Boost Your Immune System for Chinese New Year

Here are some super-easy tips to keep your immune system in tip-top shape so you can fully embrace the New Year vibes:

• • Load Up on Immune-Boosting Foods
    
    Chinese New Year feasts are a celebration of abundance and variety, and many traditional dishes can help keep your immune system strong. Why not make the most of these festive flavors to stay healthy?
    
    
    • Citrus Fruits Like Oranges and Pomelos: These aren’t just for decoration! Packed with vitamin C, they help ward off colds and boost your body’s natural defenses [1].
    • Ginger and Garlic: Staples in our kitchens for centuries. These natural foods have potent antimicrobial properties to fight off bacteria [2,3]. Be sure to include them in soups, stir-fries, or dipping sauces during your gatherings.
    • Green Veggies Like Bok Choy and Broccoli: Full of antioxidants and nutrients, they protect your body and keep it functioning at its best. Broccoli, in particular, is one of the most complete profiles of vitamins and antioxidants among vegetables [4] —don’t skip it on your menu!
      
      
  • Stay Hydrated (But Make It Fun)
    
    The unpredictable mix of hot and rainy weather during the season can leave you feeling dehydrated, sluggish, or out of sync. Staying hydrated isn’t just about drinking water—it’s about nourishing your body in the right way to maintain balance and vitality.
    
    
    • Ditch Sugary Sodas: Swap sugary sodas for teas like green tea or ginger tea. Not only are they refreshing, but they also come with health perks like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. [5]
    • Be Creative: Jazz up your water with a slice of lemon or some mint leaves for a zesty twist.
      
      
  • Get Plenty of Sleep
    
    It’s tempting to stay up late during Chinese New Year—catching up with relatives, binge-watching festive specials, or playing endless rounds of poker or mahjong. The excitement and adrenaline of these moments make it hard to call it a night, but your body needs rest to stay strong and fend off illnesses. Skimping on sleep can weaken your immunity, leaving you more vulnerable to bugs and feeling completely drained.
    
    
    • Prioritize 7–9 Hours of Quality Sleep: Try to carve out enough rest, even amidst the celebrations.
    • Wind Down Before Bed: Establish a calming pre-sleep routine—sip on a cup of soothing herbal tea, do some light stretches, or indulge in a relaxing read to help your body and mind unwind.
      
      

    Rested and refreshed, you’ll have the energy to fully enjoy all the New Year festivities.
    
    

• Keep Germs at Bay
  
  With all the visiting, handshakes, and big gatherings, it’s easy to spread germs. Simple hygeine practices can protect you and your loved ones.

  • • Use Serving Utensils: Avoid using your own chopsticks to take food from shared dishes to prevent cross-contamination.
    • Wash Your Hands Often: Make it a habit to wash your hands frequently, especially before enjoying treats like pineapple tarts or snacks from communal platters.
    • Keep Hand Sanitizer Handy: Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer for moments when soap and water aren’t readily available—it’s a lifesaver during busy house visits.
      
      
• Consider Immune-Boosting Supplements
  
  When it comes to supporting your immune system naturally, Tiger Milk Mushroom is a traditional remedy deeply rooted in Asian culture. Known for its health-boosting properties [6], it’s the perfect addition to your routine during the festive season.
  Why it’s amazing:
  
  
  • Strengthens Immunity: Helps your body fight off colds and flu, essential during the busy visiting season.
  • Supports Respiratory Health: Ideal for dealing with fluctuating weather and pollution.
  • Natural and Gentle: A safe, long-standing remedy for overall wellness.