Your Body Is A Temple!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 AMPC

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]? 20 You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honour and glorify God with your body.

It’s that time of year! With colder months ahead, it’s important to be proactive in strengthening our immune systems to help prevent the seasonal flu/cold and remain strong all year long. This blog will share with you some of my favourite tips to boost your immune system and our overall well being because as children of God, He desires for us to live in wholeness and freedom in all of these areas so we can pursue our purpose and advance His kingdom! I invite and encourage you to try some of these suggestions and make the effort to steward your temple as we have been given a mandate to pursue, overtake and recover ALL! Let’s do our best to keep this body of ours well equipped for the call we’re committed to and do our part to prevent dis-ease and dis-orders of our tri part being.

Disclaimer

These are general health recommendations. Please consult with your doctor before introducing any new supplements or major diet changes, and/or if you have any specific medical concerns.

Vitamin D

Known as the sunshine Vitamin, Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin for normal immune function. It is best obtained by being in the sunshine for at least 15 minutes a day, which in tropical settings and spring and summer months is easy to get! During the fall and winter months always take enough Vitamin D3 when there is little sun in the northern hemisphere. Vitamin D is a crucial part of sustaining our immune system health and also helps to regulate our energy levels. It acts more like a hormone than a vitamin as it triggers several vital responses in our body. Several studies have proven that people deficient in Vitamin D, have an increased chance of getting viral infections as it plays a key part in healthy immune function. Darker skin complexions needing up to 3x as much to maintain healthy levels all year. Foods rich in natural Vitamin D include Salmon, Sardines, Tuna, Eggs.

If you are predominantly plant based or vegan consuming fortified non dairy beverages like soy and almond milk can help support healthy levels. I would take a supplement throughout the fall/winter months and recommend at least 3000IU-7000IU/ day which equals about 3-7 drops per day as most Vitamin D supplements come in liquid dropper form. It is tasteless and readily available at most health food stores and pharmacies. If you can get a Vitamin D3 + K2 combination this is even better!

Vitamin C

This is another very important vitamin for proper immune system function and energy. During the fall and winter months this is another vitamin that I recommend everyone have a lot of! To reduce viral infections, coughs and sustain optimal health eat foods high in vitamin C like guavas, bell peppers, kiwifruit, strawberries, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, papayas, broccoli, tomatoes, kale, and snow peas. You can also supplement with Camu Camu fruit powder or actual Vitamin C supplements, but always ensure you consume as much from natural whole foods sources as as they’re always made with properties that enable better absorption. Vitamin C also acts as a natural antihistamine & boosts energy levels when taken regularly.

Vitamin A

This is a vitamin that is under seen and not talked about enough for immune health but is key in maintaining healthy cell function to combat infections. Foods high in Vitamin A include yams, carrots, squash, kale, collards. For those with an omnivorous diet you can find Vitamin A in Salmon, liver, tuna and in cheese. I take a supplement myself as an extra precautionary measure during the cold/flu season.

Raw honey and warm lemon water and ginger

This is a remedy that’s ways to make and helps to keep your throats soothed before singing and can alleviate any throat irritations/inflammation.

The lemon and ginger combination adds Vitamin C and potent anti inflammatory properties which is naturally immune boosting and aids in alkalizing your body with regular consumption.

Bone broth (for omnivorous diet)

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of this ancient food, bone broth. Since I was a child I remember my mother speaking of the highly nutritious and medical values of this food source. We ate it very frequently throughout the fall/winter months and with much research I now understand why this has been a food source that people from all over the world have eaten for centuries. It contains essential nutrients, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and can be added to your diet by adding it to your recipes or having it as a soup with your meals. The collagen and anti-inflammatory properties it contains makes this an incredible super food.

It strongly supports Immune support by feeding your body essential amino acids and maintaining a healthy gut as it helps to repair leaky gut syndrome, due to the very specific amino acid composition it contains which patches up any tears or openings in the gut lining. Having optimal gut health is ideal because it is where up to 70% of your immune system is.

Click here for an easy recipe you can follow to make your own bone broth over the fall and winter months.

Eat plenty of nutrient dense foods This goes without say that having a diet rich in nutrient dense foods will make a big impact on your health. Having plenty of veggies, fruits, nuts/seeds, whole grains, organic meat and wild caught seafood is what most health experts recommend to obtain most of your required nutrients. We all have different restrictions and needs, but we are all capable of adding and incorporating some of these foods into our everyday lives-not just during fasting periods! Increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet is

You are first class soldiers of the kingdom of God. Gear your mindset in that way and know that everyday you step up to BATTLE, and any strong and mighty soldier has to be properly fuelled up and taken care of in such a way that allows for him/her to fight and fight well.

Reduce processed sugar and carbs, fried foods.

Processed sugar tastes great but makes our immune health much weaker and creates a crashing effect. Too much sugar can create lack of focus and foggy brain post consumption and insulin levels drop. Sugar and carbs tend to be the kinds of foods we seek for comfort and our relationship with these kinds of foods if not consumed in moderation can become unhealthy habits quickly.

Other negative effects sugar can have include increasing blood pressure and reducing the body’s natural ability to properly detox. Consuming excess processed sugar can inhibit your immune system by up to 5 hours! There's nothing wrong with the occasional treat, but it's the excess consumption of sugary foods and simple carbs that becomes an issue. Simple carbs include foods like white flour, white rice, wheat based pasta, bread and baked goods. Complex carbohydrates, found in whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables, contain longer chains of sugar molecules, which usually take more time for the body to break down and use. This in turn provides you with a more consistent amount of energy.

PRIORITIZE your spiritual rest and restoration.

Sit at the Lord’s feet and just rest in His presence daily/weekly. I know Pastor Terrance mentions this time and time again, it’s the word and it instructs us to do so! Our soul needs rest as much if not more than our bodies do after so much output. We need to take the time to connect and restore in the word and meditate in it. We can not give what we do not have and if our soul is weary because we haven’t been with our father enough, it is felt on a platform, the spirits know too and it affects the atmosphere and our confidence each time. Rest your mind, pray in the spirit and come to battle with a rested spirit and soul every week. Everyone will benefit from this including those we minister to every weekend and our day to day life.

Exercise

There’s no better stress-release, endorphin rush, way to feel accomplished, method of burning calories - the list goes on! Don’t overthink it. Just move. Find something you enjoy doing and do it more and more. Don’t worry about which exercise is best - the one you’re likely to do and stick to is the one you should do! If you're not a regular exerciser begin with a 10-15 minute walk 2-3 times a week and slowly increase the amount of time and frequency. If you're a moderate exerciser than you can increase the difficulty (with the advice of a trainer if necessary) The endorphins that are released during exercise feel amazing! Regular exercise also revitalize energy levels, facilitates proper detoxification, increases circulation, lowers blood pressure and has been shown to reduce heart disease, neurological disorders and slow down the aging process due to the release of human growth hormone. God created us to move, so whether it's a weekly dance class, time at the gym or a brisk walk, it's ALL GOOD because your blood is flowing! Ideally you want to be exercising at least 3 times a week for 15 minutes or more.

If you have injuries or health concerns always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.