Although spring time is just around the corner, many of us are still dredging through the very cold winter days. Here in California, snowcapped mountains beckon visitors to explore and enjoy the white snow and breezy climate. And while some are adventurous enough to brave the colder temperatures, many of us just want to sit by a cozy fire, read a book, or snuggle with a blanket.
During these cold months, it’s extremely important to keep up your immunity. While colder climate doesn’t necessarily get you sick, it can put a strain on your body’s natural defenses. The best ways to prevent getting ill and feeling sluggish is to find a balance that works for you. Winter going into spring is also a great time to refresh your home and reset your mind. And with warmer days coming up soon, we can plan ahead for a fresh restart.
DETOXING:
When we talk about detoxing, we’re referring to detoxing your body and mind so your energy becomes positive and clear. Colder weather tends to make us want comfort food, or food that gives us a lot of energy in order to keep warm. And depending on where you live, fresh fruits and vegetables might not be readily available so we reach for fattier and less healthy food. Instead, stock up on food that builds your immunity and fights off viruses and germs.
According to holistic healthcare, certain foods can boost your immunity while preventing certain types of diseases and illnesses. The following are wonderful food to try during these cold and damp months or anytime throughout the year:
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Ginger. A root plant that grows deep in the soil, ginger has well known and scientific benefits for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and many other health properties. It’s great for treatment of stomach issues and opening up the sinus. Make ginger tea with 5-6 slices of fresh ginger mixed with hot water. Drinking the tea hot helps balance the QI inside your body and reduces dampness.
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Turmeric, also known as Curcumin. Turmeric, much similar to ginger, is a root that has many antibacterial properties. Known mostly to fight inflammation in the body, turmeric has compounds that can reduce pain and certain type of illnesses.
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Black pepper. Known as a powerful antioxidant and helps reduce free radicals in your body, black pepper is extremely strong in nature and taste. Be careful with the amount of fresh black pepper you use as high amounts can cause discomfort in the stomach.
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Cinnamon. Cinnamon is another powerful antioxidant found in nature. Cinnamon can prevent inflammation and helps promote easy digestion when added to food. Try sprinkling cinnamon powder on your coffee, hot cocoa, or milk for a tasty alternative to sweeteners.
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Cloves. While not the most commonly used herb, cloves boast many powerful health benefits. Cloves is a powerhouse against bacteria. As an ancient health remedy, cloves has been found in natural toothpastes to prevent fungal infections and other bad bacteria. It can also be used as a household cleaning agent. You can find whole cloves or ground cloves in most natural and organic markets.
EXERCISE AND REST:
Study shows that a lifelong habit of exercise is associated with a longer health span, delaying major chronic conditions/diseases, and building immunity. Any form of exercise will suffice, but those that directly help strengthen your organs and bones are more beneficial. Try eastern exercises such as Taichi, Yoga, and Qigong. These slower type of movements target the whole body as well as improve circulation and Qi: the vital life force in any living being.
Proper rest and rehabilitation is important for a healthy mind and body. Take a few minutes each day to relax your mind and soul. Deep breathing exercises and stretches throughout the day improves your blood flow which is crucial for a healthier lifestyle. Just look at cats! They stretch periodically throughout their day and especially after waking up from a nap.
HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES:
It’s no secret that what we eat ultimately affects our bodies. But let’s not forget food also affects our moods. When you hear the old phrase, “you are what you eat”, nothing can be truer than what we put in our bodies. If you’re ever in doubt, be mindful of what you eat and notice the changes in your body and mind. Do you feel sluggish? Or do you feel energetic and happy? Virtually everything you choose to put inside your bodies can be beneficial or detrimental.
Healthy food choices should include:
Colorful fruits and vegetables. The colors of fruits and vegetables correlate with their companion vitamins. For instance, Vitamin A found in carrots produce a compound that turns certain fruits and vegetables orange and red. And certain colors represent the beneficial vitamins and nutrients important for a healthy lifestyle.
Red fruits and vegetables includes lycopene, folate, and Vitamin C which are important for antioxidant, heart health, and inflammation. Try tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit.
Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables includes Vitamin A, fiber, Potassium, Vitamin C, and folate. Try carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and corn.
Green fruits and vegetables includes fiber, folate, magnesium, and Vitamin K. These are all important factors in reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease, and among many other health benefits. Try spinach, kale, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, and green herbs.
Blue and purple fruits and vegetables includes manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. Blue and purple colored fruits and vegetables are powerhouses when it comes to lowering the risk of certain types of diseases and illnesses. Try blueberries, blackberries, red/purple cabbage, and plums.
TAKING A BREAK:
Yes, life gets in the way. But when we don’t slow down once in awhile our bodies deplete vitamins and nutrients and our regenerative powers get greatly reduced. Our immunity breaks down and we can get easily ill or fatigued. Some steps to taking a break now and then include writing a daily or weekly journal, meditation, reading a lighthearted book, being out in nature, and going to places that bring you peace and happiness.
The only way we can reset ourselves is to be mindful of why we are so busy. When we realize why we get stressed or depressed, we can start a journey to reset our body and mind.
CLEAR THE CLUTTER:
With all good intentions, we try to keep our homes clean. But that should also include our cars, offices, electronics, yards, and any place that take up space. We all know that a cluttered area creates a cluttered mind. While there are some that thrives on clutter, most people, including animals do not fare well with too many things going on. With clutter, your mind has a harder time separating and breaking down thoughts and ideas.
Start clearing the clutter by making a list of what you want to clear out. Involve your spouse and kids. Decide what you absolutely must keep and donate, recycle, or throw out the rest. If clutter becomes too difficult, try to hire professionals who can help make a better plan for now and going forward.
Remember to take some time to reset your mind, body, and life.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9110206/ and healthline.com
*These are not medical advice. Please consult a medical professional if you have any questions.
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Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.
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