Autumn Health Tips + Pumpkin Spice Latté Recipe

It's never too early to think about autumn, especially when it comes to keeping yourself healthy. Enjoying the changing of the leaves is one of the many things the season is known for, but keeping yourself healthy going into the cold winter period is among one of the most important! Here are some tips for staying healthy during the transition to the colder weather.

1. Go Easy on the Comfort Foods

Many people lose weight in the summertime because they are simply outdoors more. Summer barbecues are a great way to get the family together and enjoy the sun. Salads and fruit are almost always present at summer gatherings because they are light and refreshing. But as the weather turns brisk, resist the temptation to indulge in comfort foods. These foods are often high in refined sugars and trans fats, both of which do nothing to support a strong immune system.

2. See Your Naturopathic Doctor

The best time to see your naturopathic or functional doctor, might be before you get sick. Don’t wait until the last minute when clinics fill up with sick people waiting to get in. Give your doctor’s office a visit just to make sure everything is healthy. Use this time to discuss any health issues with your doctor before he or she becomes too busy with flu season. This may be a good time to go over what foods you should be eating or what herbal remedies will best serve you this autumn!

3. Boost Immunity to Prepare for Colder Weather

Give your immune system a head start when the cold weather approaches by doing everything in your power to strengthen it. This includes getting plenty of rest, being physically active every day, and eating lots of plant-based foods. Supplementing with nutrients that fight the flu and upper respiratory infections is also a good idea in autumn! According to a 2013 study, taking zinc within 24 hours of the onset of a cold may help reduce the duration of the symptoms. Adding vitamin C to your supplementing ritual may also help reduce the symptoms of the common cold. For all your vitamin C needs, be sure to stock up on Vibrant Health Vitamin C this autumn. An interesting fact is that even in small amounts, vitamin C can protect molecules in the body such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, DNA and RNA, from damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species.

4. Trust Your Gut

Approximately 70 percent of the immune system resides in the gut. For this reason, keeping your gut healthy is imperative during the cooler autumn months. During winter, it could be the difference between catching a cold and staying healthy! Progurt probiotics help regulate the immune system by improving the gut microbiome, which is, after all, where most of your immune system cells live! Progurt sachets offer an unprecedented 1 TRILLION CFU of high-quality bacteria, with many functions including stabilising the immune system, fighting problematic bacterial yeast, decreasing bloating and improving allergy and digestive symptoms. Taking a probiotic supplement may also help you feel more energised and less fatigued as winter approaches!

5. Load Up On Antioxidants

Some people like to detox during the change of the seasons. But loading up on antioxidants from whole food, plant-based sources may help you fight off flu even better than forgoing food for awhile. According to a 2011 study, the combination of antioxidant supplementation and antiviral drugs were able to reduce the number of deaths associated with flu virus infections. Consider supplementing with a green good supplement such as Phresh Greens to naturally detox and supply a steady flow of antioxidant power. Spectrum Vibrance is another great antioxidant drink.

As cold weather approaches, pumpkin spice lattes become everyone’s favourite drink. But most store-bought beverages are full of cow’s milk, sugar and other comfort ingredients that may taste good but are sure to make you feel worse over time! Instead of indulging in expensive coffee shop lattes, try making your own health-supporting version at home.

1. 1 ½ tablespoon pureed pumpkin
2. 1 cup non-dairy milk (coconut or almond milk)
3. 1 tablespoon organic vanilla extract
4. ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
5. Pinch of nutmeg and raw cacao powder
6. ½ cup organic coffee or espresso
7. Optional: 2 tablespoons raw honey and Himalayan Pink Salt

• Prepare the coffee or espresso to your taste.
• Set aside ½ cup of the coffee or espresso in a mug.
• In a saucepan, add the non-dairy milk, honey and Pink Himalayan Salt (if using any) and pureed pumpkin and cook over medium heat.
• Stir frequently until the milk is steaming or bubbling.
• Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon.
• In another coffee mug, pour the non-dairy milk and pureed pumpkin mixture into a cup.
• Pour the coffee or espresso over the milk mixture and add a pinch of raw cacao powder to the top and enjoy.

And there you have it – a true autumn warmer!