Here in the Pacific Northwest, the cold, damp weather of fall has arrived. Is it affecting you? I know I am feeling the shift. Kids are back to school and cold and flu season is here. According to Ayurveda, what we need to thrive this time of year is warmth, nourishment, plenty of rest and regular routine. Ayurveda is big on self-care remedies that are in accordance with nature’s rhythms. How tuned into the season are you?
Ayurveda Tips to Boost Your Immune System
Tip #1
Eat with the Season
Nature in her infinite wisdom provides us with the perfect foods to support our immune systems. Fall and winter foods like citrus fruits, squashes, root veggies, winter greens and even pumpkin seeds are loaded with immune boosting nutrients like Vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. Seasonal foods are picked at the peak of freshness and offer higher nutritional content than unripe fruits and vegetables that are out of season. Eat whole, fresh, organic foods that reflect the season and limit your intake of sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.
Tip #2
All Things Warm
According to Ayurveda during the fall the cold, light, dry and mobile energy of Vata dosha dominates. Vata energy can cause dry skin, chapped lips, restless sleep, increased anxiety, cold hands and feet and constipation. Eating warm soups and stews, using warming spices like cinnamon, ginger and black pepper, sipping warm water throughout the day and bundling up in your favorite hat and scarf all are simple ways to balance the Vata energy and support your immune system.
Tip #3
Rest Up
Sleep is one of the three pillars of health in Ayurveda and tradition suggests going to bed between 10 and 11 pm and rising around 6 am. It is especially important to sleep from 10 pm – 2 am when the body cleanses, heals, and restores during its natural time of self-repair.
Tip #4
Try an Herb
Take the Ayurvedic rejuvenative herb Chyavanprash. Chyavanprash is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal jam made of spices and amalaki fruit. Amalaki is a rich source of antioxidants and is believed to have the most concentrated source of vitamin C in the plant kingdom. Chyavanprash promotes digestion and metabolism while supporting the body’s natural defenses.
Wishing you a rocking immune system.
Kate