With winter now in full swing, it becomes all the more necessary to give our immune systems a powerful boost against bugs.
At IMI, we recommend three easy, yet impactful ways to bolster your immunity. Eat well. Live well. Supplement well.
Eat well
Did you know that 70% of your immune system lives in your gut? It’s important to eat foods that nourish and nurture your immune system, and avoid foods that hurt and hinder its abilities. At this time (and all year round) prioritise a whole food diet high in vegetables and fruits, and low in processed foods, white foods, and sugar.
For the perfect blend of immunity-boosting vitamins and antioxidants, we recommend:
- Fruits including all types of citrus fruits and papaya for a vital fix of Vitamin C.
- Vegetables like red bell peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts and spinach – all packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Sugar-free yoghurt – a great source of Vitamin D and probiotics to keep the gut healthy.
- Lean proteins like chicken and turkey breast, and protein-rich eggs and nuts.
It’s important to be aware of foods you’re intolerant to. No matter how clean you eat, if you consume something that doesn’t agree with your gut, it can upset the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria, leaving you more susceptible to illness. A simple pin prick test available at IMI can identify food intolerances and, with a tailored plan in place to heal your gut, we can put a stop to runny noses, coughs and colds.
Live well
There’s no end of research in Hong Kong that confirms the sad reality: we stress more, sit more, stare at screens more, and sleep less. Our lifestyles add stress to our bodies and weaken our immune systems.
Simple tweaks can restore our immune superpowers. As challenging as it can be in Hong Kong’s frenetic way of life, working towards creating more balance can boost our immunity.
Incorporating mindful breaks from work, as well as breaks from our screen, prioritising a good night’s sleep and gentle daily exercise can support our bodies and in turn, immunity.
Supplement well
In winter, our immune systems need extra support. In addition to appropriate diet and lifestyle tweaks, a tailored plan of natural medicines like herbal medicine, homeopathy, and good-quality nutritional supplements can bolster your immune system’s innate healing abilities.
In fact, good quality supplements are essential to build a strong immune system, especially given deteriorating soil quality, imported foods and resulting nutrient-poor produce. The additional environmental factors present in Hong Kong, like pollution put extra stress on our immune systems. Our pure and potent practitioner-recommended supplements include probiotics, vitamin C and D, and zinc. These nutrients help nourish gut health, support a healthy stress response, and offer an antioxidant boost to combat oxidative stress caused by pollution.
If you do fall sick, homeopathy can trigger the body’s self–healing power by stimulating a precise reaction in the body against the symptoms. It can also help rebalance your immune system long-term.
Can we boost your immune system?
Yes, we can. Our naturopaths have helped and healed thousands of clients – young and old – over the years. They’re often the first port of call for clients who want a natural and personalised fix for boosting their immune function. Ready to supercharge your immunity? Book an appointment with an IMI naturopath by calling 2523 7121 or connecting with us here.
