Q: How has your routine changed in the last few months?
A: Now that we’re all working from home, work and personal life are more intertwined, so it’s easy to get wrapped up in work. So, I’m mindful of finding my own “balance” and taking time for self-care.
Since our diet makes one of the biggest impacts on our immune systems and overall wellness, I’m a big believer in “food as medicine.” My grandmother used to brew all of these herbal tonics for me while I was growing up—if you never smelled or tasted Eastern herbal medicine, you missed out on a character-building experience—and it inspired me to create Wildwonder because they were good for me, but they didn’t taste great. I don’t believe you need to sacrifice taste for health, so I’m always trying to find new ways to incorporate ancient herbal wisdom into modern recipes.
With flu season coming up, it’s more important than ever to eat nutritious and beneficial foods. Turmeric and ginger are definitely staples for me. They’re some of the most nutrient-rich plants on the planet, plus they have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. I find ways to incorporate them into my diet every single day, and luckily, I think they’re delicious!
Q: What’s one tip you would give to a reader looking to support their immunity or gut health?
A: Take care of your gut! Over 70 percent of our immune system is in our gut, and more research is proving that our gut makeup is intimately linked to our neuro-pathways. It’s often referred to as our “second brain” because our gut microbiome affects all aspects of our health, starting with our immunity and extending to our mood, weight, and brain function. The most important thing you can do to support your gut health is to eat a diverse diet that includes fiber-rich foods (prebiotic) and good gut bacteria (probiotics). Prebiotics are essentially food for our gut bacteria, so it’s important to consume both pre- and probiotics for the most benefits. Whole grains, green vegetables, alliums, and fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi are a great place to start. Oh, and make sure you incorporate some Wildwonder!
About Wildwonder