We all know that having a healthy immune system is the key to keep your body protected from dis-ease. When our body’s natural defense system is well maintained, we are more energized, less likely to get sick, and overall we have more endurance to handle the outside world. To get technical, the main purpose of the immune system is to protect the body from bacteria, viruses, and pathogens and lives in our gut. Our immune system works by using an algorithmic recognition system that can tell the difference between our own body’s naturally occurring cells, and “foreign” cells (aka, those viruses and bacteria) and will work diligently to destroy anything that could be potentially harmful to us. Pretty sophisticated stuff! For such a biologically complicated process, luckily taking care of our immune system is super easy. There are so many ways to go about it! If you’re one of our patients you know that getting adjustments alone increases immunity by up to 22%. But just as effective, if not more so, in boosting your immunity is through nutrition. Things like oranges, garlic, lemon, and ginger are go-to staples for increasing Vitamin C - which is the more standard way to boost your immunity (and digestion!) But tonics and teas are also incredibly potent and have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and by indigenous cultures. If the method has been tried and true for that long, we know it must be super effective! 

One of Dr. T’s go-to tonic recipes is a simple recipe that you can throw in the vitamix: One date, 1 spoonful of maca powder, one scoop of David Wolfe’s mushroom protein, pinch of cinnamon, spoonful of almond butter, and a splash of chameleon cold brew coffee. A mega antioxidant immune system modulating energizer for first thing in the morning of post workout. 

Gold Milk is another classic immune boosting tonic, made with super nutrient dense turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon which all have antiviral properties. Blended together with hot coconut milk and a little bit of honey, and a dash of black pepper to activate the curcumin in the turmeric so your body can absorb all of its nutrients! 

Green juice is literally good for everything - especially for boosting the immune system. The best combination of greens for a proper boost is parsley, spinach, green apple, lemon, cucumber, celery, and lots and lots of ginger. Blend up and strain and run it all through the juicer. Greens have a purifying and anti inflammatory effect on the body which eliminates, well, IMpurities from the body. Giving your system a head start out the gate. 

For those of us who are a bit more low maintenance you can keep it super simple by drinking hot lemon water with a couple thin slices of ginger, and fresh mint. All antiviral, and immune system boosting ingredients that will also get your digestive fire going first thing in the morning. 

If you want to just throw a tea bag in a mug of hot water and call it a day, considering drinking teas like hibiscus (super high in vitamin C), Tulsi (an adaptogen and immune system modulator) Elderflower - not to be confused with elderberry - elderflower can be brewed into a supercharged immunity tea, St. John’s Wort, Green tea, Chamomile, and Honeysuckle. 

Last but not least are medicinal mushrooms. The holy grail of longevity and immunity. There are lot of products on the market right now that pretend to be the real deal, but aim for buying mushrooms that are dual extracted - this ensures that the nutrients is properly extracted from the mushrooms in a way that our body can absorb. Four Sigmatic makes great ready made tonics that you can mix with hot water or non dairy milk. Their Mushroom Hot Coco, or their Mushroom Coffee are both super delicious are require minimal effort to prepare! 

Sounds easy enough, right? Work some tonics into your daily self care routine, your body will thank you for it. Also did we mention that when your immune system is thriving your skin is going to look amazing and the rest of your body will function well, too? And l’est us not forget, we can kick COVID to the curb by amping up our bodies defenses to stay healthy and strong and ready.