We’re all aware of the usual suspects in our home-remedy bag of tricks: sleep, good food, regular exercise, sunshine.
But what about the lesser known immunity all-stars? These gems are not so common knowledge, yet can be powerful tools in staying healthy.
For an unusual twist on immune boosters, look no further.
Weird - But It Works
1. Laughter. They say laughter is the best medicine, and it turns out they’re right. Merriment releases feel-good chemicals to your bloodstream that relieve the stress response and improve overall immunity. Consider a comedy on Netflix tonight, laugh with friends, laugh at yourself - just keep those chuckles coming.
2. Spicy Food. Hot food hails from hot countries for a reason. Spicy food has natural anti-bacterial effects. Bonus round: it also combats inflammation, speeds up metabolism, and can extend longevity.
3. Upside Down. The act of turning your body upside down is well known in the world of yoga for boosting immunity. How? It literally shuffles your blood around, sending the antibodies in your bloodstream to areas that may be missing out (exercise achieves this too). If a handstand is not happening, try laying on your back with your legs up the wall.
4. Forest Bathing. Research shows that walking in nature for as little as twenty minutes daily calms the nervous system, boosts mood - and thus boosts immunity too.
5. Cold Showers. I admit this one’s a hard sell, but Wim Hof is living proof that it works. As you immerse yourself in cold water, your body struggles to stay warm by increasing its metabolic rate. This results in the production of more white blood cells because it thinks it's under attack. Basically, you’re tricking your body into shoring up its defenses.
6. Sing. Singing is well documented as a natural anti-depressant, but it turns out that belting out your favourites also kick starts the immune system. And who doesn’t love a good car sing a long?
7. Drink a Mushroom Latte. We’re just beginning to tap into the incredible health benefits of mushrooms. Three varieties in particular are powerhouses: shiitake, chaga, and reishi. The benefits of these fungi in keeping your system finely tuned are endless. If a latte isn’t up your alley, try a supplement, or in the case of shiitake, eat them on a regular basis.
8. Make Love Not War. Sex has been shown to lower blood pressure, induce better sleep, and yes, reduce the number of days you get sick. Plus, let’s face it: this one might be more fun than a mushroom latte or a cold shower!
