Firstly, Introduce yourself! Who are you, what do you do, and what are your passions?
Hello! Thank you for allowing me to share my knowledge with you. I’m Abby, overly passionate about the plants and our body’s innate ability to self-heal, which finds me deep in a Bachelor’s Degree of Health Science (Naturopathy). Alongside my studies, I am a mother to three, an avid cook, and a beginner vege gardener! I am also lucky enough to work within the field of natural medicine, dividing my time between a naturopath clinic and local health food store. I see my future self sharing the world of plants with others through holistic naturopathic medicine, to educate and to inspire others to heal.
Why is taking steps to boost our immune systems in the colder months extra important?
It’s no secret that our immune system takes a hit when the weather starts to cool down. This is due to lower levels of vitamin D being absorbed (our greatest immune system support) through reduced sun exposure. The colder temperatures can also decrease our body’s immune response. Boosting our immunity through the colder months gives our body that extra layer of support.
What are the signs of a strong immune system, compared to the signs of weak immunity?
Weak immunity can look like increased frequency of infections, increased gastrointestinal issues, decreased energy and if your healing time is typically longer than those with a stronger immune system.
What are the foundational habits and practices of keeping a healthy immune system?
There are lots of wonderful and easy ways we can incorporate daily practices to nourish our immune system!
Firstly, sleep – paramount. Making sure we are adopting healthy sleeping habits will ensure proper immune system regulation and also encourages a strong immune response.
Nutrition – a healthy functioning immune system will thrive on eating nutrient-dense, whole foods and a balanced plate. This will enhance our response to pathogens and increase response time adequately.
Hydration – water intake is critical for cellular homeostasis.
Stress – keeping stress at a minimum!
What are some additional habits that will help to boost immunity?
Sunshine – especially during the winter months. When vitamin D is absorbed from sunshine through the skin, it helps our bodies regulate both our innate and adaptive immunity.
Nature – being within nature helps to strengthen our immunity. The plants around us are protective!
What specific foods can help to support immunity?
We want to focus on immune-boosting foods full of the necessary vitamins and minerals our bodies need, so ensuring we are consuming a diverse and balanced range of prebiotic and probiotic foods, citrus, berries, chilli, capsicum, garlic, ginger, turmeric, greens, and fatty fish to name a few.
What supplementation can help to boost immunity?
If we require some additional immune system support, we can lean on vitamin D, vitamin C, B vitamins, zinc, medicinal mushrooms (my family’s favourite!), selenium and garlic.
What herbs can support our immune systems?
Beautiful immune nourishing herbs are:
Astragalus, Andrographis, liquorice, curcumin, echinacea and propolis. These herbs exhibit immune enhancing and modulating, adaptogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Anything else you'd like to add? Where can we find you on social media?
You can find me on Instagram @abbydale.naturopath where I love to share my journey through the eyes of a Naturopath student and all of the wonderful things I am learning along the way!
