It hard to recall a time when health and illness has been a focus in the way it has been this past year.  Even as a nutritionist, learning, reading and talking about health, both as a job and as a huge interest, I have logged much more time in the area of health this past year more than any other I would say.
 
What I want to suggest is that we go back to the basics.  We have evolved from many iterations of things that are new to our immune systems, and our immune systems are both intelligent and incredible.  However, they are systems within us, and they need resources in order to function optimally. It’s been said a few times, that we may not be focusing enough on the things that can help our immune systems and our ability to recover from certain illnesses and damage caused by them.  
 
There are studies, and many stories, of people who have improved their health with changes to diet, foods, and supplements.  I know supplements can be a hot topic, but it is worth looking into how Vitamin D shows to be significant factor in improving response to respiratory illnesses.  There are a few foods that have Vitamin D.  Fish, mainly pink salmon and trout, as well as cod liver fish oil have some Vitamin D.  While mushrooms, milk, and yogurt contain a small very amount.  Hard to get a good dose from those foods, so supplementing can be helpful.  A health food store trained in the area of supplements can be helpful to talk with.
 
Now, this time of year, my family has a few easy recipes that make a world of difference when we are fighting off some type of cold or flu symptoms.  I hope you find this helpful and maybe give it a try. One recipe our family relies upon in the winter months, is based on an Oh She Glows recipe.  Sidebar - any Oh She Glows recipes I HIGHLY recommend if you have not found this plant based recipe Queen yet.  The original recipe is called Miracle Healing Broth, but below is my adaptation of it.
 
We have used it, I’d say, over 30 times in the past few years and created batches for friends, when we start to feel that lousy feeling.  It really has helped with the achy, stuffy, sore throat symptoms. It incredibly gets down to business to help boost your resources to reduce those symptoms.  And it’s yummy.  Very yummy!
 
Garlic!  Onion!  Ginger!  Turmeric!  Cayenne!  Lemon Juice!   Six powerhouse foods that combine to knock out bad guys.  Add to that coconut oil and coconut milk, which are both antibacterial and adds creamy deliciousness, plus some salt and pepper, and you have a winner.
 
Garlic ginger broth
10 minutes (or less!) and makes about 3 cups
 
1 Tbsp virgin coconut oil
1 1/2 cups diced onion
8 large garlic cloves, minced or grated
1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
1.5 cups (or 1 can) coconut milk - the thick type, not the cereal type
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of cayenne (optional)
 
In medium sauce pan, melt coconut oil over medium heat
Add onion, garlic, and ginger - stir often - for 5 minutes until onions are soft
Add turmeric and stir
Add coconut milk and bring to a low simmer for 5 minutes
Add salt, pepper, cayenne, and lemon juice
 
It is now done and some prefer to strain all the fibre out, but I instead put the broth into a large mason jar and use an immersion blender to make it smooth, and thick, and then I devour it from a mug.  Your throat will feel the support!  Enjoy!
 
Have a great week,
Lisa

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