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By Zelana Montminy

Cold & flu fighting tips!

As cold and flu season continues to wipe out offices and clear drug store shelves nationwide, we're going the organic route and bringing you the "farm-acy" fix for cold and flu season! Try these organic health tips for battling the cold and flu and let us know what you think!

Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria needed for gut health and a healthy gut means we maintain a strong immune system. We can get this good bacteria through eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir and yogurt, or by taking supplements in pill form or in a water or juice. I suggest Suja Probiotic Waters, Probiotic Juices and Drinking Vinegars for your probiotic intake!

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is an anti-bacterial so it can help increase your immune defense power. Also, when our stomach isn’t producing enough acid on its own, we can’t absorb nutrients from our food. Adding acid in the form of ACV will help those important immune boosting foods be absorbed in the way we need them to. Check out Suja's apple cider vinegar drinks to get your daily dose of gut and immune health.

Turmeric: Turmeric is post-workout inflammation’s best weapon due to its main active compound, curcumin. Various studies have shown a number of different molecules involved in inflammation that are stopped by curcumin. Not only will turmeric battle inflammation in our body, it can also increase our focus and energy. When I don’t have fresh turmeric to add to smoothies, I go for Suja’s Fuel, Ginger Turmeric Drinking Vinegar, or our newest Immunity Shot!

Ginger: Ginger has been found to balance and support our immune system. It is best known for its strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. According to research, ginger has been found to activate T-cells. These are white blood cells that can destroy cells infected by viruses, so they play a critical role in a powerful immune system. Mighty Dozen, Peach Ginger Drinking Vinegar, and our Ginger Wellness Shot are my go-to Suja products for ginger!

Cayenne: This spicy pepper contains the chemical capsicum, the key immune boosting ingredient and source of Vitamin C. It also has beta carotene and antioxidants that support our immune system. The spice in the pepper also raises body temperature which causes us to sweat and release toxins from our cells. I grab a Lemon Love or Daybreak Probiotic when I'm craving a Vitamin C boost!

Lemon: Lemon is a source of vitamin C and antioxidants that are needed for cell repair and immune function. Master Cleanse or Lemon Cayenne Drinking Vinegar are my lemon favorites from Suja.

Maqui Berry: You’ve heard of acai but in the same family is maqui berry grown only in a small part of Southern Chile. It is a potent antioxidant, helps reduce post-exercise inflammation in the body, and studies have also shown its antibacterial properties as well. Pick up a Suja Wild Probiotic to try out Maqui Berry!

Cheers to a happy and healthy immune system!

 

SOURCES:

West, N. P., et al. "Probiotics, immunity and exercise: a review." Exerc Immunol Rev 15.107 (2009): e26.

Isolauri, Erika, et al. "Probiotics: effects on immunity." The American journal of clinical nutrition 73.2 (2001): 444s-450s.

Kang, En-Jin, et al. "The effect of probiotics on prevention of common cold: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial studies." Korean journal of family medicine 34.1 (2013): 2-10.

Winkler, P., et al. "Effect of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals on common cold infections and cellular immune parameters." International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics 43.7 (2005).

Feldman, Samantha, et al. "Randomized phase II clinical trials of wellmune WGP

Borchers, Andrea T., et al. "Probiotics and immunity." Journal of gastroenterology 44.1 (2009): 26-46.

Pagnini, Cristiano, et al. "Probiotics promote gut health through stimulation of epithelial innate immunity." Proceedings of the national academy of sciences 107.1 (2010): 454-459.

Jagetia, Ganesh Chandra, and Bharat B. Aggarwal. "“Spicing up” of the immune system by curcumin." Journal of clinical immunology 27.1 (2007): 19-35.

Devasagayam, T. P. A., and K. B. Sainis. "Immune system and antioxidants, especially those derived from Indian medicinal plants." (2002).

Sun, Dongmei, et al. "A novel nanoparticle drug delivery system: the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin is enhanced when encapsulated in exosomes." Molecular Therapy 18.9 (2010): 1606-1614.

Wilasrusmee, Chumpon, et al. "In vitro immunomodulatory effects of herbal products." The American surgeon 68.10 (2002): 860-864.

Tripathi, Sudipta, David Bruch, and Dilip S. Kittur. "Ginger extract inhibits LPS induced macrophage activation and function." BMC complementary and Alternative Medicine 8.1 (2008): 1.

Meserole, Lisa, and Eric Yarnell. "Flu season: Herbal tonics from nature's pharmacy." Alternative and Complementary Therapies 2.5 (1996): 316-320.

Guerrero, Jaime, et al. "Antioxidant capacity, anthocyanins, and total phenols of wild and cultivated berries in Chile." (2011).

Wintergerst, Eva S., Silvia Maggini, and Dietrich H. Hornig. "Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions." Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 50.2 (2006): 85-94.

Genskowsky, E., et al. "Assessment of antibacterial and antioxidant properties of chitosan edible films incorporated with maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis)." LWT-Food Science and Technology 64.2 (2015): 1057-1062.

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a48500/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/

http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/