, “the perfect time to start prepping the 60 trillion cells in your body for a new season is now.” There really is nothing like the present to begin your journey…
She offers these 5 nutrition tips to help you jump start your new season.
1. CHIA SEEDS
“Chia seeds pack a powerful immune-boosting punch, all while being one
Chia seeds: another muscle builder for you. Have you eaten them?
of your best foods for weight loss and muscle repair that you can eat,” said Martindale. She explained that 2 tablespoons of chia seeds have 4.5 grams of pure plant protein (fuel for your brain and muscle/tissue), about 5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (boosting your heart and your brain functionality) and around 11 grams of dietary fiber (for your smooth digestive functionality).
According to Martindale, studies show that chia seeds contain:
- high vitamin C levels for your quick immunity boost and serve as an anti-inflammatory
- vital minerals and phytonutrients important to your brain/heart/skin and bone health
- high levels of phosphorous, thiamin, and niacin, which are important for your metabolizing carbohydrates, fats and amino acids for weight loss
- 2 tablespoons of chia seeds will give you approximately: 138 calories, 17% of your daily calcium, 23% of your daily magnesium, 12% of your daily iron, 3% of your daily potassium, 40% of your daily fiber (10 g) and 9% (4.7 g) of your daily protein, all of which contribute to and optimize your immune-fighting ability
“Chia seeds expand up to 3 times their size when absorbing liquid, which can help you feel fuller for longer,” said Martindale. “They are best mixed in a pudding, with oats, in a protein shake or almond milk drink prior to consuming, which helps expand them before you eat them so they do not absorb liquid from your body.”
If you take blood thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin, the National Institute of Health (NIH) cautions that chia seeds can affect the way they work. If you eat a lot of chia seeds and need these medications, talk to your doctor.
2. BLACKBERRIES
Martindale recommends blackberries because they’re low in calories at
Blackberries are good for your heart & arteries; Even blackberry leaves are good for you.
approximately 66 calories per half cup. They’re also low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, which is good news for your heart and arteries. They’re also a good source of fiber, at 8 grams per serving, which benefits your digestive system. And they’re rich in vitamin E, a key ingredient in fighting off disease and repairing and strengthening your muscles.
“Blackberries can be added to your dark leafy greens for a small snack salad,” she said. They can also be eaten as is to curb your mid-day sweet tooth.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, berries have a lot of antioxidant power which can protect you against inflammation and free radicals and help ease your symptoms of arthritis.
3. COCONUT OIL
“Coconut oil (unprocessed) contains anti-viral properties due to its
coconut oil is one of the good fats for you to use when you’re cooking; it’s also an anti-bacterial agent.
medium-chain triglycerides, which contain lauric acid,” said Martindale. “Studies have shown that this type of acid (monolaurin) found in coconut oil fat dissolves (and eventually kills) specific viruses contained by a shell such as herpes simplux-1 (cold sores) and the measles virus.
Coconut oil has also been shown to be an effective anti-bacterial agent for everything from your skin care to your treating certain types of candida (yeast). Bottom line, coconut oil contains heart-healthy fat, flavor, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties which make it a great natural immune-boosting weapon for a cleaner internal and external system.”
The NIH notes that coconut oil is high in fat, but is safe for most people if used in amounts commonly found in foods.
4. SUPER GREENS
Super greens range from algae-wheat grass and spinach to kale. Martindale
cabbage – another leafy green veggie; & this one has anti-bacterial properties to help you heal.
recommends them because they’re packed with high potency phytonutrients, fiber, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and enzymes, which all assist with your digestive functionality and your cell optimization by helping oxidize cells, assisting your body in eliminating food toxins with binding fiber and helping to balance your metabolism.
“Super greens also keep your heart happy by lowering cholesterol, and assisting in the breakdown of protein in your body for more effective muscle and tissue repair, not to mention that they are packed with nitrates for a great energy boost, before or after your workout,” she said. “Getting enough of these dark leafy bad boys will ensure that your body is ready to hit the ground running for all of the fun things you want to do in the upcoming season.”
The USDA says that green leafy vegetables may be one of your best foods for preventing cancer and lowering your risk of heart disease. The properties in leafy greens are especially helpful to people who have type 2 diabetes.
5. WATER
We need to hydrate, and there’s nothing better than water.
Do you drink enough water to keep your body healthy & hydrated?
“Water is the key to making sure that your body stays healthy, your skin stays looking fresh and disease stays as far away as possible,” said Martindale. “Good old H2O literally rinses out your cells, carrying with it all of the minute chemicals, free radicals and other ‘junk’ that your body picks up through eating and breathing.”
About 64 ounces of water a day will help prevent digestive issues such as bloating and constipation, as well as kidney and bladder infections.
If you don’t like plain water, Martindale suggests using lemon, mint, cucumbers and/or berries for a delicious and nutritious natural infusion.
This is good information, and to me it is pretty basic, but I hope I’ve given some food for thought to some of you out there. Please share your thoughts with me by leaving a message below. I’d love to hear from you…
Have a great healthy day!
Enhance Your Life with Mother Nature! Great for your Mind, Body & Spirit!