5 Shifts to boost your immune system

Burrrrrr.......it's freezing in Chicago (literally). Have any of you seen those epic photos of the frozen Chicago River? Whoa. These are the days when you venture out in the am & stay cold throughout the day because the chill has reached your bones.

My mind always goes immediately to the lost pets and outdoor cats. I am always so concerned for them. If you ever happen to see one, please try to save it and take it a nearby animal shelter. Wow, that is so off topic but, I digress.

I thought I would share five simple tips to ward off the winter cold/flu-bug in exchange for a boosted immune system. And trust me, they are simple, doable & they make a huge difference in your health.

Let's get started:

1). Eat more organic greens. Simple enough, eh?

Sauteed greens are great because, not only are they nutrient packed but, they are warming to the body. Eat as many as you can everyday. If you absolutely just loathe greens (I know some of you do - ha), then take huge handfuls and place them in your smoothies. You will not taste them w/ all you add in. My favorite smoothie always involves Vega or Dr. Axe protein, a hearty spoonful of unsweetened almond butter, organic berries and a huge handful of extra organic greens.

2). I am not a doctor as ya'll know but, I highly recommend Liposomal Vitamin C. It's quickly absorbed & has better absorbency than say, a typical Vitamin C coated supplement. I cannot recommend more highly. The one I take daily is here.

3). A high potency probiotic. I have been told that you want a probiotic with as many strands as possible. And it's important that you 'switch up' your probiotic frequently. My favorites are Garden of Life & Dr. Josh Axe's. It's agreed upon by every health practitioner that a daily probiotic is critical. If your bacteria are sick, you are too. And over 70% of the cells that make up our immune systems are housed in the gut wall. Read this article to get educated if you aren't already.

4). Boost your mood. Yes, it's true! Our immune systems functions better when we bolster our healthy living strategies. And this includes mood. Create habits that bring you JOY every single day. Some ideas are: Meditation (even 5 minutes) morning stretching, lunch w/ a loved one, playing w/ your children or pets, a workout or any hobby that you enjoy.

5). Get as much sleep as possible. The best advice on sleep that I have ever personally gotten is to place your phone in another room...shut off of course....a minimum of two to three hours before you go to sleep. Read or simply 'be still' and allow your body to relax. I always do deep breathing exercises before I fall asleep. It relaxes me and helps get me into a drowsy state.  Finally, sometimes I like to slowly & gently stretch my fingers/feet/ankles/hands/wrists/legs/neck & back before I fall asleep.

I know these were all quite easy steps but, that was the point! Let me know if you incorporate any of them moving forward and if you have any additional tips!

Also, hold on Chicago...and New York, bundle up friends! Next week is supposed to be in the 30's which will feel like Spring haha!

Talk soon everyone!