Ginger Lemon Green Tea

December 20, 2019

Fight cold and flu season with this Ginger Lemon Green Tea that’s full of antioxidants. Plus, I’m sharing 5 simple steps to stay healthy this flu season.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by New Chapter, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make the Chelsey Amer Nutrition blog possible.

Cold and flu season is officially upon us. YUCK. Here in the U.S., cold and flu season runs from October/November through March, but the flu can linger as late as May!

As a new mom, who just survived her first infant cold, I’m doing EVERYTHING in my power to stay healthy this season. If someone told me to stand on my head for 5 minutes a day to prevent a cold, I think I would do it (ya know, if it was backed by science).

Truth be told, it’s actually not that complicated to prevent colds and the flu. Of course, viruses are tiny little creatures that have minds of their own, but you can take ACTION everyday, throughout the day, to help yourself.

Like sipping this Ginger Lemon Green Tea!

So here are 5 simple steps to help you stay healthy this flu season…

First and foremost, stay hydrated!

Whether you sip on water or tea, consuming adequate amounts of fluids every day is important. I always suggest waking up with a cup of water before you consume anything else, and then to regularly sip water throughout the day.

But during cold and flu season, I like to amp my hydration up even more. Specifically, this Ginger Lemon Green Tea is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and even medicinal compounds that will help fight off the common cold.

Ginger contains a compound called gingerol, which has medicinal properties from reducing nausea to fighting the common cold. It’s a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory too. Paired with lemon, which is full of vitamin C, this is a brew that you should sip frequently. Green tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols to help protect you too.

Second, wash your hands.

It’s so simple, but most people don’t wash their hands enough – especially during cold and flu season. There are germs EVERYWHERE, so wash your hands every time you return home from outside.

Third, keep your gut healthy and happy.

Did you know that 70 percent of your immune system is in your gut? Yeah, I didn’t realize that either until my gut got thrown off kilter and I was getting sick all the time.

To help keep my gut healthy and happy, I make sure to take a probiotic daily and eat probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented foods). I know I’ve spoken about it before, but my choice is New Chapter Probiotic All-Flora. I love it because its formulated with clinically studied probiotics in relevant amounts that work. The combination of Prebiotics, Probiotics & Postbiotics has 5 billion CFU (colony forming units) of bacteria (yes BILLION!) and 5 billion CFU of yeast that replenish your microbiome. Plus, prebiotics feed the probiotics, and postbiotics help boost the activity of the probiotics.

According to the Mayo Clinic, taking probiotics regularly can reduce your chance of getting the common cold. #winning

Fourth, amp up your defenses.

What does this mean? Take advantage of nature’s vitamins AND the supplements available to give your immune system a little boost.

Eat more veggies. I know, it’s easier said than done (I’m human too), but focusing on optimal nutrition this time of year is ESSENTIAL. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy treats (hello, it is the holiday cookie season after all), BUT you can also focus on eating good food in between.

And stock up on supplements for when you need an extra boost. Like New Chapter’s Elderberry Force, Elderberry Syrup, and Elderberry Powder with 64 times concentrated elderberry extract. Elderberry is a fruit with potent antioxidant activity, naturally supporting your immune system.* Paired with black currant, as in Elderberry Force, you get a double dose of antioxidants for complementary benefits. Plus, the syrup is lightly sweetened with throat-soothing honey, and is great for adults & kids 4+!

Last, SLEEP!!!

Nothing can replace consistent, quality sleep. As a new mom, I feel like I’ll never catch up and I’m 100% feeling the effects of a lack of sleep. But if you can, get a quality 8 hours every night so you give your body time to repair and heal.