Boost Your Immune System This Season: Take a Trip to Our Tonic Bar!

JESSICA LIS, WELLNESS EDITOR

Jessica Lis is the Wellness Editor for The Wellness Refinery’s online blog. She graduated from Temple University with an English Degree and a concentration in Creative Writing. When she’s not writing for the blog you can find her cozied up next to a book or riding her bike around the city. 

Love it or hate it - Winter is among us! Cold dark nights are a nightmare for our immune system. With Flu season and COVID 19 variant Omicron among us it’s super important to make sure we take care of our bodies, inside and out. You can strengthen your immune system by getting plenty of sleep at night, washing your hands, minimizing stress, increasing your consumption of foods rich in antioxidants, and SWEATING!

Foods that contain key ingredients to promote a healthy gut, reduce inflammation and promote healthy liver function can ensure a strong immune response against viruses and other pathogens. Most of our drinks contain important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants when it comes to fighting illness. Antioxidant is a general term for any compound that’s able to neutralize molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells located in our bodies. Antioxidants give up some of their own electrons in order to stabilize free radicals that are stealing electrons from other molecules thus damaging those molecules and causing chaos in the body. Our body creates free radicals in response to environmental toxins, such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet rays, and air pollution. A certain amount of free radicals in the body is normal, however, they are damaging to our immune system. If you’re not a science person, like me, let me sum it up for you: Antioxidants are powerful compounds in our foods that prevent or delay various types of cell damage, thus boosting our immune system. Examples of antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, iron, copper, and zinc.

The Wellness Refinery’s Tonic Bar is stocked to the brim with fresh beverages containing immune-boosting ingredients. Not feeling a juice? Sip on a smoothie! Feeling chilly? Warm up with a latte. Some star players from our Tonic Bar include: 

Elderberry Immunity Shot

Key Ingredient: Elderberry

  • Elderberry

    • Started with Hippocrates; he labeled this berry the “medicine chest”

    • Prevents and eases cold and flu symptoms

    • The berries and flowers contain antioxidants and vitamins 

    • Elderberries are high in vitamin C (52.2 milligrams per cup) and dietary fiber (10.2 grams per cup)

Caution: don't go picking elderberries  - they need to be cooked; best used as a syrup!

Sunrise Gold Latte 

Key Ingredients: Ginger, Astragalus, Cinnamon

  • Ginger 

    • Anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant properties

    • Easy on the stomach - used to aid nausea 

    • inhibits mucus production and helps clear up congestion

    • Is a diaphoretic- promotes sweating & makes the body warm from within

    • High vitamin c content

  • Cinnamon

    • Antifungal and antibacterial properties

    • Contains properties that specifically fight against major respiratory tract pathogens 

  • Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

    • Used in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

    • Improves B and T lymphocyte activity; immune cells that are responsible for defence and fighting off infections 

    • 70% of our immune cells are housed in the gut; this plant can be used to increase gut flora and decrease harmful gut bacteria 

    • Energizes the body 

Revitalize Smoothie

Key Ingredients: Astragalus (see above), Chlorella

  • Chlorella: nutrient-dense freshwater algae

    • Good source of: Vitamin A, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium (there’s a reason they call this a superfood!)

    • Anti bacterial anti viral properties 

    • Increases white blood cell levels that stimulate your immune system and help fight infection

    • Reduces symptoms including coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. 

Exhilarate Smoothie

Key ingredients: Camu Camu, Turmeric, Black Pepper

  • Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)

    • Sour berry native to the Amazon

    • Antibacterial and antiviral 

    • High Vitamin C content

    • Contains antioxidants, trace minerals and amino acids

    • Protects the brain and can help stabilize mood

    • Reduces inflammation

  • Turmeric

    • Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties

    • Assists with digestion, mood and liver function

    • Main compound curcumin is known for its immune boosting effects

    • Very beneficial to ease joint pain and support cardiovascular health.

  • Black Pepper

    • Anti-inflammatory properties

    • Stimulates the immune system

    • Makes other nutrients more bioavailable (easily absorbed by the body)

Feeling thirsty? You can place your tonic bar order through our website at any time. Happy sipping and cheers to immune health!

Ashleigh Stewart