BioBlog: Tis the Season for Staying Healthy!

As cold and flu season approaches, we spend a lot of time discussing how to stay healthy in the face of all these coughs and sneezes around us. We wonder what fate may hold in store for us and if luck will be on our side this season. However, it is not luck that keeps us healthy; it is knowledge. Below are some helpful tools and tips, to help support your immune systems.

Feeling run down?

The FIRST thing I do when I start to feel a bit run down is to increase minerals: magnesium, calcium, zinc, boron, sodium, potassium, manganese are the ones I usually supplement. Often people will reach for vitamins first; yet they cannot work without a proper amount of minerals (make sure they are good quality and in the right form.) Also, keep in mind that when you are under times of stress, your body needs extra minerals. And of course, listen to your body – it needs rest. Go to bed early, hydrate, and consume nutrient dense, non-GMO foods.

After proper mineralization, then it is time to supplement with the right vitamins and herbs. Adaptogens, such as rhodiola, can increase mental alertness and physical stamina. As in their name, they help the body adapt, supporting the body toward a state of self-regulation, especially during a change of seasons. Find a knowledgeable practitioner (use this link to see our Care Provider List) to help guide you along this path!

Have a fever?

If possible, embrace it and support it with adequate fluids and rest. This is one of the best methods the body has to help self-regulate! Avoid Tylenol and Ibuprofen as these interfere with the natural detoxification pathways. As above, increasing minerals can keep a fever in check.

Have a sore throat?

Not to sound like a broken record, but think minerals, nutrition and rest! Also, when brushing your teeth avoid any toothpaste with fluoride, or mouthwashes with alcohol. These will make the problem worse by disturbing the natural flora in your mouth. My favorite product for sore throats is Standard Process Herbal Throat Spray. A less expensive option is, after brushing and flossing, chew on a few whole cloves and then spit out the fiber. If still sore, gargle with warm water mixed with cayenne pepper. This is often enough to crush a sore throat.

Feeling depressed?

As we move into months with shorter days, we no longer have the ability to make Vitamin D. There are a few ways to attain this naturally such as mushrooms (especially when exposed to sunlight), cod liver oil, and eggs. Also, our move to energy efficient LED lights can make these symptoms worse. Since many of us can’t move to a warmer climate, we recommend trying a full spectrum incandescent lightbulb, increasing your vitamin D, and getting outside for brisk walks to embrace the season and all the beauty it offers – our mindset is a powerful tool.

What if I get the “flu”?

It is important to remember that there are many strains of Influenza like Illnesses (ILI) that will look and feel exactly like influenza. The only way to know for sure is to be tested and the majority of lab tests are negative for influenza A or B. Regardless, there are plenty of things to help support your body during your illness.

Again, minerals, rest, hydration, nutrients are key…yet there are a few fundamental supplements I gravitate to when I feel there is a major breach.

L-lysine – this has many anti-viral properties, shortens infections and promotes healing.
Vitamin D – necessary to maintain health. Foods high in vitamin D are seafood, egg yolks, mushrooms (expose to sun first to increase levels).
Fermented foods – to improve flora and increase immunity.
Regulat –a liquid preparation of essential phytonutrients and probiotic substances. It boosts the immune system, promotes a healthy blood environment, and neutralizes free radicals.
Eldeberry syrup – great for upper respiratory issues and increases immunity.
Drink water with lemon – great source of Vitamin C and alkalizing.
Astaxanthin – one of the most potent antioxidants in nature, improves energy levels, and provides immune support- also high in vitamin D.
Mushroom complex – the one I use has Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Chaga.
Eveliza – organic, nutrient rich packets (contains more than 50 nutrients), to provide all the necessary building blocks for optimal health.

If you do get sick, try to embrace it. This can be a time to recalibrate physically and mentally. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, read, unplug, and let people who care about you, care for you! Bioregulatory practitioners recognize that these challenges to the immune system are not only normal, but beneficial.

One last thought on health as we approach Thanksgiving. If we can give thanks and bring gratitude into every day of our life, this is one of the greatest elements of happiness and healing – and it is free to all!

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. ~Melody Beattie

What are your special products and tips for staying healthy? Scroll down and comment below with your tried and true solutions!