When you wake up in the morning and it is the same temperature in Arizona as it is in New York City, you know that it is officially winter! The winter months are here, sickness is spreading around the office (and school system), and we are all trying to do our best to support our immune systems through optimal nutrition, exercise, sleep and when needed, supplementation. However, life happens and sometimes we come down with a nasty bug, virus or infection that leave us down for the count.
With Thanksgiving only a week away, we would rather take precautions in building up our immune systems with immune boosting recipes to ensure that we aren’t sick for a day spent relaxing, filled with delicious and nourishing food, time spent with family and friends, and a day (hopefully) filled with wonderful memories.
Here are two of my favorites: my “Immune Boosting Soup” and my “Brave Garlic Lemonade.” To be honest, they are staples in our household, especially during the cooler months. Let us know if you try either one by tweeting us (@LiveWellAZ), or leaving a comment on our Facebook page (@LivingWellnessMedicalCenter).
If you do get sick, we hope you can recover quickly.* Enjoy, my friends!
Be well,
Dr. Turner’s Easy and Nourishing
Immune Building Soup
- 1 large onion, chopped (antibacterial, antiviral)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (antibacterial, antiviral)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 or 5 astragalus sticks (immune stimulant, antiviral) – can usually find asian markets
- 1 cup celery, chopped (fiber and vitamin source)
- 1 cup green beans, chopped (fiber and vitamin source)
- 2 cups carrots or other root vegetables, chopped (rehydrating, beta-carotene potassium source)
- 2 large potatoes, chopped (potassium source)
- 4 dried or 2 fresh shiitake mushrooms (an immune stimulant)
- Basil, parsley, tarragon, oregano, thyme or other culinary herbs to taste (antibacterial)
- 1 pound organic tofu or chicken, cut into small pieces (protein source)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons white miso (alkaline, rehydrating)
- 8 cups of water
Preparation:
- Add all of your ingredients to the slow cooker 6 hours on medium, or cook on low stove-top for 2 hours. Once the chicken is cooked through completely, add to serving dishes and enjoy!
Dr. Turner’s Brave Garlic Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 whole lemon
- Honey, as needed
- 1 quart Mason jar or tall glass
- Boiling water
Preparation:
- Finely mince 2 cloves fresh garlic and place in a 1-quart Mason jar.
- Fill the jar with boiling water and cover for thirty minutes.
- Strain out the garlic, and to the liquid add the juice of one whole lemon.
- Sweeten to taste with honey.
- Serve as warm as possible, and drink as much as you can handle.
To Help You Fight off Flu Season, We’ve Prepared a Free Natural Immune Support Guide, Which Includes Our at-Home Therapies to Help Your Immune System Heal as Quickly as Possible!
*The doctors at Living Wellness cannot diagnose or treat anyone without seeing this in-person as a patient. As always, please be sure to consult with your physician before following any of these recommendations. What’s best for others might not be best for you. Each patient requires their own, individualized treatment plan.