Thanks to Amazing Grass and Fit Approach for sponsoring this post.
With fall marathon season in full swing, many of us are pushing our bodies to get those workouts in. Combine that with school being back in session and fall weather creeping in….and out…and you’ve got a perfect storm of things that can compromise the immune system.
Here are five ways to help keep your immune system healthy and strong.
Get Ample Rest. Sleep is your body’s chance to recover, refresh and restore. Research done at the University of Pennsylvania found that even short-term loss of sleep has an effect on the way the immune system functions.
Eat Carbohydrates. Yep, you read that right. Carbs are often thought of as the bad guys in a healthy diet but there are plenty of good, nutrient dense ones to consider. Eating carbs, especially during and immediately after intense exercise, helps stabilize blood sugar and reduces the body’s stress response, which in turn moderates any undesirable immune cells.
Get regular exercise. Moderate exercise is good for the immune system in a variety of ways. Exercise slows down the release of stress hormones, and causes changes in antibodies as well as the body’s disease-fighting white blood cells.
Take probiotics. Healthy gut flora does a body good. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be consumed through fermented foods or supplements. They promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to a variety of health benefits including the production of antibodies, boosting immune cells and reducing the duration and severity of infections.
Enjoy Amazing Grass Superfood Effervescent Greens. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was invited to try Effervescent Greens from Amazing Grass. All I knew is that I LOVE their Plant-Based Protein (see my Peanut Butter-Chocolate-Banana Protein Smoothie recipe here) because it’s absolutely packed with goodness, and if the Effervescent Greens were even half as good as that, I was all in!
What Are Effervescent Greens?
Tablets that come in these neat little tubes, similar to electrolyte tablets that us runners know so well, except these contain alkalizing greens. Each little tablet gives you the equivalent of one full serving of greens/veggies. What kind of greens/veggies are we talking about? So glad you asked! The Alkalizing Greens Blend consists of Organic Wheat Grass, Barley Grass and Alfalfa grown on the family farm in Kansas. You’ll also get the recommended daily allowance of Vitamins B-1, B-12, C and E.
I’ve been enjoying Amazing Grass Effervescent Greens daily for about a month now. Typically I’ll pop a tablet or 2 in my water bottle in the afternoon and I swear it gives me a little pick-me-up plus I’m not as likely to crave junky snacks after I drink it. The flavors are delicious: Choose lemon-lime or berry. Both are very tasty.
Save 40% off ALL Amazing Grass products with code SweatPink17 and be sure to enter my giveaway to win your own supply of Effervescent Greens!
I’m linking up with Meranda, Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five.
Stephanie G says
I get my fitness on everyday and try to get the recommended daily dose of fruit and veggies but sometimes tend to fall short. This giveaway would be a blessing to win!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Ive been drinking smoothies every day and I really think thats helped prevent me from getting sick, even though Ive been really busy and stressed lately. Each time I start to feel like a cold is coming on, it goes away! Not sure that will be the case when colder weather comes and germs are everywhere.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I have not tried amazing grass yet but everyone seems to be loving it!
Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says
I have not heard of this. But sounds like a great thing to add to your healthy routine!
Wendy Rivard says
I need to get my hands on this!
Debbie says
While I am losing my running mojo for some reason, thinking age is slowing me down, I always eat healthy & think I’m lucky! I am a pretty healthy person!
Sarah N says
As we get into cold/flu season I’m looking for ways to add extra veggies to every meal to make sure I’m getting the vitamins I need to keep my immune system going strong. I find it hard get veggies in my breakfast since I usually eat it on the go but lately I’ve been making muffins with shredded zucchini and carrots for an extra veggie kick. Amazing Grass Effervescent Greens would be such an easy way to get an extra dose of nutrients on the go.
Marina @ Happy Healing says
I’ve never heard of Effervescent Greens but now I need to try them! I agree – it’s so important to get sleep/eat enough carbs.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I absolutely embrace getting enough sleep — the problem for me is staying asleep. And in the weeks heading up to my half I was majorly sleep deprived. Which is why I felt so run down, but there wasn’t much I could do about that.
And I totally embrace carbs when it comes to exercise. Just mixed up some pancake mix for tomorrow morning. I do back off carbs when I’m not exercising as much, but I still eat them!
I use a greens supplement from Vega. But I do like Amazing Grass’s products, too.
Lesley says
I’m already upping my vitamin C since people have colds at work. I don’t want one, that’s for sure. I am trying to get rest, but I still feel tired with the changing of the seasons.
Kimberly Hatting says
Ever since my surgery, my surgeon has had me taking probiotics. I’m also a strong advocate for exercise…I try to get a minimum of at least 20 minutes of “something” every day (preferable early in the morning). I had never heard of these Amazing Grass products until recently…they sound interesting!
GiGi Eats says
WIthout probiotics, I would probably not exist – hahahhaa!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
YAS for carbs. I also need to try this stuff!
Debbie says
I try to eat healthfully, though I’ve been skipping my probiotics lately.
Rachel says
I don’t take probiotics but I really should!
Anna @ Pipers Run says
I’ve been doing most of this for the last few days fighting a head cold 🙁
Kimberly G says
Getting enough sleep is key for me! I’ve been able to get more sleep this week and I feel so much better. I would love to try this product from Amazing Grass!
paige o says
i make sure to drink a lot of fluids and get enough sleep
Mary BEth Jackson says
Sleep is number one for me! I notice a big difference if I am up late a couple of nights in a row. I love Amazing Grass protein, I need to try these greens!
Coco says
I am trying to make sleep more of a priority! A good diet and probiotics are important too.
sarah s says
I try eat a balanced diet and take extra vitamins and herbal teas when I feel a little under the weather.
Lindsey @ livinglovingrunner says
I wash my hands a lot and I steer clear of sick people…other than that, I eat as healthy as I can! Fresh fruits and vegetables can help!
Steph says
Ive learned you can’t cure a simple virus with meds so I don’t go the doctor unnecessarily….so germy!
Renata says
I take a multivitamin and vitamin C daily and eat a lot of fruits and veggies for nutrition everyday to keep healthy.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
So many of us don’t get enough rest and sleep, but it is so important for so many reasons, including helping to boost our immune system.
Georgina says
I make sure to always wash my hands to keep healthy.
Katie says
Sleep and getting in lots of water throughout the day is key for me. Also taking time for myself every day, even if it’s a quick 10 minute walk!
Raymond says
Pumpkin spice bread would be tasty to make