With the holidays fast approaching it is always a good idea to strengthen the immune system prior to when the feasts and parties hit. Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to healing the body through nutrition. Here are some tips to diminish your chance of getting sick this holiday season.

Natural Nutrients

Increasing zinc, vitamin C, and immune boosting phytonutrients (nutrients from plants) is the best way to boost immunity through food. Eat more lentils, pumpkin seeds, pasture raised meats and eggs to increase zinc. Zinc is crucial for the function and development of the first line of defense in our immune system. Add more colourful fruits and vegetables to the diet, this will insure ample vitamin C intake. Create meals with an array of leafy greens, brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts, root vegetables and squashes to ensure you get a variety of phytonutrients that will help detox your body and ward off any infection or cold that may come your way. And finally, add in a little more spice then you normally would to soups and stews; garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, thyme all have antimicrobial and anti bacterial properties to help ward off the flu.

Medicine Cabinet

To supplement with these nutrients; take 30mg of zinc (with food!), 200-1000mg of vitamin C, 1 tsp. of greens powder (chlorella, spirulina, chlorophyll, greens plus etc.), daily.

~You can find any of these in the vitamin section at Infinity~

Self Care

Finally, rest your body. Can anyone relate to getting sick every time you go on vacation or take time off? This is because your immune system has been suppressed under stress. As soon as you allow your body to rest, the immune system rebels and the floodgates to cold and flu viruses open. If you allow time for rest during stressful times your immune system will take care of you. It will have the time and energy to create antibodies to cold and flu viruses you come into contact with. Have a calming tea nightly to wind down, do yoga, meditate and get to bed early especially before midnight.

Take care of your body and it will take care of you.

-Jenna