Winter challenges both our immune system and our mood. Ongoing support of both can help you experience a cozy and fulfilling season.
It can be easy to let our activity levels drop with the temperatures, but remember that exercise is energizing and really helps to keep our immune system ready for anything! Whatever movement routine you enjoy the most, make it a priority. Even a short, 20 minute walk everyday boosts both our health and overall mood. A good set of rain gear comes in very handy here on the southern Oregon coast, but we find that there are enough days with light rain and even sun light to get outside for beneficial fresh air and exercise.
After your walk, sit down for one of the most pleasurable ways to boost our immune systems – enjoying a hot cup of herbal tea! Two of our favorite blends are the Turmeric Immune from Host Defense and Organic India’s entire Tulsi Immune line. These teas are specialty blends of nourishing herbs and warming spices. Delicious and Good for you – now that’s our kind of Holiday Treat 😉
Some of the best choices for diet in the winter include Garlic, small quantities of dried fruit or frozen berries, cooked cruciferous veggies (such as broccoli) and healthy fats (such as Flax Oil and Ghee – clarified butter). Warming spices, especially Turmeric, can be included daily to keep the digestive fire strong as well as providing anti-inflammatory support for your entire body. Soups are terrific as they are not only warming, they help us to stay hydrated – which is a challenge when temperatures are lower. A well balanced soup is easy to digest and delivers maximum nutrition from the ingredient you choose. Including beans and rice in your soup is a great way to ensure you’re receiving complete protein.
There are a few supplements that we recommend for maintenance and support of your immune system during the wintertime. Kyolic Immune is an odor free, garlic extract based formula with a daily dose of vitamin C as well as a Premium mushroom complex, and extracts of Astragalus, Oregano and Olive Leaf. Monolaurin has been tested by the CDC for safely boosting our immune system function, it does not harm our beneficial bacteria and can be taken daily.
This is a perfect time of year to engage in self care practices such as self massage. Almond and Sesame oil are great during the colder months as they are more warming than oils such as coconut. In Ayurveda, this self massage is done before showering, so the warmth of the water can draw the nourishing oil deep into our skin – just be sure to watch your step and clean the shower of the slippery oil afterwards!
Wishing you a warm, cozy and fulfilling Wintertime,
All of Us at the Health Gallery
