Tips to keep your immune system strong

It's that time of year again when it's extra important to keep our immune system strong!

Here are a few tips to focus on daily:

-Eat mostly whole foods- fill your plate with lots of green, orange, and red veggies and fruit; grass-fed and pasture raised meats; and minimize the amount of processed foods consumed.

-Make sure you are drinking water throughout the day. You can always add lemon, cucumber, berries, or mint to add some flavor!

-Take a probiotic supplement and eat probiotic-rich foods like fermented foods and high-quality yogurt. Much of our immune system is in our gut (about 70%!), so having a healthy digestive system plays a huge role in keeping our immune system strong.

-Find ways to manage your stress- whether that be exercising, journaling, meditating. It is important to take time to relax and make sure that your body is not in constant fight-or-flight mode.

-Exercise your body each day- exercise helps you release stress and has a positive effect on your immune cells. Aiming to go for a daily walk with the added benefits of getting fresh air,  is a great goal!

-Eating high amounts of processed sugars can hinder our immune system, which is why it is especially important during the holidays to be mindful of how many desserts we consume throughout the week. It's all in practicing balance!

-Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Our bodies need time to repair and recover! It can be helpful to develop a relaxing evening routine of limiting screen time at least an hour before bed, and listening to a guided meditation, stretching, or reading.