It’s that time of year again when the days get colder, and sniffle season is here to stay. The store shelves are stocked up on immune supplements and Vitamin C powders, promising you perfect health. But do these products actually work?
As a holistic nutritionist for over twenty years, you can believe me when I say that boosting immunity isn't something you can find in some expensive supplement or “magic” powder. In fact, these products often do more harm than good.
Immunity is the foundation of your overall health and wellness. Sugary powders and synthetic supplements don’t typically work for the long term but instead act as a band-aid to the root issue, which is a weak immune system.
The secret to boosting your immunity isn't hard, but it does require effort on your part. Through simple lifestyle changes, mindful eating, getting quality sleep, and maintaining a healthy gut, you're paving the way for a resilient body—strong enough for any winter bug.
What is The Immune System?
Think of your immune system as your body’s natural defense team. This system is made up of cells and organs that work together as one to protect you from foreign invaders like bacteria, pathogens, infections, and viruses that make you sick.
When this system operates at its best, your body is strong. However, unhealthy eating habits, poor gut health, inadequate sleep, and everyday stressors can compromise immunity, leaving us open to sickness and not feeling so great.
Signs of Weakened Immunity
It’s no secret that weakened immunity is a recipe for disaster. Weakened immunity can negatively impact anything from your skin health to frequent colds and poor gut health.
Here are some signs you may need an immunity boost:
- You always have a cold or infection
- Poor gut health
- Slow healing wounds
- Low energy levels
- High-stress levels
Boost Immunity Naturally
If the above is you—have no fear, you can absolutely boost your immunity naturally, minus the use of supplements and powders. Synthetic supplements take a toll on your body over time and are often ineffective. The FDA doesn’t have to regulate supplements in the U.S., so there is no guarantee that you’re even getting what you pay for. Not to mention, these “immune boosting” powders, gummies, and supplements contain chemical additives, synthetic sweeteners, artificial colors, and refined added sugars, which have been proven to weaken immunity.
Boosting your immunity involves more than just washing your hands or chugging some sickly, sweet powder. Show your body some extra love and support this season with the following lifestyle change suggestions:
1. Eating Your Way To Better Immunity
Supporting your body with nutrient-rich foods is key for immunity. Fill Each plate with as many fruits, vegetables, and healthy whole grains as you’d like. These foods are abundant in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for naturally supporting your immunity and fighting off infections.
You can give your immune system an additional boost with our Build-a-Box option. Curate a selection of delicious cold-pressed immunity juices for maximum results (These are not your average Cayenne immunity shots).
Here are some tasty immune-boosting juices I recommend:
Each bottle contains vitamin C from citrus fruits like lemon juice and orange juice —but it doesn't stop there. These flavors are also packed with naturally antimicrobial ginger juice, antibacterial apple juice, antiviral turmeric juice, and your immune system's first line of defense against germs: vitamin A.
Not only are these juices some of my favorite flavors, but the health benefits are endless. Flood your body with its daily value of cold-fighting vitamins and minerals from raw, real ingredients.
2. Move Your Body
Pairing our nutritious juice recipes with regular physical activity is essential for immune health. Exercise plays a key role by enhancing circulation, allowing immune cells to move throughout your body. Consistent movement not only reduces inflammation but also lowers the risk of diseases, alleviates stress, and helps manage weight. Whether it's a Peloton session, a walk, or your favorite gym class, find a way to move in a way that works for you.
Keep moving – your immune system will thank you for it.
3. Sleep Better, Feel Better
Poor sleep means poor health. While we sleep our bodies use this resting time to restore, regenerate, and detox. While we sleep our immune system releases proteins called cytokines, which help your body to fight infection and inflammation. Without adequate sleep, our bodies cannot produce these immune-boosting proteins, leaving you susceptible to getting sick.
Aim for a restful night of sleep each night to allow your body to recharge, heal, and promote immunity.
4. Stress and Immunity
Stress wreaks havoc on your body. Long-term stress can mess with immune function, making you more prone to illness and infection. Stress hormones, like cortisol, can interfere with immune cells, making it more difficult for your body to combat invaders. Find ways to destress, like journaling, running a hot bath, or taking deep breaths—ahhh, stress less to feel your best.
The Gut and Immunity Connection
Believe it or not, your gut and immune health are connected. About 60-70% of your immune cells are located in your gut. Inside your gut also live trillions of bacteria known as gut microbiota. This community of bacteria plays a vital role in supporting immunity. The more balanced and diverse this community of bacteria is, the more likely you are to fight harmful pathogens. However, factors like antibiotics and poor diets can disrupt this balance, leaving you at risk of getting sick.
As a holistic nutritionist, I understand the connection between what you consume and your well-being. This is why I have carefully crafted raw vegetable and fruit juice recipes that taste good but also have incredible health benefits—no ingredient goes without benefit.
For instance, our Cool Greens recipe contains pineapple. Pineapple juice contains bromelain, a natural digestive enzyme that aids digestion, while our Strawberry Greens recipe contains yacon root, a prebiotic superfood from South America that also adds a naturally sweet flavor.
By flooding your body with these nourishing blends, you're not just sipping on a juice– you're flooding your gut with the support it needs for optimal immunity.
Whether you’re looking for immune support or weight loss, you can tailor your very own Build-a-Box to your needs and choose from up to 30 flavors.
Cold-Pressed Juice For Cold and Flu Season
As the days grow colder and sniffle season approaches, it's key to focus on how we can support immunity naturally rather than relying on quick-fix supplements or hard-to-swallow, gimmicky black pepper turmeric shots. Despite the promises of powdered packets and bottles on store shelves, true immunity depends on your everyday lifestyle choices.
A balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and cold-pressed juices promotes immune health. Eating well in conjunction with moving your body, quality sleep and effective stress management create a holistic approach to immunity during the cold and flu seasons.
Give your body an additional boost with cold-pressed juice this cold and flu season—don’t wait until you’re already sick.
