Down With the Sickness

By Maya Kashak

#JLTraining #Life
Published: March 10, 2016

I am just getting over one of the worst colds I have had in a long time.  I spent last weekend totally miserable on the couch binge-watching Downton Abbey. I was so sick my hair hurt.  And apparently I was not alone.  Arizona currently leads the nation in the number of influenza-like cases being reported. (see AZ Central article here).

This is a vicious flu season so I thought it would do us all good to think about ways to boost the immune system.  Below are some easy things to remember to help keep our bodies healthy!

  1. Get enough sleep and manage stress.
  2. Avoid tobacco smoke.
  3. Drink less alcohol. (Boooo!)
  4. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, which will provide your body with the nutrients your immune system needs.
  5. Catch some rays.
  6. Consume garlic, mushrooms and immune-supportive herbs.

(everydayhealth.com)

Also, if you need a quick and easy way to sneak a bunch of fruit and veggies into your day, try a fresh juice or smoothie. These smoothies are amazing!

Green Warrior Protein Smoothie
By: Oh She Glows

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh red grapefruit juice
  • 1 cup destemmed dinosaur/lacinato kale
  • 1 large sweet apple, cored and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • heaping 1/2 cup chopped celery (1 med. stalk)
  • 3-4 tablespoons hemp hearts (I use 4 tbsp)
  • 1/4 cup frozen mango
  • 1/8 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 tablespoon virgin coconut oil (optional)
  • 3-4 ice cubes, as needed
  • 1/2-1 tablespoon algae oil (do not add to smoothie – take separately), optional

Golden Glow Elixir Juice
By: The Glowing Fridge

Ingredients

  • 2 apples, any variation
  • 4 small or 2 large oranges, peel removed
  • 1 lemon, peel or no peel, depending on your preference (I left the peel on but chopped off the ends)
  • 2-3 inch knob of fresh ginger, peeled (adjust according to your spiciness liking)
  • 2 inch knob of fresh turmeric, peeled
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 handful of ice (optional)

I hope you enjoy!  Cheers to good health!