Hey y'all!!
Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know....it's been a minute! This Covid-19 pandemic has made 2020 a weird year and trying year! 😩We've lost so many loved ones due to coronavirus, and the numbers are still going up. Experts advise us to stay home and away from loved ones (especially the elderly), but what can we do in the meantime to strengthen our immune system from illnesses? Below are five must-haves to strengthen your immune system during this crazy pandemic:
Brazil Nuts
Brazil Nuts
Yes! Brazil nuts...I know they're nasty and bland as hell...but get over yourself!😂 Brazil nuts are very high in selenium, support a healthy thyroid, and strengthen your immune system. Some brands of brazil nuts have over 200% selenium in just one serving (one to three nuts)! Selenium can also help prevent certain cancers, infections, and can reduce inflammation in the body. Two added benefits that I will mention--brazil nuts can lower your cholesterol significantly and can improve brain function. Check out the brazil nuts I eat here.
Vitamin D
I can't stress enough how important vitamin D is for proper bodily function. As a person who is African American, I think I can assume that most Black people are vitamin D deficient. I'm guessing because of the melanin in our skin. When you're vitamin D deficient, all kinds of shit starts to happen to your body...fatigue, muscle weakness, mood changes (i.e., depression). 😒😕 Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with frequent infections. So you gotta beef up on that, ok? There are two ways to get the appropriate amount of vitamin D:
1. Go out in the sun for 15-30 minutes every day. Take a walk, sit on the porch, do some type of activity in direct sunlight, preferably around noon (don't forget your sunscreen)!
2. Take a vitamin D supplement. I do both. I've been walking outside for 5-mile walks every day since April of this year (**pats self on the back**), but I also take a vitamin D supplement! Check out vitamin D supplements here.
Elderberry Syrup
That elderberry syrup is the TRUTH!😂 I haven't had a cold in three years, and haven't had the flu in over 10 years. And no, I don't take the flu shot (to each his own though, I ain't mad at ya)! Elderberry is very high in antioxidants and vitamins, which strengthens your immune system. It is typically made with elderberries, ginger, clove, cinnamon and honey. Elderberry also reduces inflammation and stress, and promotes a healthy heart. I get my elderberry from the best...Mother Nature Holistic Health, LLC. Check out their elderberry syrup here. Aye!!!☝ Don't be mixing it with Patron either! 😂😂😂😂
Wildcrafted Sea Moss
Taking wildcrafted sea moss (it's gotta be wildcrafted, not harvested in pools!!!) can do wonders for your health! My Caribbean friends have been down with sea moss for a long, long time!! lol...It promotes a healthy immune system and it works to dissolve excess mucus from your body. It has 92 of the 102 vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly. It's antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant and antimicrobial. Sea moss is loaded with iodine, which is what your thyroid needs to function properly. It's generally tasteless and will dissolve in smoothies, coffee, tea, and soups. You can also use it as thickener when cooking. I also get my wildcrafted sea moss (available in gel form and raw form) from Mother Nature Holistic Health, LLC. Check them out here!
Sage
Sage is antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial, and is said to eliminate up to 94% of bacteria and pathogens in the air when your burn it (the technical term is called "smudging"). During this pandemic, I literally smudge my house with sage every time I leave the house and come back home! It acts as a natural Lysol, and can improve the quality of your sleep. Sage is good for the brain and promotes healthy cognitive function. I not only smudge my house with sage, I also use the grounded sage spice when cooking! Listen, I get all of my sage from Mother Nature Holistic Health, LLC (you knew I was gonna say that, didn't you? 😎😁😂). Check out their white sage here.
I think that's it, for now. Only other thing I can think of is to consistently wash your hands, drink plenty of spring water, eat blueberries, and get your proper sleep. And love from a distance! This pandemic is real. I hope we all make it through this!
Stay healthy, my friends! I love us for real! 💓
Sincerely,
-The Vegan World Traveler
