Natural Immune Boosters

With autumn well underway now is the time to give you immunity a boost before the cold and flu season hits.

I find a natural and healthy way to strengthen the immune system and maintain wellness, is to add or increase immunity-boosting foods and supplements into my diet. Super food powder, immune boosting supplements and soups are the season ‘must have’ !

SUPERFOODS

Some days it seems impossible to eat all the servings of fruits + vegetables I’d like to, so to ensure I reach m daily quota I take a Super food powder such as Vital Greens, which I can blend into smoothies or have on its own with water.

Vital Greens is an easily absorbed, carefully balanced powder blend of essential nutrients that have been extracted from natural dense vegetables and fruits plus the addition of probiotics, herbs, vitamins and minerals.Just two teaspoons daily delivers 76 vital ingredients that are loaded with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, fibre and a unique high alkalising pea protein. Just one serve provides 30% of the recommended daily requirements of fruit + vegetables. This means it’s high in antioxidants from pure wholefoods that can quickly be absorbed by the body – especially good when your immune system is compromised.

ORGANIC GINGER & LEMON TEA

Ginger is a powerful antiviral herb that helps the body remove toxins, stimulate circulation and boost the immune system. Lemon assists with the detoxification process and adds a refreshing taste. This boosting tonic is easy to make and nourishing, its potent mix of ingredients will help boost your immune system. Each of these ingredients posses unique, natural medicinal qualities and when combined, they create a soothing tea that can support detoxification, boost the immune system and relieve digestive symptoms. This power charged and delicious tea is great to have all year around.

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 1)

• 1 tablespoon fresh organic ginger – finely grated
• Juice from ½ organic lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon of fresh organic turmeric –  finely grated
•  4 cups fresh boiled water (preferably filtered)

*organic is preferred but not mandatory

METHOD

• Combine the lemon juice, ginger, turmeric into a large tea pot.
• Pour over freshly boiled filtered water.
• Steep for 3 – 5 minutes.
• Sip slowly and feel the healing benefits infuse into your body.
• If desired sweeten to tastewith your choice of Manuka honey or natural sweetener

Super charge: Increase anti-viral and detoxifying effects by adding fresh organic garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Brew up a large tea pot and allow the flavours to infuse for at least 5 minutes, then sip slowly and allow the natural properties to get to work.

IMMUNE SUPPORT

Vitamin C & Zinc play an integral role is supporting the immunity and possesses many health benefits, including aiding immunity, reducing the risk of age-related eye diseases and helping wounds heal. Vitamin C also helps the absorption of plant-based iron, while zinc is required for the body to make DNA and for cell division.

Take at the first sign of a cold or flu – this duo packs a powerful punch and is an immunity support ‘must have’.  There is some evidence that taking zinc tablets within 24 hours of cold symptoms starting may help reduce the severity of symptoms and how long they last.

In addition Echinacea and Olive Leaf Extract have long been talked about as immune boosters and,  like zinc, if used at first sign of cold symptoms may assist in reducing the severity and length.

Good health!

Dr Joshua