How to Naturally Enhance Your Immune System

I used to get sick every October. For seven years I would come down with the flu like clockwork the first or second week of the month. 

On top of being sick I would also blame myself. I felt like something was wrong with me. I was eating okay, and working out every single day. I couldn’t see that my high stress job in the fashion industry,  my 5AM wakeups, and overall lifestyle were not helping me at all! 

Today I’m sharing the things that I do on a daily basis to keep my immune system functioning highly and also the tools I use when I am feeling under the weather. 

Inflammation

Inflammation is the root to all dis-ease. From common cold to more serious illness the key to overall health and wellbeing is to keep the inflammation in your body low. 

Here are the  top 6 things that I do to keep my inflammation low.

• Avoid Inflammatory Seed Oils like canola, soy, vegetable, sunflower, safflower oils, 

• Limit the processed or packaged foods in my diet

• Drink high quality water

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and cruciferous vegetables

• Get outside for an hour a day to get sunshine, connect with nature, and get vitamin 

• I don't use anything with fragrance on my body or in my home

Detox

The week of my wedding I started to come down with something. My body was aching, my throat was sore, and I started to panic. I didn’t want to miss out on a minute of my wedding or feel tired or unwell during it. So I went very hard into detoxing the nasties out of my system. 

These practices are things that I use regularly, I just increased the frequency when I started to feel unwell.

Higher Dose Sauna Blanket - when my best friends mom heard I was feeling sick she dropped off her sauna blanket for me. I used it 2X everyday for 4 days and I felt better immediately. I loved it so much that I purchased one for myself and use it 3-4X per week. The benefits include healthier skin, better circulation, and for me I’ve found that it helps with cramps on my cycle! 

Red Light Therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, and reverses the slow down of ATP in cells. This increase in energy in our cells aids in the natural detoxification process of the body. 

Castor Oil Packs - I use castor oil packs pretty frequently especially if I’m struggling with an eczema outbreak or illness. Castor Oil promotes movement of  the lymphatic system which encourages detoxification. The oil is high in ricinoleic acid which supports the liver and the detoxification process of the  liver. Part of the way castor oil packs work is by heat, so I pair my castor oil pack with the red light therapy on my belly for double detox! 

Other tools I use are deprivation tanks and halo therapy.

Everyday Medicinals

In addition to reducing inflammation and detoxing there are holistic remedies I use daily to support my immune system

Chaga Mushroom - Chaga mushroom is a superfood for the immune system. Chaga is high in beta D glucans which help to balance your immune system. It is also great for reducing inflammation. I prefer the chaga from Four Sigmatic because of their dual extraction process, and their high quality standards - You can use code hungryhippieeats to save on Four Sigmatic products

BeeKeepers Naturals Propolis- Even though this isn’t vegan it is a must in my wellness routine. Propolis is the bodyguard for the beehive, keeping germs out. In our body it fights against germs, free radicals, and boosts our immune system. Propolis is high in Vitamins B,C,D, and zinc - in addition to over 300 compounds that are beneficial to our health. 

Acute Healing

When I come down with a bug or virus I add these supplements to my wellness routine to help shorten the length of time sick and to prevent it from getting worse. 

Organic Olivia Guardian Bundle was released in the midst of Covid after Olivia’s parents battled Covid. I immediately bought the kit to have on hand and to share. This is the ultimate herbal medicine bundle. Olivia’s formulations are SO smart and are designed to have be the most effective - for example she pairs her zinc with ionophores that actually allow the zinc to enter into the cells - most zinc supplements do not have this! 

Biorn Cold Calm is my go too when I feel a cold or sinus pressure coming on. This treats colds, coughs, and sore throats. I took these the week of my wedding religiously and felt better within days! The key is to start at the first sign of symptoms - so keep a pack in your home! Just an FYI these contain lactose so are not VEGAN

Woodstock Herbal C&F Formula is another one of my favorites for beating cold and flu symptoms. It is an herbal remedy that is Vegan and Gluten Free. 

When I’m sick I also take hot baths with Dead Sea Salt, drink a ton of Ginger Turmeric tea with fresh ingredients, and stay hydrated. I also rest as much as possible to allow my body to put all it’s energy towards healing.

* Some links are affiliate links which I receive a small compensation from any sales. However these are products that I use and stand behind. I would never recommend a product that I don’t personally use or recommend.