5 Foods to Boost Your Immune System! {FabHealthFriday}

Greetings and salutations! Did everyone had a delightful Christmas? We sure did!

My apologies for not writing a FabHealthFriday post last week, or a WriterlyWednesday post this week. You probably know how it is during this time of year. The word "busy" is replaced with "hectic". And even though we tried to minimize the Christmas craziness this year, it has still been B.U.S.Y.

OK, let's forget the busy-ness for a moment and take a look at one of the many ways to naturally boost your immune system.

As you probably know, "the most wonderful time of the year" is also the biggest time of the year for colds and flu. It's likely you even caught something this season, and maybe it's still lingering. Stuffy noses, runny noses, irritating coughing fits, and sore throats. Don't ya just love it? Not to mention, loss of energy and that yucky, congested feeling in your sinuses.

Nobody likes getting a cold. It's even worse when you happen to catch it right before or during the holidays! How do you avoid this almost-inevitable fate? Let me tell you, it can be terribly challenging if you live in a large family or are constantly exposed to other people.

The best form of medicine, for colds and flu, is prevention. You may hate to hear this because it doesn't help you get over your cold at the moment, but it's a reality none of us can escape. In order to avoid catching "the bug", you have to beef up your immune system long before "the bug" starts flying around.

How can you achieve this? One of the most successful and widely known ways is to keep a steady intake going of fruits and veggies.

1. Kale is a powerhouse full of vitamins and nutrients, and is almost as powerful as broccoli, which as you probably know is at the "top of the food chain" when it comes to loaded greens.

We have been making a salad from fresh, raw, kale leaves, and trying to consume at least a bowl of it daily when we have it available. Toss with some homemade salad dressing, almonds and perhaps some Parmesan cheese, and voila! A super-healthy super-lunch(or snack!)!

2. Oranges, grapefruit and other citrus are also essential this time of year or any time when you want to give your immune system a lift. Oranges are chock-full of vitamin C, and one of the roles of vitamin C is to protect cells by neutralizing free radicals. When free radicals build up in your body, they cling to healthy cells, causing permanent damage. Free radicals cause chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease. By eating an orange or two daily, you can help your body ward off disease and sickness. Oranges are also full of vitamin A, which helps with vision improvement and strengthening/protection of the eyes.

3. Raw, unprocessed, virgin coconut oil can be used a variety of different ways, either by oil pulling, direct ingesting or incorporating it into your meals. It can be a replacement for butter, whether in cooking or just a bit spread on a slice of toast. Coconut oil is an incredible resource which promotes longevity and overall radiant health. It can also aid in weight loss. Studies have show that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness, making this the perfect food to add to your diet to boost your immune system. Even more, it also can help to fight off yeast, fungus, and candida.

4. Garlic. Raw garlic. I'll warn you now, there is fire in this fiesty little plant. A tablespoon alone (crushed) can be painful going down. But, there is reason for this, and don't overlook garlic simply for its smell and taste. Garlic is one of THE best medicinal plants in the natural world. It has been used centuries over for both flavoring and overall health. It is also one of the biggest immune system boosters you will find.

Garlic is a widely recognized health enhancing supplement. It promotes the well-being of the heart and immune systems with antioxidant properties and helps maintain healthy blood circulation. One of garlic's most potent health benefits includes the ability to enhance the body's immune cell activity. How to utilize this stinky but super plant? Chop up several cloves, throw it in your chili, soup, spaghetti, just about anything! Just make sure you add it into the recipe right before you are going to eat it, so that it doesn't cook and the nutrients remain intact. Or, you can just mince it and eat it raw, or with some honey. We do this frequently...it is not a pleasant experience, but it is worth it. Garlic will wipe out just about any fungal growth in your body, and as stated above, will greatly build your immune system. Just be prepared, and have a glass of water nearby if you do decide to consume it raw. ;)

Last but not least, a quote from bulkherbstore.com:

"One easy way to keep the immune system in high gear is raw garlic, but it stinks so bad that we use our Double “E” Immune Booster. Our recipe, which includes the whole Echinacea plant and Elderberry herb (as well as several other immune boosting herbs), has proven to be a fast and effective way to provide the body with the defense it needs in times of repair."

5. My family has been making and drinking Double E Immune Booster tea quite frequently this winter, and not only is it extremely beneficial health wise, but it is also makes a delicious hot drink which will warm you up on a chilly day. We buy several packages of the herb-mix, put half a cup or so in our percolator, and drink it throughout the day mixed with a spoon of honey. Mmm! This is a product worth spending for, and my entire family enjoys drinking it. What better way during the cold, wintry months, than to get your immune system boosted through a hot, cozy cup of tea?

There are many other ways to give a lift to your immune system, and now days you can learn just about anything by googling on the web. I highly encourage you to do some research of your own about health topics. Learn all you can, and then apply that knowledge in your life! God has provided us so many resources for keeping our temples healthy. Let's take advantage of those resources!

Blessings,