5 Ways to Boost Immunity This Winter

Winter is often synonymous with being sick, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are actually several ways to boost immunity during the winter season, so you can prevent catching a nasty cold. From taking probiotics to managing your stress levels, these are the best helpful tips to boost your immunity so you can sail through the season feeling great.

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1. Bee Propolis

Bees use this dark, sticky, glue-like antimicrobial and antiviral substance to patch holes in their hive, securing the colony from the outside world. It protects the hive from invaders, and it can do the same thing for your immune system.

Propolis has more than 300 beneficial compounds, so it’s no wonder it’s a common folk medicine for thousands of years, and employed in cultures worldwide to prevent and/or relieve everything from cavities and dental ailments to stomach ulcers. You can also use it topically to help heal wounds and burns. High in antioxidants, propolis can help squash a sore throat and protect the body from whatever’s going around. Bonus: It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and it improves overall health.

2. Medicinal Mushrooms

Shiitake, reduce, reishi, and chaga are magical mushrooms, but not in the way you’re thinking. Shiitakes reduce inflammation and boost gut immunity; maitake fights cancer; reishi fights inflammation, infections, and cancer; and chaga supports the immune system. Eat them, or supplement with them as part of your immune support.

3. Probiotics

Did you know there are friendly bacteria in your intestines that help regulate your immune system? Taking a good quality probiotic supplement or eating plenty of fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha will keep a healthy balance of gut bacteria and your immune system firing on all cylinders.

4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is high in vitamin C and helps to flush your kidneys and aid your digestive system, so that your body doesn’t have to work as hard. Lemons are also high in bioflavonoids, which can help kill free radicals. I start my day with warm water mixed with lemon juice and 5 sprays of propolis to boost my system and stimulate my organs.

5. Stress Managemnet

I know you’ve heard this a million times, but that’s because it is so important: Your immune system can’t function at full capacity when you’re under chronic stress. Luckily, there are a lot of effective ways to keep stress in check. Get plenty of sleep, try meditating, sweat it out in a workout, or mix it up and try different things on different days depending on what your body needs. I hack my stress with tools like yoga, adaptogens, chamomile tea with tryptophan-filled raw honey, and soothing essential oils. Find what works best for you and get your chill on for a stronger system.

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