It’s that time of the year again. The days are getting shorter and the weather colder, marking the beginning of flu season. Normally, the flu season lasts between October and May, with the worst months being December and January, but you may have noticed that people around you started to get sick earlier than normal this past year. According to data released by the CDC, there had already been 880,000 cases of influenza and 6,900 hospitalizations by October of 2022. This is predicted to be the worst flu season in 13 years [1].
Don’t let these statistics get you down! We are here to share the best lifestyle habits, backed by both Ayurvedic and Western medicine, to help you strengthen your natural immunity.
Does Sleep Really Help Your Cold?
When you fall under the weather, you probably feel like sleeping 24 hours a day. You may be wondering, does extra sleep actually help with cold symptoms?
Eastern and Western healthcare professionals have underscored the importance of sleep for years, but recent studies have shown more direct correlations between poor sleep and a weaker immune system. For example, a study from the University of Tubingen in Germany, demonstrated that a lack of sleep could be decreasing the efficiency of your body’s T cells, which are white blood cells responsible for helping you fight off infections [2]. When your T cells encounter an infected cell, they activate integrins, which are sticky proteins that allow your T cells to attach to the infected cells and kill them. Stress hormones can inhibit the stickiness of these molecules preventing the T cells from attaching onto the infected cells, but when you are asleep, the levels of these inhibitory molecules decreases. The study found that participants who stayed up all night have lower levels of integrin activation compared to those who slept well. Essentially, the more you sleep, the better prepared your body’s defense mechanism will be to manage cold and flu symptoms.
Boost Immunity with a Healthy Diet and Avoid Vitamin Deficiencies
It goes without saying that your diet is a powerful form of medicine. Common vitamin deficiencies which cause cold and flu include vitamin C, E, and iron. Greens like spinach and kale are packed vitamin C and iron, and nuts and seeds are high in vitamin E, which serves as an antioxidant that helps your body discard of damaging free radicals that may compromise your immunity. Healthy foods provide your immune system with what it needs to do its job efficiently.
Did you know that good portion of your immune system is found in the gut? This is why probiotic foods, like kimchi, also help to keep your immune system strong because they promote digestive health.
Supplement for Immunity... AKA Take Your Potion
Immunity Potion is made both preventatively and therapeutically to help you fight off infections. It is made to support your immune system with 12 powerful botanicals, all targeting different systems in your body, to help maximize and strengthen your immunity.
Ayurvedic Cold and Flu Tips
If the flu has already gotten to you, we have just the Ayurvedic tips for you to alleviate these unwanted symptoms. If you have an itchy throat or are congested, it’s recommended that you gargle warm salt water. This will help get rid of any accumulated mucus or bacteria in your throat. Looking to soothe your sore throat? Try a turmeric honey paste. The formula consists of a quarter teaspoon of turmeric and ginger mixed in with a spoonful of honey. It’s also essential that you get adequate rest and maintain a healthy diet.
If you’ve been taking your Immunity Potion, then you are already ahead of the game. Our Immunity Potion is packed with immune-enhancing herbs and spices that will help your body fight against infection.
