In this article you will find some basics you should know to strengthen your immune system. But above all, you’ll find practical tips that you can apply straight away!

1. what stress has to do with the immune system

Quite simply, cortisol, a hormone, is released under stress. This hormone causes the immune defense to be dampened. If you are under excessive stress, your immune system cannot work properly.

As described in the last article, yoga plays a key role in activating your parasympathetic nervous system – the anti-stress part of your nervous system.

Let’s go, get on the mat!

Here are two more studies for those who want to know exactly:

Yoga strengthens the immune system in a week

Yoga lowers inflammation markers

2. exercise in the fresh air

We detoxify primarily through the lungs. Fact! At least 30 minutes of exercise in the fresh air every day is therefore a must to support our immune system.

Exercise boosts your metabolism, more blood is pumped through your body, your lungs expand and fresh oxygen enters your lungs and blood. You help your immune system at work, so to speak, as you remove toxins and waste products.

3. kapalabhati, neti & abdominal breathing

Now it’s getting specific: Kapalabhati strengthens the lungs and cleanses the nasal cavities. Watch the short video to practise

Neti, the yogic nasal rinse with salt water, cleanses the sinuses of bacteria, keeps the mucous membranes moist and means that you catch colds less often.

Abdominal breathing helps you to calm down. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Do you remember that? More parasympathetic nervous system, less stress, better immune system. For abdominal breathing, place both hands loosely on your abdomen and breathe slowly and fully into your abdomen. Until you can feel the breathing movement under your hands. If it doesn’t work at first, just keep at it and practise daily. I am sure you will learn.

4. magic turmeric drink

My favorite mixture for prevention. But it also helps when the first signs of a cold are already there.

Recipe for 1 liter:

  • 1 liter of water
  • 1 tbsp turmeric, ground
  • 1 tsp black or long pepper
  • 4-8 slices of ginger (preferably crushed)

Bring everything to the boil briefly and leave to infuse for at least 10 minutes.

When the tea has cooled down a little, you can add the juice of a lemon and a little honey if required. Vitamin C is destroyed at too high a temperature and, according to Ayurveda, honey has a toxic effect if it gets too hot.

If you like, you can also add some MCT oil or ghee. This removes the fat-soluble substances from the mixture and the MCT oil gives you an energy boost.

Have fun breathing, moving and relaxing!

Love, Katharina