WE have all put a lot of thought into the strength of our immune system over the past 18 months.
This includes protecting our barriers by wearing masks, disinfecting our hands, and keeping our distance.
But sometimes, despite all our best efforts, we are haunted by a mistake and end up under the weather.
In addition to Covid, there seem to be a lot of colds and bugs right now. So if you’ve been hit and feeling a little under the weather, I have a few ideas that might help you feel a little better.
1. Rest
When you are exhausted, one of the best things you can do is rest. Give your body a chance to recover and repair. When we get sick, we often feel exhausted. This is your body’s way of telling you to slow things down. Listen to it. When we rest and sleep well, our immune system works hard to repair it. Download a good book from Libraries NI, watch Netflix, practice mindfulness, or go to bed. Not only is it okay to rest, it is important in helping you get well.
2. Nourishing
Feed your immune system nutritious, healthy foods. Foods that help balance inflammation, boost immune cells, and balance our gut microbiome are important. Our immune system is hungry for nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A, antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats.
Forget about sugary, refined, and processed foods and avoid alcohol. Instead, choose things that will aid your body in healing and recovery.
A good place to start is to eat a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Add some herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory properties or immune balancing effects – think garlic, ginger, turmeric, thyme, and rosemary.
Add in some protein from nuts and seeds, lean meat or fish, plain yogurt or legumes, and plenty of healthy fats from oily fish, olive oil, seeds and nuts.
If your appetite isn’t big, keep things simple. Soups with vegetables and spices are fantastic – chicken soup is a traditional cure for colds and flu, and even better if you can add some herbs and spices and lots of vegetables.
When friends and family ask if there is anything they can do to help, ask them to cook something nutritious. Oatmeal with apple compote, a pot of soup, or a homemade curry will be so welcomed by your immune system as it works hard to help you heal.
3. Supplement
Some nutrients have been shown to have antiviral effects and are worth considering when you are exhausted. Supplementing with a high quality multi-nutrient will add additional zinc, selenium, and B vitamins. Add extra vitamin C and don’t forget your daily dose of vitamin D.
About 1,000 mg of vitamin C several times a day for a short time can be beneficial. When combined with the antiviral effects of elderberry, this can be even more effective.
4. Hydrate
Your immune system needs water to function well, so keep it well hydrated with water and herbal teas. Try ginger or turmeric teas, or add a small slice of ginger root with a lemon wedge to hot water in a bottle and stand next to you to drink throughout the day.
Once you start to feel a little stronger, start doing gentle exercises – yoga or walking would be good ways to help you regain your strength. Don’t push things too soon.
Go outside every day and enjoy the fresh air. Hope this helps you feel just “real like the rain” in no time. Take care and get well soon.
