No one likes catching a cold or flu, period. It's always important to take care of our immunity and health, but in the wake of fear surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), we know many are searching for immune-boosting solutions. The best way to avoid getting sick is to avoid exposure to the sickness altogether. If you are feeling ill or have traveled abroad recently, please self isolate if you are able to. The next best way to avoid getting sick is to boost immunity, which is both an effective preventative measure, and integral to recovery if you do end up catching something.

One of the best tips we can offer is one you've heard time and again: wash your hands often with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds. It seems intuitive, but many of us have been washing our hands improperly since we were taught how to as kids! See this helpful infographic for tips on how to wash your hands effectively to prevent the spread of germs.

Beyond hand-washing, try not to touch your face, make sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow (do not cough or sneeze into your hands), and keep hand sanitizer with you in public situations. Getting a good night's sleep (ideally 8 hours) and exercising regularly are also important habits for maintaining good immunity and reducing the severity of sickness when we do catch something.

Luckily we’ve put together a Tool-Kit of immune-boosting staples that will help turn your immune system into a bug-fighting machine, and ensure a speedier recovery if you do happen to fall sick.

Soul Warmers

Golden Mylk - This turmeric based drink is a delicious way to boost your immune system and will have you feeling better in no time if you find yourself a feeling under the weather! Traditionally made with turmeric, honey, coconut oil and any type of non-dairy milk, this beverage has great anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that will help soothe your cold & flu symptoms while also tackling the root of the sickness. We’re loving Botanica's Turmeric Golden Mylk powder because of how simple and easy it is without sacrificing its delicious flavour. You simply combine the powder with your favourite type of milk and you’ve got yourself a perfect turmeric latte packed with immune boosting goodness!

Bone Broth - Known for its incredible healing properties, bone broth is a must-have for boosting immunity and ensuring a speedy recovery when you’re not feeling on top of your game. It’s packed with collagen and glutamine, plus a ton of minerals that help heal your body from the inside out. Aside from its amazing health benefits, bone broth is great for soothing your throat and your stomach and warming you up when you have a chill you just can’t shake! We’ve been loving Organika bone broth powder which allows you to whip up a cup in a fraction of the time that traditional bone broth takes. Plus, it comes in an original flavour and a ginger flavour to please everyone’s taste buds.

Tea & Honey - Another staple in our tool kit is tea and honey. There’s nothing like a hot cup of tea with a teaspoon of raw honey to sooth your throat when you’re sick or to warm you up on a chilly day. We have a ton of great teas including condition-specific teas from Traditional Medicinals as well as some organic holiday teas from Stash. We love these teas with some raw honey from the Unheated Honey company!

Soup - Soups are a great choice when you’re feeling under the weather but find yourself without much of an appetite. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, soups are a perfect way to get in a ton of immune-boosting veggies at once. We love the soups from Eat More Soup! Not only are their soups packed with wholesome ingredients and flavour, but they’re a social enterprise that provides life-changing opportunities to vulnerable adults in the community. Their soups will help you feel better, and their company will help out those in need--a win-win. We have some other great soups from Pacific Foods and Amy’s that cater to all tastes.

Immune Boosting Supplements

Natural Factors Echinamide Quickblast - ECHINAMIDE Quick-Blast provides fast relief for sore throats and sinus congestion! It combines organic echinacea extract with eucalyptus, peppermint, menthol, and lemon, in a base of honey helping to relieve symptoms, fight off infections and reduce the duration of colds. This product is a must-have in our immune boosting tool kit!

Vitamin C - Another staple in our immune-boosting tool kit is vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial in supporting immune health and works wonders in getting you back to health when you’re feeling sick. Some of our favourite vitamin C supplements are SISU Ester-C which is the only form of vitamin C that has been proven to stay in the body for up to 24 hours. We also love Ener-C which is a drinkable form of vitamin C which tastes delicious and makes it super easy to get your daily recommended intake.

Oil of Oregano - Working as a very potent antimicrobial, oil of oregano works effectively at preventing and eliminating cold & flu symptoms and fighting off infection, and can be taken daily for prevention. Although it comes with a very intense taste, oil of oregano works wonders. We have our very own Kardish brand of oil of oregano that can be found in all of our stores and will be a staple in your own immunity tool kit!

Remember: Stay Calm and Try to Reduce Risk

Wash your hands, protect your immunity, and try to self isolate as much as possible in order to reduce the chances of any type of sickness spreading. Whether you have COVID-19 or not, the best way to reduce the chances of germs spreading is to practice good hygiene and not take any necessary trips to busy public places. If you are sick already, see our our guide that covers 5 Ways To Ditch That Cold Or Flu For Good.

Source:Personal Trainer Pioneer