There is a common misconception about breast cancer, and it is thinking that you aren’t at risk if you don’t have a family history of it. The simple fact is that only 12% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. There are other risk factors that you should be aware of, including a sedentary lifestyle and taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Health experts estimate that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an important time for women to focus on prevention, education, and early detection. When you are knowledgeable about breast cancer, you can help reduce the risk of developing it and detect early issues. Continue reading to learn about five things every woman should know about breast cancer. 

Know Your Risk Factors

As is the case with many forms of cancer, risk factors vary from person to person. Family history, aging, and more are beyond your control, but understanding them can help you develop preventative measures. Statistically, women with close relatives (sister, mother, or daughter) who have had breast cancer have a higher risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are genetic mutations, also significantly increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Early menstruation, late menopause, and not having children are other risk factors to consider. When you know your risk factors, you can work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized screening plan.

When To Start Screening

Ideally, you should have annual breast exams at the doctor’s office starting at the age of 18. Annual mammograms should begin between the ages of 35 and 40. Health experts also encourage women to examine their own breasts monthly at the end of their period when breasts are the most tender. You should know your breasts better than anyone, so you should alert your doctor if you notice any lumps, swelling, nipple discharge or inversion, or any other changes. 

Pay Attention To Breast Rashes

Inflammatory breast cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer that presents itself as a rash. Some of the symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain and/or itchiness
• Severely enlarged pores on the breast(s)

Doctors tend to misdiagnose inflammatory breast cancer as dermatitis (a common skin infection) or mastitis (breast tissue inflammation) because it looks like a regular rash. If your rash does not respond to antibiotics within five days, your doctor may need to take a skin sample to test for cancer. 

Lifestyle Choices Make A Difference

Although not all cases of breast cancer are preventable, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk. Statistically, people who consume a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds have a lower risk of cancer than those who consume a lot of processed foods, saturated fat, and refined carbs. Additionally, regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderately-intense exercise per day, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Finally, health experts urge women to maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause, because excess body fat can increase estrogen levels and contribute to cancer risk. 

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Most women know to look for lumps, as that is the most common indicator of breast cancer. Changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture (dimpling) can be red flags. It’s also possible for some women to experience redness or swelling of the breast, which could indicate inflammatory breast cancer (as we mentioned earlier). Early detection of these symptoms can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment. If you notice something, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor about it. 

At Dherbs, we believe that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to value the importance of early detection. That said, we don’t think that women should just focus on their health during October. Maintaining overall health and wellness is a year-round endeavor. Should you want to help cleanse the female reproductive system and optimize female health, consider our Female Cleanse.

SHARE:

The post Breast Cancer Awareness: Top 5 Things Every Woman Should Know appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

As lovers of chia pudding, we are always trying to find fun, new ways to enjoy this delicious treat. It makes for a great grab-and-go breakfast, pre- or post-workout snack, or even a healthy dessert, depending on the recipe. Since the days are finally starting to get colder, we decided to flavor the chia pudding similar to some classic holiday cookies. Yes, we know that Halloween has not even happened yet, but something about the weather inspired this wonderful treat of a recipe.

The key to nailing this recipe is using the proper amount of each spice. There is no gingerbread spice; rather, you combine a few classic holiday spices to create that classic gingerbread flavor. The spices actually balance out the natural sweetness of the maple syrup. You’ll need cinnamon, nutmeg, ground clove, and ginger powder. Whisk those spices into the chia pudding mixture and you’ll be good to go. Just remember that you may need to taste the chia pudding and adjust a spice or two in order to please your taste buds. That said, we worked very hard to measure out every ingredient in a precise way. So while we always encourage creativity and experimentation in the kitchen, you shouldn’t have to doctor up this recipe to make it taste better than it already does.

SHARE:

The post Gingerbread Chia Pudding appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Do you have a cabbage obsession? If you don’t, you’re about to love this low-calorie superfood. Not only does it add texture and color, but also a subtle and humble flavor to your salads. For this salad recipe, though, we eliminated the lettuce and went straight to shredded cabbage for the base. It’s more of a slaw than a salad, but we aren’t about to debate the qualifications of a slaw versus a salad. The fact of the matter is that this recipe embraces fall ingredients and is quite delicious.

For this cabbage apple salad, you can use red or green cabbage, or a mix of both if you want more contrasting colors. The same can be said for the apples. You can use Granny Smith (green) apples, Fuji apples, Honeycrisp apples, or Red Delicious apples. Can’t decide which one to use? Use a combination of two or more apple varieties to establish sweet and tart flavors in this salad. The combination of cabbage, apples, walnuts, and sweeter dressing creates a lovely mix of sweet and savory flavors. Will you serve yourself on a separate plate or eat straight out of the salad bowl?

When it comes time to prepare the salad, you can choose to cut your ingredients uniformly or slightly different. You can thinly slice the apples, or you can cut them into matchsticks to be more similar to the shredded cabbage. Crumble the raw walnuts and then drizzle the dressing over everything. If you want to make this recipe more fall-themed, consider adding some dehydrated cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Dried cranberries are pictured, just FYI. Just make sure that the dehydrated cranberries are free of added sugars and preservatives.

SHARE:

The post Cabbage Apple Salad appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The leaves change, the weather gets cooler, and the scent of pumpkin spice emanates from almost every coffee shop. If those things do not indicate fall, we don’t know what will. A lot of people also spend more time indoors, due to colder weather, and that just so happens to coincide with the arrival of cold and flu season. If you like to take a more proactive approach to health, which includes strengthening the immune system, that can only benefit you this fall.

Why Prioritize Immune Health Now?

The immune system works round the clock to protect the body from harmful pathogens. There is no magic pill that guarantees full immunity, but there are many practical, science-backed methods that can help you enhance immune defense. Getting a head start on immune support is integral to having a vibrant fall and winter. Build up your resilience before you come down with the common cold or flu. Consider the following strategies to fuel your immune system this fall. 

Get Creative When You Feel Too Tired To Exercise

Movement is better than no movement at all, as physical activity improves circulation, lowers stress, and helps immune cells travel throughout the body with ease. Physical activity can also boost energy levels, enhance digestive function, and improve brain health. Sometimes, you don’t want to go to the gym or spin class on colder fall days. That’s completely fine, but it’s important to get creative in order to fit some movement into your day. That can be as simple as a 15-minute walk through the neighborhood, following a 25-minute yoga video in the living room, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Consistency is key, and even short bursts of activity can help encourage better immune function. 

Stay Hydrated

When the weather is colder, it is more common for people to avoid water. The reason for this is because they don’t feel like they need to hydrate because of the summer heat. Water works to carry nutrients to cells and helps the body flush out toxins, two processes that are vital to optimal immune function. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day (more than you think you need), you can help keep up the body’s natural defenses. You can also enhance hydration by eating water-rich foods and drinking herbal teas. Just remember that caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks can dehydrate the body. 

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; rather, it is a necessity. That is true whether you are discussing immune function, mental health, stress, or digestion. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which are protective proteins that are essential for fighting inflammation and infection. Sleep experts encourage people to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. To maintain healthy sleep habits, establish a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep. Lastly, make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet to facilitate healthy sleep. 

Keep Stress Levels Down

It’s common to experience stress every now and again. Maybe your in-laws are visiting or you have $20 riding on a football game. Problems arise when stress becomes chronic, as it can actually suppress the immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. Finding ways to manage stress can go a long way in keeping cortisol levels in check. Try spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that take your mind off things. If stress becomes unmanageable and overwhelming, consider talking to your primary care provider or a mental health specialist. 

Don’t Forget Hand Hygiene

This is a simple act that offers a lot of protection, yet many people neglect proper hand hygiene. Perhaps their hands come in contact with many high-touch surfaces (shopping carts, doorknobs, etc.) and then they put their hands in the eyes, mouth, or nose. If those surfaces had germs on them, those germs could then enter the body and cause infection. If you touch something dirty, take 20 seconds to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. That is especially true after you cough, sneeze, or use the restroom.

Fuel The Body With Nutrition

What you eat impacts your overall health, including your immune system. Health experts suggest people focus on consuming an array of colorful fruits and vegetables as a way to diversify antioxidant intake. Whole fruits and vegetables also offer integral vitamins, minerals, and compounds that encourage healthy immune function. In addition to eating the rainbow, it is best to consume: 

• Whole grains: they provide sustained energy because of the fiber content. Fiber works to enhance gut health, which is closely linked to immune function. 
• Healthy fats: essential for reducing inflammation and enhancing nutrient absorption, you can find these in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and avocado oil.
• Probiotic foods: sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, natto, and miso are all rich in probiotics, which support a healthy microbiome. A higher presence of healthy bacteria in the gut has been linked to better immune function.

SHARE:

The post 6 Ways To Fuel Your Immune System This Fall appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Fall means changing leaves, brisk weather, and lots and lots of pumpkin. Pumpkin is synonymous with fall these days, primarily because of the pumpkin spice latte craze. We are not interested in providing you with recipes that contain over 40 grams of sugar and 500 calories in just one serving. This recipe is a major departure from the classic coffee shop pumpkin spice latte. It involves 100% pure canned pumpkin puree, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, 100% pure unsweetened applesauce, and maple syrup. That’s because we don’t have time for added sweeteners and excess calories!

Do you remember eating fruit leather as a child? You are probably familiar with the chemically-dyed and artificially flavored sugary fruit gummies. To group those processed, sugary items with real fruit leather is quite insulting, primarily because the fruit is almost non-existent. This recipe uses real fruit, which you blend together and then spread evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper is key, folks, because that will allow for easy removal from the pan. The last thing you want is for your fruit leather to get stuck to your baking sheet.

As a quick note, fruit leather does take a few hours to bake (roughly three to four hours). We want to prepare you for that cook time, so you don’t start making this recipe at 8 p.m. What you can do is bake it around 5 p.m.and then allow it to cool overnight before removing it from the parchment paper. Once it cools, you can slice the “leather” into strips and roll each strip up. You can also tear it into pieces, cube it, or enjoy it however you please.

SHARE:

The post Pumpkin Apple Fruit Leather appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you are sick, you’d give anything in the world to feel healthy. Are we right or are we right? You drink tea, hydrate beyond belief, take hot baths, gargle with salt water, do a sinus rinse or two, and nourish the body with healthy foods to accelerate your recovery. What if you took care of your body like that all the time, though? There is nothing wrong with giving your immune system a helping hand year-round. 

The immune system does a phenomenal job of protecting the body against microorganisms. Sometimes, it fails and a germ successfully invades the body and causes sickness. Now, it is enticing to strengthen and support the immune system to defeat invading pathogens. The first line of defense is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and keeping stress levels in check. When you do these things, every part of your body functions better, especially the immune system. Boost immune function all year with the following healthy-living strategies. 

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

According to sleep experts, sleep and the circadian rhythm are strong regulators of immunological processes. One study found a bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the immune system. This connection is mediated by shared signals (neurotransmitters, cytokines, and hormones) and direct innervations of the immune system via the autonomic nervous system. Basically, the body releases proteins (cytokines) during sleep. By boosting cytokine production, you can help strengthen immune function. Additional research found that people who do not get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night are more susceptible to colds and respiratory infections. 

Keep Stress Levels In Check

Most people encounter stress, at least a small amount, on a weekly (if not daily) basis. The trick is to minimize the amount of stress that you experience, while also finding ways to handle the stress you cannot avoid. Stress can have a variety of effects on mental and physical health, especially the immune system. Chronic stress can decrease the production of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help the body fight off infection. If you want to reduce stress, consider adopting a variety of stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, grounding, and more. 

Exercise 

A lot of research indicates that exercising at moderate intensity for 30 to 60 minutes three to five days per week is highly beneficial to the immune system. You don’t have to hit the gym for hours every single day; rather, a brisk walk in the neighborhood, a bike ride, or laps at your local pool can be highly beneficial. Elevating your heart rate works to increase the circulation of immune cells. These cells are the body’s first line of defense for fighting off foreign invaders, so the more you have circulating, the better you are able to protect the body. As a quick note, though, long bouts of high-intensity exercise can actually weaken the immune system. So don’t think that a marathon a day keeps the common cold and flu away.

Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

It should not come as a surprise that eating a well-balanced diet benefits overall health. Supplying the body with a diverse mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, fiber, and more can only benefit you. A balanced diet that consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and healthy fats can eliminate the need for taking lots of supplements. If you want a few foods that help encourage healthy immune function, consider the following:

• Berries contain flavonoids, which are antioxidant compounds that have demonstrated an ability to reduce respiratory illnesses. 
• Leafy green vegetables offer lots of beneficial antioxidants that are vital to cellular health. 
• Ginger exhibits antioxidant and ant-inflammatory properties that may enhance immune function. 
• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons, and limes) contain lots of vitamin C, which supports the production of white blood cells. 
• Fermented foods, kombucha, kefir, natto, yogurt, and miso can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is linked to immune health. 

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Obesity, which is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more in adults, has been linked to impaired immune function. Obesity may also lower the efficacy of numerous vaccines, including influenza, tetanus, and hepatitis B. If you are looking for safe ways to maintain a healthy weight, start first by assessing your diet. Develop a consistent aerobic exercise routine, watch your caloric intake, get sufficient sleep, and avoid being sedentary. The Full Body Cleanse may be an excellent option to kickstart your weight loss journey. 

Still need a little assistance optimizing immune function? Try the Dherbs Immune Booster Kit, which contains four of our signature formulas that aim to support optimal immune function. These supplements may assist your body in protecting itself from external threats.

SHARE:

The post 5 Natural Habits For Optimal Year-Round Immune Function appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

What is cinnamon vanilla cashew butter? Please, allow us to introduce you to your new, favorite indulgence. It is regular homemade cashew butter, but with the addition of warming cinnamon and vanilla. It’s as though plain old cashew butter got dressed up for a night on the town. Didn’t this recipe arrive just in time for this cooler fall weather? Not only is it incredibly easy to make (although blending process can be a little lengthy), but it is also brimming with flavor.

If you have ever browsed the raw vegan nut butters at the grocery store, you know that they can be quite expensive. That is especially true for cashew butter and almond butter. Instead of paying $21 for a small jar of raw cashew butter, buy a large bag of raw cashews and you can make multiple jars yourself. All you need is a food processor, the cashews, cinnamon, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Just keep in mind that it can take 10-15 minutes to become velvety smooth. You will have to stop blending, scrape down the sides of the processor bowl, and continue blending to ensure all of the cashews blend evenly. You can also leave it a little chunky if that’s what you prefer.

One thing to keep in mind about this highly addictive cashew butter is that it does come with a small price. It is naturally rich in calories and fats, even though they are healthy fats. Keep servings small because you can rack up a lot of calories very quickly if you go at this jar with a spoon. If losing weight is your goal, keep yourself away from this, or keep your portions very small and limited.

SHARE:

The post Homemade Cinnamon Vanilla Cashew Butter appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Amla berry, or Indian gooseberry, is an ancient food that has a special place in Ayurvedic medicine. Exhibiting nearly twice the antioxidant power of acai berry and 17 times that of the pomegranate, amla berry contributes to better immune, heart, skin, liver, and kidney function. It also acts as a diuretic agent, which helps to balance stomach acids, fortify the liver, and enhance food absorption. 

What Is Amla Berry?

According to Indian folklore, this berry came from “…the first tree to appear on earth.” Manifested from the tears of Brahma during meditation, the amla berry has been revered by ancient health practitioners. It’s an extremely sour berry that grows on a tree native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia. It exhibits powerful antioxidant properties, which is why many people consume it to boost the health of the skin, hair, and immune system. Amla berry has a fibrous texture and people in India eat it with salt and chili powder. It is also available in powder, tea, pickled, and dried form. 

Amla Berry Nutrition

One cup of amla berries contains one gram of protein, seven grams of fiber, 15 grams of carbs, and less than one gram of fat. Amla berry also contains copper, vitamins B5 & B6, manganese, potassium, and lots of vitamin C. In fact, one cup of amla berries offers 46% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. Continue reading to learn how amla berry can benefit your overall health.

Supports Healthy Digestion

Some research indicates that amla berry may support a healthy digestive system. One study monitored 68 people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who took two 500-milligram tablets of amla extract twice daily for four weeks. The results found that the participants experienced significant reductions in frequency of heartburn and regurgitation. Older animal studies found that amla extract may work to heal or even prevent stomach ulcers. Researchers believe that this is due to the antioxidant content. Amla berry also stimulates the secretion of gastric and digestive juices, helping the body digest food easily while absorbing nutrients optimally.

May Control Blood Sugar

Amla berry contains chromium, which has therapeutic effects for people with diabetes. Chromium works to stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete insulin, which may reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. By reducing blood sugar, cells can use glucose as functional energy, which prevents the plunges and spikes of blood sugar. Additionally, a 2011 study found that amla fruit exhibited anti-hyperglycemic and lipid-lowering effects on type 2 diabetics. 

Promotes Heart Health

Many studies suggest that consuming the juice of amla berries can positively impact heart health. One study found that supplementing with amla extract for 12 weeks helped reduce several risk factors of heart disease in overweight or obese adults. This study also found that cholesterol levels and inflammatory markers reduced after amla extract consumption. In a separate study, people consumed 500-milligrams of amla extract twice daily for 12 weeks. The participants, who had abnormal blood lipid levels, were able to reduce total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol. Additionally, the participants who consumed amla extract had a 39% reduction in atherogenic index of plasma. Atherogenic index is used to evaluate the risk of excess cholesterol build-up in the arteries. 

May Boost Immunity

The vitamin C, vitamin A, alkaloids, flavonoids (like quercetin and kampferol), and polyphenols in amla berry all contribute to optimal immune function. One study found that amla berry exhibited potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to Ayurvedic medicine, amla berry works to increase white blood cell production, helping the body defend itself against foreign invaders. A review of studies determined that vitamin C may help prevent certain infections and shorten the duration of the common cold, provided people consume it regularly.

May Increase Hair Growth

There are several studies surrounding amla berry’s ability to prevent hair loss or contribute to hair growth. One study found that amla berry was able to block a specific enzyme that is involved with hair loss. A separate test-tube study found that amla extract may stimulate hair growth by promoting the growth of specific cells in hair follicles. Amla powder is a common addition to many hair tonics because it helps enrich hair pigmentation and growth. Applying amla oil to the roots may strengthen roots and help hair maintain color. Researchers attribute this ability to the carotene content of amla.

You can consume amla fruit fresh, as a fruit juice, or in dried powder form. It’s typically safe to consume, but consult a medical expert if you want to use it for medicinal reasons. Certain cautions may be advised, depending on the state of your health. Amla fruit is in both our Vitamin C formula and Anti-V formula, both of which are in the Immune Booster Kit. Snag your kit now to help optimize immune function for a healthier fall season.

SHARE:

The post All About Amla Berry: An Immune-Boosting Superfood appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. That is about two cups of fruits and two and a half cups of vegetables, but there is nothing wrong with consuming more than that. In fact, some studies suggest that consuming more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day may provide additional health benefits. 

Smoothies can help you reach your five servings per day in no time, especially if you drink more than one during the day. The beautiful thing about smoothies is that you do not have to follow a specific formula to make them successfully. There are few rules as to what you should throw in a blender. For example, you can add spinach, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peanut butter, almond milk, chia seeds, and more and it will likely taste incredible. Just remember that smoothies should be a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables, not just fruits, as that can increase your blood sugar. 

Immune Boosting Smoothies

When you are looking to support the immune system, you can add immune-boosting ingredients to your smoothies. Ideally, you want to include fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A, C, E, D, and K, zinc, selenium, and B-vitamins. The following smoothies are designed to optimize immune function. Drink them when you feel a tickle in your throat or if you feel like your health needs a boost. You can also enjoy them whenever you like, even if you feel like a million bucks! 

As a quick note, if you feel a little run down and require some extra immune-boosting assistance, feel free to add some Dherbs products to your smoothies. You can empty the capsules of our Immune Formula, Vitamin C, or Anti-V supplement into the smoothie and blend it up. That is also a great way to consume our supplements if you have difficulty swallowing capsules. Enjoy our smoothies that support the immune system.

Vitamin C Smoothie

The best way to load up on vitamin C is by consuming foods that are rich in this antioxidant. This smoothie is full of vitamin C, which benefits the immune system, skin, and more. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Persimmon Smoothie

Persimmons, ginger, mandarin oranges, homemade almond milk, and more come together for a tasty, autumnal immune-boosting smoothie. Plus, with fall in full swing, there has never been a more optimal time to enjoy persimmons!

Click here to make the recipe.

Citrus Smoothie

This smoothie looks more like a drink you’d order while lounging by the pool on vacation, as opposed to a healthy, immune boosting smoothie. Not only is this drink visually stunning, but it also provides a long list of nutrients that help support the immune system.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Kale Ginger Smoothie

A refreshing and filling kale, ginger, and mango smoothie that’s brimming with immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Citrus Carrot Smoothie

Don’t neglect your immune system! Keep up your body’s defenses against bacteria, fungi, and viruses by regularly drinking this smoothie. It is loaded with vitamins A and C.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Tropical Smoothie

Is this a piña colada or an immune-boosting smoothie? Feel like you’re in the tropics when you drink this refreshing smoothie that boosts energy levels, aids digestion, and enhances immune function with numerous vitamins and minerals. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Fruit Smoothie

Trying to get over a cold and give your immune system a helping hand? Drink this smoothie for some awesome health benefits.

Click here to make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post 7 Smoothies To Support The Immune System appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Autumn seems to arrive before summer is over. It’s almost as if people cannot wait to decorate with fall foliage and cinnamon-scented pine cones. Pumpkin-spiced everything appears and people are in full fall mode, dressing in beanies and scarves even if the weather is perfect for beach days. 

As most people learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for overall health and optimizing immune function is of the utmost importance. With schools back in session, it’s more important than ever to maintain immune health. When the immune system operates at peak efficiency, it’s able to combat germs, viruses, or bacteria before they actually wreak havoc on the body. This can ultimately reduce the duration of illness or even fend off harsh symptoms.

For many people, it’s second nature to reach for vitamin C tablets, electrolyte powders, or other synthetics to enhance immune function. The average person doesn’t reach for fruits, vegetables, and herbs to keep the immune system in tip-top shape. Fall offers many beneficial produce items that improve immunity, and you can learn about them below. 

Pomegranates

One of fall’s best and most flavorful produce items, the pomegranate exhibits numerous health benefits. The Ancient Egyptians used pomegranates to treat infections, and incorporated them into other healing practices. According to several studies, the antioxidants in pomegranates help the body fight back against numerous viruses. Pomegranates are also rich sources of vitamin C, which boosts antibody production in immunity development.

Sweet Potatoes

The sweet potato, or yam, is a classic fall favorite that is a rich source of vitamins A & C. Sweet potatoes happen to be one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which is a plant-based compound that the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential component of a healthy immune system. It helps to maintain mucous membranes in the gut, where the body is exposed to potential disease-causing pathogens. By promoting optimal gut health, vitamin A contributes to a healthier immune system.

Garlic

It’s hard to think of garlic as a seasonal produce item because it’s available throughout the year. Garlic happens to be one of the most common ingredients in global cuisine. Several studies found that raw garlic may significantly reduce blood pressure. Raw garlic also exhibits antibiotic and anti-fungal properties that may help combat viruses and bacteria. Processing destroys all of garlic’s health benefits, so using garlic powder or pre-minced garlic won’t benefit the body.

Grapes

Fresh grapes contain over 1,600 natural plant compounds, including a mixture of polyphenols and antioxidants. Both of these groups have proven their ability to protect cells from harmful pathogens. Grapes are also rich in resveratrol, which is a polyphenol that positively influences the immune system. One cup of raw grapes also satisfies 25% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, and supplies the body with 2.5 ounces of water. 

Pumpkins

Just like sweet potatoes, pumpkins are excellent sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Several studies found that vitamin A strengthens the immune system to help combat infections. Researchers found that people who have low levels of vitamin A or vitamin A deficiency tend to have weaker immune systems. Additionally, pumpkins contain a high amount of vitamin C, which works to increase white blood cell production. More white blood cells encourage immune cells to work more efficiently, healing wounds faster. 

Apples

There are so many apple varieties that arrive during fall. From Honeycrisp and Pink Lady to Jonagold and Granny Smith varieties, there’s no shortage of apples during fall. According to a 2015 stud y, people who consumed one apple daily used fewer prescription medications. Regularly consumption of apples supplies the body with lots of fiber, which can help reduce inflammation that’s common during infections. Additionally, apples contain khellin, which is a flavonoid that helps to open up airways and reduce respiratory symptoms, especially in asthma patients. 

There are other beneficial produce items to explore during fall, especially right before winter arrives. Keep your eyes out for the arrival of citrus fruits, which offer lots of vitamin C. Tangerines, blood oranges, lemons, key limes, grapefruit, and many other orange varieties are excellent immune-boosting fruits. Still need a little immunity boost? Consider the Dherbs Immune Booster Kit to help boost immune function.

SHARE:

The post Boost Your Immune System With These Fall Foods appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.