There are certainly some things that you can do to make your immune system stronger. One of the first things we noticed when we started living healthier and eating more plant-based was that we also got sick less often. All winter with a pack of handkerchiefs in the pocket and every year for several days in bed because of the flu, that is no longer the case.
What we need is an immune system that responds in time and is strong enough to trigger an immune response when pathogens, bacteria, and viruses enter our body.
How to boost Immune Power Naturally
You can do this
Eating healthy is not a panacea, but it does help strengthen your immune system! And without all the scare, that’s what we probably all agree on; that is now extra important. That’s why here are our favorite ways to increase your resistance. In an effective (and at the same time tasty) way.
Adequate rest. Maybe an open door, but rest is crucial for your immune system. Several short nights in a row and you catch a flu or a cold. You can also take a rest by meditating, taking a walk through the forest or going to a (yin) yoga class instead of another intensive workout.
Cold showering. The ice baths that Wim Hof has become so familiar with in combination with a certain breathing technique has a demonstrated immune system strengthening effect. Now you don’t have to load your bath with ice cubes every day. But ending a cold shower or your hot shower with a minute of cold is an effective way!
Wash hands. Wash hands after urinating. That which your mother may have said to you before, and now really do and not only with a little water but also with soap. Because a lot is passed on through bacteria on the hands and door handles.
Extra vitamins and minerals. The nutrients for your cells to strengthen the immune system. Stock up on extra kiwis and oranges. But also more often use green (leaf) vegetables in your dishes and mushrooms. The more fresh raw ingredients you can add to your diet, the less the unhealthy snacks and saturated fats can throw a spanner in the works.
Healthy gut flora. An important part of your immune system comes from your intestines. By building a breeding ground for the good intestinal bacteria (pre-biotics from fruit and vegetables, among others) you can improve your intestinal health. Take good probiotics to support this extra.
Eating more fruits and vegetables makes your immune system happy
I recently received an article that told me about a study that showed that the Dutch least often eat vegetables for breakfast and lunch. So limited to the evening meal and even that to a limited extent, because the average Netherlands only gets 131 grams of vegetables in a day! Fruit and vegetables, this is especially where we find valuable micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. That’s what makes your immune system happy. An opportunity for a healthy upgrade.
How does that taste good, vegetables with your breakfast? Make no mistake a grated carrot through your oatmeal can then turn it into a carrot cake. Beetroot not only makes your oatmeal iron-rich and a beautiful pink but also nice and sweet. And you hardly taste grated zucchini. Try this beetroot oatmeal or this oatmeal with zucchini.
Another favorite way to get more vegetables during the day is to make green smoothies! Real vitamin bombs to which you can also easily add a green superfood powder. Think of chlorella, spirulina, moringa, barley grass juice powder or a mix in a Green Juice powder. You can find tasty smoothie recipes here.
Increase your resistance and permanently improve your health
Just eat extra fruit or drink a green smoothie that does not go very fast. You will get the most benefit when you can integrate healthy habits into your life. We also know from our own experience that this does not happen overnight. That is why we have made books with weekly menus and a lot of information to take you with you. If we have to take naps from naps and can always go handkerchiefs to energetic and rarely get sick, then you can too!