Summer, where the days are long and time spent at the beach or next to a BBQ, enjoying the sunshine with sticky mango fingers – it can also be a time for the dreaded summer cold.
When you think about it, we have just finished up another year, we have been enjoying all the holiday celebrations, work parties and late nights so it is not uncommon for people to get hit with the coughs and sniffles – and let’s be honest, being sick during summer pretty much sucks.
So how do we give our bod some summer love? As it is with all things Naturopathy; delicious wholefoods and balance is the key – but we definitely have a few tricks up our sleeves.
GUT LOVE
Our immune system and our digestive system are almost one in the same. We need a happy healthy digestive system to have a happy immune system. Supplements such as probiotics can be key however fermented foods, seasonal wholefoods, prebiotics, fibre all play a part here.
WHOLEFOODS
If you know me, you know I love food. I love the magic that comes from enjoying a tomato straight from the vine or that brazil nuts from Brazil have higher levels of selenium than those grown elsewhere. In my opinion, wholefoods are the key to optimal health and there are some special foods that get extra attention for immune health. I don’t think there is a cold season where I don’t make my famous immunity soup (just ask my neighbours 😉 ) 2 whole garlic cloves, crushed. 2-3 brown onions sliced, fresh ginger, fresh turmeric, fresh chili, and stock. All simmered for about 30-40 mins and drank… soothes the throat, boost immune health and supports gut health all in one.
MINERALS + VITAMINS
There are some key immune minerals such as Zinc and Vitamin C that support our immune system (in reality there are so much more than just those two). Increasing foods rich in Zinc; such as oysters, pumpkin seeds can provide overall immune support. It is always ideal to speak with your health practitioner before adding new supplements into your health routine.
HERBAL MEDICINE
I adore the magic that herbal medicine brings, each with their own health indications and properties. The common ones often spoke about are Echinacea, Olive leaf, Garlic, Andrographis, Astragalus … and well the list goes on. If you are going to try herbal medicine, speak with a Naturopath or herbalist first as what is right for you may not be right for the person next to you.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
The most simple of all but often the hardest – listen to your body. If your body is asking for rest, then rest. If it is asking for soup, make soup. If it is asking to just sleep then sleep. With our lives as busy as they are, we tend to push through it and ignore our body – when really this often makes us sicker or keeps us sick for longer.
Health and Happiness,
Alyce