Keep getting sick? Here’s how to boost your immunity this winter.
Low immunity?
Winter is coming. It’s not just a quote from Game of Thrones. On the surfcoast it’s a reality. You can feel it in the cold morning-the sharp bite in the air, the early nights, the morning frosts. Some enjoy the winter, but if you’re sensitive to cold or get sick easily winter can be a tricky time of year to navigate. But there’s a lot you can do to feel happy and healthy no matter how cold it gets. So if you’re sick of the sniffles and frequent head-colds, here’s what to do.
Why is your immune system depleted?
This is really important. In TCM your wei qi or defense energy-think immune system relies on a few factors: healthy digestion, healthy energy levels and emotional and mental wellness.
If you’re tired, stressed, burnt out and overdoing things-your immune system is going to suffer. If your gut health is depleted you’re more likely to be suceptible to falling sick as your immune system doesn’t have the energy or capacity to fight off pathogens.
A diet high in sugar, processed foods, alcohol is going to lead to inflammation and poor immune function.
Stress has a huge impact on your immune and gut health. When stressed your body’s fight or flight response is prioritised over rest and digest. So all the impulses that impact on healthy digestion, immune system functioning are disrupted.
How to improve your immunity over Winter.
Diet: the most important thing during the winter is the temperature of your food. With less sunlight and warmth our bodies have less capacity to digest raw, cold foods. So cook all your food and eat it warm. Liquids too. More soups, stews, broths, herbal teas, or even just warm water. If your body can digest your food your gut health will improve and in turn your immunity.
Rest: We’re not supposed to go at the same pace and speed all year around. Nature is cyclical and we’re in turn affected by those rhythms. Winter is a time to slow down, to embrace more stillness and introspection. Keep exercising but listen to your body when it needs rest.
Embrace herbal medicine: TCM has traditionally used herbs like ginger, ginseng, licorice root and even cinammon twig for thousands of years to help fight off shang han or cold disease-colds or flu’s that originated from exposure to cold.
Regulate your nervous system: A healthy immune system needs a regulated nervous system, so this winter embrace self care and emotional wellbeing as a priority.
Stay warm: Wear scarves, beanies, warm socks. Don’t get cold or overexpose yourself to cold weather. Cold causes constriction, tightness and depletes our reserves of energy.
