Prepping your immune system for fall weather

Fall is all about beautiful trees, cooler temps and pumpkin spice latte. But this change in season is also a time when many people get sick. Our body needs to get used to going from extreme heat to cooler winds, which means prepping the immune system during this time is vital.

Fall is also a busy season for many professions and for parents prepping their kids to go back to school. This means, there is no time for colds and flus.

How can we prep our immune system for the change in season? Here are 4 ways:

 

1. Eat warming foods: As the weather gets cooler, our body craves warmer cooked foods instead of cooler raw foods. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, keeping our body “warm” with warming foods during the fall and winter months is important. Warming foods include foods such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and hot peppers. Some of these vegetables have also shown to boost immunity and fight off nasty bugs.

 

2. Good hygiene: Prevention is better than cure. Good hygiene is better than infection. Some ways to promote good hygiene is to:

 

• wash your hands with soap and water often during the day (especially before eating).
• Coughing and sneezing in a tissue or in your elbow can prevent spreading the infection.
• Carrying a sanitizer during peak cold and flu season.

 

 

Eating warming foods such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and hot peppers, is important during cooler temperatures

 

 

3. Use a scarf: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, the back of your neck is termed the “wind gate”. The wind gate needs to be protected from cold winds to prevent colds and flus. Wearing a scarf is a good way to cover the wind gate and cozy up.

 

4. Take the right supplements: Many supplements such as probiotics, vitamin C and vitamin D have been shown to support immune health. Although supplements are widely available, they are not always safe for everyone. Consulting a naturopath to know the right dose and right supplement for you is important in supporting your immune health.

 

If you are someone who gets sick very often, let’s chat! Book a free, no obligations, health call