Are you afraid of getting sick this winter?

Most of us think that it is almost normal to get sick during fall and winter as temperature outside drops. Wrong! Cold temperature does not cause any sickness.

You also might think that more viruses are circulating around us during cold weather. Not true again! In fact researchers are saying that more germs are floating around us in the summer due to favourable conditions like moist and higher temperature.

Then why we are prone to sickness in the fall or winter?

Research is reporting that this depends on the strength of the sun’s UVB rays and how much vitamin D our body is able produce. A severe reduction in our body’s of vitamin D that is responsible for the immune system is one of the most important reasons of being susceptible to sickness.

How can you protect yourself from getting sick?

Here are my favorite tips to enhance the immune system.

1.      Check your blood level of vitamin D and take a good vitamin D3 supplement. The appropriate level of vit. D is from 40-80 ng/ml. Many people have lower ranges of vit. D, much below 40 ng/ml, therefore they suffer from weak immune system and hormonal imbalances. I always recommend taking a supplemental vit.D3 especially during fall and winter time. You should also consume food rich in vit. D like egg yolks, salmon, mackerel, portobella mushrooms, cod liver oil.

2.      Consume regularly fermented foods – source of probiotic. Remember you want to have good microflora in your digestive system, because 70% of the immune system is located in our intestines! Good bacteria (probiotics) in your gut will fight viruses and pathogens. I usually recommend consuming Kambucha Tea (at Whole Foods), fermented dairy drink like kefir, also unsweetened yogurt, sauerkraut (natural, not canned) or kimchi. You should also supplement with a good quality of probiotics available at health stores.

3.      Drink chamomile or ginger tea. They are loaded with antioxidants that boost the immune system. If you must sweeten, I suggest adding 1 tsp of raw honey. You should drink few cups a day to protect yourself from getting sick.

4.      Add garlic to your meals. Garlic is one of the most known foods used thousands years ago for treatment of sickness and fighting germs. Use garlic daily to your meals. In addition you can use encapsulated form of garlic to straighten even more your immune system.

5.      Consume bone broth (grass fed). It contains amino acids and minerals that naturally support immunity. Consume homemade bone and vegetable broth.

6.      Avoid sweetened beverages and sugar. They will decrease white blood cells that help fight off infection. They also weaken the immune system.

7.      Have ready oregano oil in your cabinet. The oil has powerful antiviral and anti-bacterial effects. If you are coming with flue take 500 mg x 2 daily.

Please note, the above suggestions are my personal preference for improving the immune system. None of these tips are prescriptions for any person. 

If you like my suggestions, please share this page with your friends and family.

Remember to ask me if you need help.

To your health!

Maria Pawlicka  M.Sc., BAA, CNP

Certified and Registered Nutritionist