To maintain optimum health, we all need to be vigilant in keeping our immune systems strong. From long-term wellness and disease prevention to everyday vitality, a strong immune system is your best ally.
We continue to see many clients, both in our clinics and virtually, who are struggling with their immune systems. It's normal to get a cough, cold, or even the flu once a year, but you should be able to recover within three to five days & bounce back feeling strong both mentally and physically soon after.
This lack of bounce back and living with subpar, mediocre health is unacceptable, and you can reset and restore your immune system. It is imperative to be intentional about keeping your immune system strong and resetting it to optimum if you're struggling. It's essential to boost your immune system and incorporate daily habits to stay strong, using simple lifestyle hacks that I personally embrace and coach our clients on, both in the clinic and on our Rejuv Wellness Retreats.
In fact, I have been so moved by clients suffering from weakened immune systems that I have launched a new formula this week called Spike Protect. This new formula is a synergistic blend of Nattokinase, Sea Moss, Pine Needle, Nigella, and many other bioavailable botanicals to support your immune system.
Food is medicine, so we always start there. At Rejuv, we look at you holistically with our 7 Pillars of Wellness. One pillar does include supplementation. After specialising in functional medicine for 25 years, I see that most clients are struggling not from the fuel/diet they are eating, but because their 11 systems are not functioning well.
Whole food plant-based supplements that are bioavailable work with your body to deliver at a cellular level (just like foods do). The main difference is that consuming the volumes of immune-boosting ingredients needed for optimum health is challenging, primarily due to overfarming, which has led to our food no longer containing the same level of nutrition it once did.
How do you know if a supplement has bioavailable ingredients? It's easy; the ingredients will list herbs, plants, botanicals, and real food—not just a list of synthetic vitamins & minerals. Aim for a supplement that is antiviral, antibacterial, and packed full of key antioxidants & herbs to support immune & lung function when looking to restore your immune system.
Plant-based Vitamin C is one such powerful, bioavailable ingredient, which is why I incorporated it into my PhD research. Further support for vitamin C's positive effects can be seen in this research paper by Carr and Maggini (2017) and Hemilä & Chalker (2013, Cochrane Review). Research shows Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system (NIH Fact Sheet).
Here are my favourite go-tos, which I've been educating my clients about, particularly over the last year, that work like magic to keep your immune system strong.
1. Keep Your Immune System Strong with Healing Soup
My Granny's homemade organic chicken & veggie soup. When feeling under the weather, we take this soup daily till we feel better. Generally, I prepare a batch once or twice a month to support our immune systems as a lifestyle hack, too.
2. Hydrate with Natural Electrolytes
Drink 2L of Rejuv Wellness Water per day to boost hydration with natural electrolytes, including Celtic sea salt, lime and more. It's best to have this at a warm or room temperature, not ice cold. Proper hydration supports circulation and immune cell transport (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
3. Embrace Food as Medicine
Boosting your immune system involves maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (Harvard Health). Organic colourful living plants are the fastest way to boost your immune system, but some find this tricky due to IBS symptoms with insoluble fibre. If this is you, eat more steamed vegetables, soups, and stews until your gut heals. See my blog with our Gut and Immune Boosting Rainbow Salad.
4. Use Whole Food Supplements
✨ Product Recommendation (convenient option): My kids are taking our Rejuv Immune Boost Pack, featuring vegan capsules loaded with turmeric, rose hips, elderberry, medicinal mushrooms & more.
✨ Product Recommendation (convenient option): As adults, my husband and I are taking our Rejuv Immune Restore Pack, providing probiotics and vitamins D & K. Research highlights the role of vitamin D in immune resilience (Aranow, 2011).
Our Immune Restore Capsules contain vitamin C, pre & probiotics, Astragalus, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Olive Leaf, Black Garlic, Turmeric & Ginger.
5. Embrace Mindfulness
Chronic stress lowers immune defences by disrupting cortisol and inflammation pathways (Cohen et al., 2012). Visit my blog on renewing your mind to learn immune-boosting thought habits and mindfulness routines.
6. Drink Green Juice
Drink 500ml veggie juice daily (celery, cucumber, lettuce, lemon, lime, ginger) and add a super greens blend. ✨ Product Recommendation (convenient option): Rejuv Super Greens Powder with 45 superfoods, pre/probiotics and enzymes.
7. Salt Baths
Take a bath or foot soak with Sea Salt, Epsom Salts, or Magnesium Flakes once or twice a week to support detox and calm the nervous system. Relaxation supports sleep quality, which in turn strengthens immunity (Besedovsky et al., 2012).
8. Heal Your Gut
The gut is home to much of our immune system (Belkaid & Hand, 2014). Reduce inflammatory foods and increase soups, warm foods, and organic options. See my Top 10 Gut Healing Foods.
9. Boost Essential Oils
Essential Oils can reduce stress and combat microbes (Yang et al., 2019). My favourites include frankincense, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, and chamomile. ✨ Product Recommendation (convenient option): These are also in my Rejuv Stress and Sleep Support Capsules.
10. Boost Sleep
Sleep is essential for immune balance (Mayo Clinic). Try turning WiFi off at night and grounding daily. ✨ Product Recommendation (convenient option): I use the Therasage PEMF Mat nightly to support circadian rhythm and recovery.
Understand How to Change Your Health
Not sure where to start? Take our FREE Wellness Quiz to build your Wellness Profile, or order our 10-Point Naturopathic Urine Tests to fast-track your personalised wellness plan.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or wellness routine, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking medications.
