Cold and flu season is almost here. And while we may not be able to prevent every cold, we can give ourselves a fighting chance by exercising regularly, getting proper rest, and eating a healthy diet consisting of high quality proteins, fats and a plethora of colorful vegetables and fruits. Still, the reality of daily life and the depletion of our environment, means that it is also important to supplement to ensure that our bodies are getting the nutrients we need to stay healthy.
Here are my three top functional nutrition immunity hacks to avoid getting sick this flu season:
Turmeric
We should all be eating more turmeric! If you like Indian curry, as I do, the yellow is from turmeric. This spice first became of interest due to Alzheimer’s research. Indians have low Alzheimer rates and eat a ton of turmeric. Curcumin is the effective compound in turmeric and what you’ll find in supplements. And unless you’re eating curry everyday, there’s lots of reasons that you should supplement with curcumin.
Curcumin is antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial and anticancer. It supports the digestive system, which comprises 70% of your immune system. It has been shown to reduce inflammation, which is important for numerous areas of health from muscles, myofascia and joints to heart disease and depression. A low level of inflammation is key to longevity and vitality.
Tumeric also has been show shown to support the liver. The liver is our body’s internal cleaner. No matter how clean our diet, the modern world provides plenty of toxic material for our livers to deal with every day. Studies have shown that curcumin increases glutathione and decreases oxidative stress.
Recommendation: Inflavonoid Intensive Care
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are substances found in plants that benefit us by helping to ward off many common diseases. “Phyto” means plant in Greek, and phytonutrients are the beneficial chemicals that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. So far, scientists have identified over 10,000 of them and believe that there may be more than 20,000.
These nutrients operate at the cellular level, aiding function and communication. They commonly have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, they act in groups – almost as teams – and should be ingested along with their entire family of substances.
Recommendation: Phytoganix
Reishi
Reishi mushroom is a fungus that is commonly used in traditional medical systems in Asia. It has been shown to boost the immune system through effects on white blood cells, which may help fight infection and cancer. Reishi and other traditional fungi are ideal for additional immune support during times of physical or emotional stress, as It has been shown to decrease anxiety and depression.
Recommendation: Mycotaki
When looking for supplements, be 100% sure to choose the highest quality available.
When you purchase supplements online from my portal, you receive 20% off of your first order. We also carry these supplements at the studio. And don’t hesitate to ask me anything about these supplements, next time you run into me at the studio!