Staying healthy during times like this, should be a top priority for everyone. Whether you are working on the frontline, are working from home with kids in toe or in general just don't have time to get sick, getting on top of your immune health is important for everyone!

By taking small steps to improve your overall lifestyle, in a way that will strengthen your immune system doesn’t mean you wont get sick. However, it is one of your best defences and it’s important to focus on what you do have control over during this time.

So what should you be focusing on?

#1 Priority, FOOD
and by food we mean Nourishing, immune boosting foods.
Choosing whole and unprocessed food sources can do wonders for your overall health. If you want to get specific with what foods to eat we would recommend adding Garlic (LOTS of raw and roasted garlic), prebiotic food sources such as kumara, bananas and asparagus, Vitamin C rich foods such as citrus, broccoli, and tomatoes, Antioxidant rich sources like berries, spinach and carrots. Moral of the food story is LOTS of variety, colour and freshness!

 Staying Active
In general, our bodies function better when we exercise. It builds resilience to fight off infection, can help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways and can slow down the release of general stress hormones (we all know how much easier it is for us to get sick when we are stressed!).

Get outside & get that Vitamin D
Vitamin D is such an underrated way to help our immune system. Even getting outside in the sun for 10 minutes per day can restock and restore our Vitamin D stores. If you are someone who spends a lot of time inside during the day, chances are your stores might be quite low. You can also supplement however its important to choose a high-dose Vitamin D3 (1,000 IU) as it is a form the body can recognise and absorb easily. 

Hydrate, Hydrate & Hydrate again!
Everyone knows it and yet the percentage of people who drink enough water is a day is shockingly low! Hydrating doesn't have to just mean water, herbal tea and water-dense fruits and vegetables can also help hydrate you! If you aren't a fan of the taste of water or its a bit boring, adding things like lemon, mint or fruits can really help give it a little flavour.

Supplement with Greens
Greens supplements can be a great way to get in the extra nutrients especially if you aren't eating a lot of whole fruits and veges. 

Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. It's involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the proper functioning of the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

I recommend - ProNordic Liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg. You can purchase from all pharmacy's, it is the best tasting high dose. 

Sleep!
Always easier said than done! But as mentioned in our last post, Sleep Hygiene is SO important. You need 7-8 hours of good quality sleep per night for your body to be able to fight off infection.and allow your immune system to stay strong and recover. Try and prioritise sleep as much as you can! Something that can help sleep? Meditation! Even five minutes a day or simply sitting quietly and focusing on your breath, can make a big difference by lowering your heart rate and reducing anxiety.  

A positive attitude!
Your mind is very powerful Studies are showing more and more often that a positive mindset can be vital for health (and especially immune health) positive thinking has been shown to reduce inflammation and increase resilience to infection (negative thought and emotions can make you more susceptible) 

BUT sometimes, even taking the most amount of care, everyone can get sick. It’s OK!! The key is taking time to rest and recharge. In what will hopefully feel like no time, you’ll be back at it again! But for your health and the health of those around you, make sure you’re fully supercharged before you do.