Preparing our bodies for the colder months can help us to cope much better during winter. Our immune system is like an army. For it to be able to do its job well, the forces need to be nourished, prepared to fight and have access to the right weapons.
There are certain supplies that your army will need to fight well. Zinc, Vitamin A, C, D and E, Iron, Selenium to name a few. Herbs such as Echinacea and Astragalus can supply your army with extra back up to fight infections. What you feed your army, is what they have to run on so making sure that you are choosing foods that are nutrient dense and are as whole food as possible will feed your army well. What you choose to hydrate your army with also effects their performance. Drinks that are high in sugars and caffeine can weaken your army.
Additionally, your army need to be well rested. Having quality sleep will help to provide your army with this. High levels of stress and low levels of sleep will weaken your army.
Some Army's may start off at a disadvantage, in that some of their members may already be injured already; such as auto immunity and other chronic health conditions such as diabetes. Many soldiers in your army may be affected by medications you may need to take. These parts of your Army will need some extra support to make sure you are able to cope and fight well during winter.
Any army needs training to keep them physically fit. Having regular exercise will help to keep your soldiers well trained and ready for battle.
The soldier's of your army have barracks throughout your body, where they are able to regenerate and rest - of particular note are the barracks within the digestive tract. If these barracks are unkept it effects how well the soldiers can preform their jobs. Health gut bacteria in the form of probiotics and fermented foods, are an ally to the soldiers of the immune system. Foods that contain soluble and insoluble fibers are important for overall functioning of the digestive tract, including feeding the good bacteria and the removal of toxins from the digestive tract. This ensures that the soldiers are working in a supportive and clean environment.
Inflammation within the body can cause much disruption to the immune system army and how well it functions. Inflammation could be considered traitors in that they have chosen to fight their own. It makes the army's job just a little bit harder. Being able to derive where the inflammation is steaming from can be important for how it is extinguished. Systemic inflammation can be caused from foods that are high in sugar, along with foods that our body's are intolerant or allergic too (an allergy is a different immune response to an intolerance). Auto immune conditions can create systemic inflammation particularly when there is a flare (or up rise within the army to attack the surrounding tissues). Lack of sleep and stress will also increase overall systemic inflammation, as can many other chronic health conditions.
Herbs such as turmeric, Ashwaganda, echinacea, licorice root, devils claw, feverfew, Rehmannia and chamomile can all help to reduce inflammation within the body, depending on where it is coming from.
Support and look after your army well and they will fight for you and your cause (ideally staying well).
Eat well
Sleep well
Drink plenty of water
Reduce stress levels where you can
Exercise often
Prepare your own meals where you can (reduces the chances of picking up bacteria and viruses)
Reduce inflammation within the body
Support a healthy digestive system - eat plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber
Utilize herbs in within your diet (fresh out of the garden) and within your cooking
Make sure your army has the basics so it can fight well : Vit C, zinc, vit D and probiotics
Replenish your mind, body and spirit naturally
