Fall is such a beautiful time of year. Gorgeous colors…cool weather…warm sweaters and cute boots. It’s got it all!
Unfortunately, this time of year also brings something a little less desirable…the cold and flu.
Ugh! Really? Yes, it’s the DREADED cold and flu season!
This time of year the temperature tends to fluctuate quite a bit (especially here in Michigan…think 90 one day and 50 the next! Ugh!) These temperature changes are a source of added stress for our bodies. And if you are already suffering from a hormone imbalance (which causes a lot of stress on your bodies) then this additional stressor can throw you into a serious tailspin.
So what can you do to give your immune system a little boost and make it through this cold and flu season with as little damage as possible (so you can focus on what’s really important…getting pregnant!)?
The best thing you can do is eat immune boosting and warming foods. Think lots of fresh fruits and veggies that are filled with immune boosting vitamins (such as vitamin C and zinc) and antioxidants.
And what the heck are warming foods anyway???
Chinese medicine classifies foods as either warming foods, cooling foods, or neutral foods. When you eat warming foods these foods add warming effects to your body (much needed during the cold months of late fall and winter). These foods are known to improve circulation and dispel the cold.
A few warming foods you can try adding to your diet include: ginger, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne, rosemary, basil, oats, quinoa, onion, black beans, lentils, walnuts, winter squash….and there are many more (a quick search on Google will give you list after list).
Another great way to boost your immune system and ride through the season unscathed is by using something called Fire Cider.
Fire Cider is a botanical tonic that you can make yourself or purchase at most health food stores. Typically fire ciders use a base of honey and vinegar with a variety of other ingredients aimed at revving up your immune system, providing antioxidants, and decreasing inflammation.
Here is a great recipe for making Fire Cider if you are feeling ambitious (it makes a great holiday gifts as well). If you aren’t feeling so ambitious, you can always just grab a bottle at your local health food store.
Fire Cider
Approximate ingredients for a 16oz jar:
· One clean jar (pasta sauce or ball jars work well)
· Apple cider vinegar (enough to fill the jar)
· Juice and zest from 2 lemons
· 2 bulbs garlic
· 1 ginger root about palm size (or equivalent)
· 1 horseradish root
· 2-4 turmeric roots (optional)
· Chili peppers (use what you like, habanero for really hot, jalapeno for less hot, larger hot
peppers for more mild, etc)
· Onions (optional)
· Fresh herbs (I like Thyme & Oregano for their antibacterial properties)
· Honey (optional)
Finely chop garlic. Peel and finely chop or grate ginger, turmeric, and
horseradish. Finely chops herbs, and onion. You can use a food
processor, blender or just chop the old- fashioned way. Slice the
peppers into rounds if using fresh. Zest and squeeze the juice of both lemons.
Place all ingredients into a jar and cover with apple cider vinegar.
If adding honey, add all ingredients into a small pan and gently heat to a low
simmer. Once your concoction has reached a simmer, turn off the heat and add
honey to taste.
Return mixture to jar, cover tightly and label clearly. Allow to steep
for 2-8 weeks, shaking occasionally to encourage mixing. You may
then either strain the liquid off and discard the marc or just leave it
as is and use as needed.
Once done, aim to drink a shot a day. Make sure to give us a shout if you do try making it yourself. We love to hear your stories and get your feedback!
