The Immunity Boosting Routine that has kept me from getting sick since 2022 (no joke)
BY JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT Published August 30, 2024
I consider myself a little bit of a self-proclaimed expert when it comes to the immune system. Mainly due to the fact that I haven't been sick since 2022. Now that's not to say I haven't come close but I'm usually able to nip it before it really sets in. In this article, I’m dropping my favorite lifestyle tips and a killer immunity-boosting routine that I always turn to when I feel something coming on. Think of it as your go-to guide for staying ahead of the game and keeping your body ready to fight off whatever comes your way.
Lifestyle Factors
Diet
My best advice is to add things into your diet that will boost your immune system. This is one of those long term benefit changes and is probably the most beneficial thing I can suggest.
Vitamin C from citrus fruits, sweet peppers, kale, strawberries, and kiwi
Vitamin D from fish and eggs (straight from the farm if you can) and of course being out in the sun
Teas- peppermint tea for hormone health, raspberry for women's health, lemon ginger for immunity, and green tea for antioxidants
Vitamin A from root vegetables, spinach, and squash
Probiotics from yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles
Garlic for fighting disease and viruses
and of course staying really hydrated - try adding a pinch of pink salt or an electrolyte pack to your water
Vitamins
I've spoken a few times about my vitamin routine but I really do swear this is one of the reasons I never get sick.
Vitamin D
Collagen
Fish Oil
Vitamin C (off and on butI really up it for a few days if I'm not feeling great)
Magnesium Glycinate
Wash Your Hands... duh
Immunity Rescue Routine
The minute I feel like I might be catching something this is the routine I use. It might seem a little excessive but again... 2022. It's my go-to ritual for stopping a cold before it sets in and giving my immune system the natural boost it needs. By focusing on nourishing your body the way it needs it can bounce back quicker.
Water
Make sure you're getting at least 3 liters of water a day if you aren't feeling great. Try mixing in a pinch of pink salt or an electrolyte pack to be sure you're absorbing as much as possible.
Ginger Shots
The minute someone in my house says they aren't feeling good you better believe they're getting these shots. You can really play around with the proportions of the ingredients to alter the taste, add more water and honey if you're having trouble handling them. I'm not going to lie these little drinks do not taste great, but they make up for it with insane immune boosting power. I like to make a big batch and keep it in the fridge that way you can take a drink every morning on an empty stomach. These are essentially the exact "immunity booster" shots you can buy at the grocery store but they won't cost 4$ a pop.
water
juiced ginger root
juiced whole lemon
turmeric + fresh cracked pepper (has to be in combination to activate the turmeric)
apple cider vinegar
honey (can really help the taste)
cayenne pepper (optional)
Sun
Even if you feel like shit make yourself go out and sit in the sun for 15 minutes. Regardless of what the news has decided to tell us this week about the sun I think we all know deep down being in the sunshine and fresh air is very healing for us.
This is one of my secret weapons. Propolis is a resin mixture made by bees that has insane immune boosting properties. I like to buy this serum and mix it into my coffee or tea where you can barely taste it. I have also put a dropper full right into my mouth which I do not recommend.
My last recommendation is the most effective but it can also be the hardest to make yourself do... rest. Taking time to rest is the single greatest thing you can do to boost your immune system. I know it can be hard to slow down but you have to look at it as an investment, resting now will keep you from being sick later, which will save you time in the long run.
I hope some of these steps can help! Most of the things on this list are common sense and straight from nature, meaning they probably aren't ground breaking information but it's amazing how effective the most simple rituals can be. Sometimes it's just trusting nature, and our bodies, to take care of us. Please reach out if you have any question or want to chat, I love hearing from you!
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