Increasing your health can be made simple with one essential habit: proper hydration. Drinking enough fluids can keep your immune system, digestion, and metabolism functioning well. Although the amount of water needed varies, dehydration is often at the root of many health problems, including inflammation, digestive troubles, and brain fog. Cold weather can actually be more dehydrating than hot weather. Ensuring you stay hydrated by drinking filtered water can boost immune cell communication and flush out bacteria and viruses. Consider adding nutritious, immune-boosting ingredients to your water intake to further increase the health benefits.
Immuni-Teas
Chai tea is an excellent immune booster, containing a mix of treasured herbs in Asian and Ayurvedic medicine, including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and fennel. These spices can help fight germs, boost the immune system, balance metabolism, soothe digestion, and even fight aging and cognitive decline. Usually, chai is combined with black or green tea to boost immune function.
Rooibos, also known as African red tea, is a non-caffeinated herbal tea from South Africa that contains antioxidants and rare health-promoting compounds. Studies suggest that rooibos directly benefits the immune system and may even help fight cancer.
Holy basil, or tulsi, is a powerful Ayurvedic herb used in tea and herbal formulas. It offers benefits such as immunity support, anti-viral support, stress relief, and anti-cancer activity. Tulsi is available as a tea and in herbal supplements.
Lastly, matcha green tea is packed with powerful antioxidants and contains theanine, which has a calming effect and balances the caffeine content. Matcha is prepared as a concentrated powdered green tea.
Medicinal Mushroom Drinks
Using medicinal mushrooms in hot teas can significantly improve their benefits during cold and flu season. Varieties such as coriolus, cordyceps, shiitake, maitake, and others help train immune cells to function optimally and enhance immune system response. Mushroom formulas can also be added to immune-boosting soups for extra benefits. A comprehensive formula containing multiple species of medicinal mushrooms and containing beta-glucans can provide excellent support for your immune system.
Green Smoothies
Although not served hot, powdered green drinks can be an excellent way to support immunity. Green juices and juice powders made from nutrient-dense greens, vegetables, and micro-algae can provide a boost to your system. Look for a brand with a diverse selection of organic ingredients and added probiotics. Home-made green smoothies using fresh green vegetables are a great alternative.
Greens help to alkalize your system, which makes it more difficult for germs and abnormal cells to survive. They also offer antioxidants and nutrients that boost immune cells and detoxify the body.
Age-Old Remedies
A simple and effective morning beverage for immunity and overall health is a cup of hot water with fresh lemon and ginger. This immune-boosting drink is hydrating, energizing, and provides antioxidants, vitamin C, and other beneficial compounds. This remedy warms your body, activates your immune system, and cleanses your entire system.
With the cold and flu season on its way, now is the perfect time to start incorporating these hydrating, health-promoting beverages into your daily routine. By doing so, you can support optimal absorption of nutrients and provide a boost to your immune system during the cold winter months.
