8 ways to boost your immune system this winter

Your body is exposed to a range of diseases, infection, viruses and bacteria every day. With winter coming on strong and the stress of the holidays now is a good time to focus on taking extra special care of you and your immune system. Your immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. To have immunity is to be protected. 

By boosting your immune system, you’re further protecting the body. There are many things that attack the immune system including stress, sickness and disease. As air temperatures drop, your mucus secretions increase. Some common cold viruses including seasonal flu are more active in cooler weather, making the body more susceptible to sickness.

CBD and your immune system

Did you know that CBD can help boost your immune system? It can. Here’s how it works. Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) is connected to the immune system. This complex cell-signaling biological system composed of cannabinoid receptors regulates a range of functions including immunity. CB2 receptors in particular are abundant in the immune system. The beneficial properties of CBD interact with those receptors in a holistic and supportive way, helping your immune system work smarter. 

Here are eight easy ways to support your immune system plus some of our most comforting and healthy CBD recipes. 

Eat breakfast every morning

A healthy breakfast is a significant source of healthy nutrients. Cardiff University in Wales found that eating breakfast regularly can lower the risk of catching colds and flu. Try starting the day off right with a boost of antioxidants and probiotics like green tea and yogurt. A cup of green tea is loaded with beneficial antioxidants and a serving of plain yogurt is full of probiotics. Add CBD and create a morning immune support routine.  

Exercise regularly

Even a moderate amount of exercise improves blood flow through the cardiovascular system. This helps flush toxins and germs from the body through sweat and urine. And regular exercise can lighten the mood and reduce stress. Whether it’s a short walk outside, weight resistance training or a long run on a cold, crisp day, the difference is noticeable to your body, mind and immune system. To help soothe those sore muscles and unwind try one of our topical CBD products like our balms, muscle gels, lotions, and massage oils. 

Get plenty of rest

Getting good, regular sleep can be a game changer. Adequate sleep for adults of seven–eight hours nightly can actually strengthen your natural immunity. Whereas inadequate sleep is linked to higher susceptibility to sickness.  Sleep and immunity are very closely connected. 

If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, try limiting screen time for an hour before bed, as the blue light emitted from your smartphone, TV and computer may disrupt the circadian rhythm, or your body’s natural wake-sleep cycle. Make yourself a cup of relaxing herbal tea like chamomile before bed or take CBD like one of our specifically formulated sleep products.

You can also try sleeping in a completely dark room or using an eye pillow. Routines like going to bed at the same time every night and exercising regularly help as well. 

Stay hydrated

We all know we should drink more water, but it’s easy to forget to drink enough water daily. As a general rule, if you're feeling thirsty, you’re already behind on water consumption. So, try to drink about eight glasses of liquids including fresh, filtered water regularly throughout the day and four to eight ounces per every 15 minutes of activity when you’re exercising. 

Drinking plenty of water keeps your immunity up. Staying hydrated helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that cause illness.  

Take vitamin C and vitamin D

Both vitamin C and vitamin D have immune boosting properties. Being deficient in vitamin D does have an impact on your susceptibility to infection, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci. In fact, researchers at the University of Chicago found a link between vitamin D deficiency and Covid-19. Those with an untreated deficiency in vitamin D were more likely to test positive for the virus. 

Vitamin C is a good antioxidant and supports various cellular functions of the body’s immune systems according to a 2017 study published by the The National Institutes of Health. Vitamin C also appears to prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. 

Reduce stress

When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That makes us more susceptible to infections. Anything you can do to help yourself relax can have an impact on your health. Whether it’s making sure you exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, cut back on sugar and alcohol and practice yoga or meditation, reducing stress can have a positive impact on your daily life. CBD can lighten your mood and help you relax and unwind. Try one of our specifically formulated Elderberry Gummies enriched by immune-boosting Elderberry, Vitamins C & D3, and Zinc to help maintain good health and bolster the body’s defense system.

Wash your hands regularly

Now more than ever, simple things like washing our hands and using hand sanitizer, can make all the difference when it comes to staying healthy. Washing your hands regularly for at least 30 seconds and using hand sanitizer, like ours when fresh water is not available is an easy way to prevent the spread of germs. 

It’s all about your gut

A healthy gut supports a healthy immune system. In fact, about 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. A diet rich in whole plants, good fats and fewer processed foods can improve immunity and an overall healthy digestive system.  

Support your immune system with these CBD-infused recipes

Sweet Potato Hummus

Whether used as a dip or a spread, this creamy, smooth hummus is enriched with fresh sweet potatoes for extra vitamins and it’s also elevated with a generous amount of high-quality Lazarus Naturals CBD.  Plus, you can take advantage of the recipe’s innate flexibility: Use the unflavored isolate or full spectrum variety you prefer, and adjust the quantity based on your needs and preferences.

Makes 2½ cups / 10 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet potatoes (about 1 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1½ cups cooked garbanzo beans (freshly cooked or 1 15-ounce can, drained)
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for serving
• 1 tablespoon tamari
• 5 ml Lazarus Naturals High Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture, or other Lazarus Naturals unflavored variety (use more or less CBD as desired)
• 1 large clove garlic
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Water 
• Toasted sesame seeds and paprika, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Fill a large pot with an inch or two of water and fit with a steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and add the sweet potatoes to the basket. Cover, and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very soft. Remove the potatoes from the pot, and let them cool to room temperature.

To a food processor, add the cooled potatoes, garbanzo beans, tahini, lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, tamari, and Lazarus Naturals High Potency Full Spectrum CBD Tincture or other Lazarus Naturals unflavored variety. Also add the garlic, salt, cayenne pepper, and ¼ cup water. Process the hummus until completely smooth, adding additional water a tablespoon at a time if needed to thin the hummus further. Finally, taste for seasoning, and add additional garlic, salt, cayenne or even more Lazarus Naturals CBD if you prefer.

Transfer the finished hummus to a serving bowl, and top with a drizzle of olive oil, as well as a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and paprika, for garnish.

Stored in a sealed container and refrigerated, Sweet Potato Hummus will last up to 7 days. 

Cranberry-Pecan Overnight Oats

Studded with nuts, seeds, and fruit—and enriched with Lazarus Naturals Blood Orange High Potency CBD Isolate Tincture—this perfectly spiced overnight oats recipe is a deeply satisfying way to start out the day.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup pecan halves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (juice-sweetened variety preferred)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Small pinch ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar, or monk fruit 1:1 sugar substitute
• 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 ml Lazarus Naturals Blood Orange High Potency CBD Isolate Tincture

Instructions

In a quart-sized mason jar or sealable container, mix together the oats, pecans, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and sugar. Add the almond milk and Lazarus Naturals Blood Orange High Potency CBD Isolate Tincture. Seal the container, then shake well. Refrigerate the oats overnight (about 8 hours), or longer.

When ready to serve, spoon into bowls. Overnight oats will last for up to 5 days, refrigerated.

Variation: 

Overnight oats can also be topped with additional fresh or dried fruit, nuts and seeds, and almond milk. Alternatively, they may also be warmed gently on the stove before enjoying.

Blueberry Nice Cream Smoothie

This versatile—and decadent tasting—smoothie goes exceptionally well with many sweet flavors, so feel free to use your favorite fruit-flavored variety of Lazarus Naturals CBD tinctures here. Our unflavored CBD tincture works equally well. 

Makes 2 cups / 1 serving

Ingredients

• ¾ cup frozen blueberries
• ¼ cup raw cashews
• 1 Medjool date, pitted
• ¼ cup unsweetened yogurt (non-dairy variety recommended)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ml your favorite fruit-flavored or unflavored Lazarus Naturals CBD tincture
• Handful ice
• 1 cup coconut water
• Liquid stevia, to taste (optional)

Instructions

To a blender, add the blueberries, cashews, date, yogurt, vanilla, and your choice of Lazarus Naturals CBD tincture.  Add a few ice cubes, and pour in the coconut water. Blend until smooth.  

Taste, and if additional sweetness is desired, blend in a couple drops of liquid stevia. 

Be well and take good care this winter

Here’s to you and your well-supported immune system this winter. Let us know what works for you. Share your tips and tricks. Drop us a line in the comments section and be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook And Twitter.