Hello friends and farmily! This is a quick post on things we are doing to stay healthy and boost our immune systems.

With coronavirus and everything that is going on in the world I owe it to you to tell you how we try to live and stay healthy. I am a nurse in the ICU and am exposed to things all the time. Staying healthy is very important to me. You can take my suggestions or leave them, but I wanted you to know some of the things we do to stay as healthy as possible. Especially now during these times.

I’m not saying you won’t get sick if you do these things but It can’t hurt for you to try them! They might seem simple, but they do make a difference! Of course friends always WASH YOUR HANDS!!

5 ways to help you stay healthy

1.) Say no to sugar and other inflammatory foods.

Reduce sugar intake and other inflammatory foods- Let’s face it we all love sugar, but when you’re sick or at risk of getting sick sugar is NOT your friend. Eating too much sugar prevents the cells ability to attack bacteria and the result is you won’t be able to fight off infection the same. So limit it and other inflammatory foods such as fried foods, oils, processed meats, refined flour, processed foods, alcohol, and dairy. If you’re trying to stay super healthy, stay away from anything that can cause inflammation and decrease your immune system. This also includes staying away from smoking.

2.) Get plenty of sleep

If you’re not sleeping well, your body cannot fight off an infection. There are so many studies on this topic. It’s even best if you go to sleep before 10pm. Those hours before midnight really give you an extra boost. So if at all possible sleep more! Aim for 8+ hours a night.

3.) Hot and Cold Shower

You know Jared is obsessed with his ice baths. Well it’s for immune function reasons. Here is an idea - Finish your shower with cold water. We have done this for years and my mom even did it to me as a child. When you jump into cold water, or go from really hot water to cold water it causes your body’s metabolic response to increase. In response, your body produces more white blood cells which are the cells that fight infection. If you can do a super hot shower, then turn the water all the way cold for 20 seconds. Then go back to hot for 1 min, then cold 20 seconds etc. Do this three times and always end on cold. Then briskly rub your body dry once done to promote circulation. You’ll hate it at first but it will make you feel better!

4.) Drink lots of lemon water.

Lemon is known to kill mold, bacteria, and a host of other germs. It’s routinely used in cleaning products and household items. So why not drink it for it’s health benefits. Lemons are super high in vitamin C and antioxidants, all very important when fighting disease.

A delicious drink is

1 lemon squeezed

8 oz of water

1tsp honey

5.) Trust More Stress Less

Stress is terrible for the immune system. And it’s easier said than done to just stress less when there is chaos all around us. I believe in prayer and in a God who loves us and cares for us no matter what. I have to trust and let God take my stress. I can sit and worry or I can be proactive and help others. If you are unsure and you don’t have a belief system and want to talk to someone please feel free to reach out. ( hello@azurefarmlife.com)

There’s a song that says

“I cast all my cares upon You, I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet,
And any time I don't know just what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You”

One of my favorite Bible verses says

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

I hope this has given you some insight on what we do to stay healthy and boost our immune system.

Much Love, Annette

P.S. Jared wanted me to share this link of good news. He’s obsessed with the sun and saw this article about how places with more sun seem to be seeing much less impact of the virus. Here is the link - https://futurism.com/neoscope/weather-coronavirus-warm-study