Join us on Facebook!Tips for Staying Healthy
There are great ways to boost you and your families' immune system naturally. Ideally you can fight off the common "bugs" without noticing symptoms. If you or your child does experience symptoms, these tips will help minimize them and their duration. They are all completely safe without harmful side effects.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments stimulate immune system and respiratory function.
Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs
In general, everyone should be on a foundation of a good multivitamin and fish oils. Other vitamins and herbs can be dosed therapeutically as needed. Research shows it is best to dose the following frequently, 3- 5 times daily, at the onset of symptoms or suspected exposure.
Vitamins A, C, E
D3- most of us end up depleted during the winter months since we need sunshine for our bodies to synthesize this.
Zinc
Selenium
Echinacea
Goldenseal (do not take during pregnancy as it may stimulate contractions)
Probiotics- the good bacteria that are naturally in our bodies. Anyone that has taken an antibiotic should
take these for twice the amount of time they were on the antibiotic.
We recommend taking a vitamin C, D3 (adults 20,000 I.U.s daily) and a probiotic supplement 1 time daily during fall and winter months. Immune boosting herbal blends can be added at onset of symptoms. We carry great blends for both children and adults and the above listed immune boosters are safe at all ages. Nursing moms can increase ingestion, passing the nutrients to their child, except for vitamin D and probiotics, which can be given directly to infants, along with most homeopathics.
It is extremely important to buy high quality supplements where the purity and potency are guaranteed. Recent studies showed how many products on the shelf are not what they claim to be. Often times supplements do not meet label claim and can have toxic additives such as heavy metals, chemicals, the wrong herb/vitamin, molds/bacteria, or even pharmaceuticals. As of now, the industry is not regulated. Companies that are GMP certified test each batch for purity and potency.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used therapeutically through direct application on our bodies, inhalation, and ingestion. They are also powerful when diffused into the air and used in household cleaning. We recommend YoungLiving essential oils. (link to Young Living and The Secret of Theives on our website.)
Fresh Air is Essential
An air filter on your furnace kills mold/fungus, bacteria and viruses that are floating in our air, which we usually cannot see with the naked eye. Be sure to avoid air purifiers that emit ozone as it is shown to cause lung damage. We recommend BreatheClean. (link to breatheclean page on our website.)
Hyland Homeopathic Kit
Hyland's kits contain a combo of the most commonly used homeopathic remedies for children with easy to follow instruction. You can find them at the Co-ops and Whole Foods.
Remember the Basics
Wash hands regularly using soap that is not antibacterial. Antibacterial soap and water-free purifiers kill the beneficial bacteria "good bugs" and can cause your body to develop "super bugs." Theives hand soap and purifier are great alternatives.
Drink your fluids in the form of water and herbal teas. Avoid excess fruit juices due to high sugar content.
Avoid sugar, as sugar decreases the immune system function.
Minimize/avoid dairy products. Dairy is mucous producing, which can intensify cold and allergy symptoms.
Consume warming foods and beverages such as soups, teas, steamed foods, ginger, cumin, and turmeric, lots of greens and colorful fruits and vegetables.
Boost up bath-time. Apple cider vinegar is a great antiseptic and can be added directly into a bath. Essential oils, such as lavender and Theives can also be used. Ginger compresses (pieces of fresh ginger cut up and wrapped in cheesecloth) can be added to the bath to reduce fever.
Colds/Coughs
Get adjusted- stimulates immune and respiratory systems.
Imu-A 3 times daily
Homeopathic remedy based on symptoms
Theives oil on the bottom of feet 3 times daily, diffuse in the air (see Thieves booklet) Lavender and/or Thieves with apple cider vinegar in bath- oils don't mix with water so need to be added to bath soap then put into water. Approx. 10 drops for average child depth bath.
Put 5 drop of Theives, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree (melalueca) or Ravensara oil on washcloth, get the shower steamy and have child spend 10 minutes or more in the steamy room. This really relieves congestion.
1 drop of above oils in tablespoon of mixing oil or lotion- massage on chest and back- as needed.
Diffuse recommended oils in bedroom at night. Use diffuser or place on cotton ball on humidifier.
Warm tea with honey and lemon.
Massage head, neck and upper back. Percuss/aggressively tap spine between shoulders.
Flu/Stomachaches
Get adjusted
Tea and clear liquids (stay hydrated)-peppermint, ginger
Oils- 1-2 drops Di-Gize, peppermint, ravensara or lemon with 1-tablespoon diluting oil, massage on tummy
and bottom of feet.
Homeopathic.
Fevers
Get adjusted with cranial sacral therapy
Tepid baths- this brings core temperature down. Add apple cider vinegar, lavender or Theives. Ginger can also be added-chop or grate fresh/frozen and wrap in cheesecloth to toss in the tub. Baths as needed.
Homeopathics
Cooling beverages- smoothies, water, peppermint tea
Oils- Dilute 1-2 drops of wintergreen, peppermint, lavender, Theives with 1 tablespoon of mixing oil.
Massage around navel, along spine and bottom of the feet.
Ear Infections
Get adjusted with cranial sacral therapy
Ear drops- with olive oil, garlic and mullein
Homeopathics
Oils-Place 1 drop of tea tree and Roman Chamomile behind ear or 1 drop on cotton ball in ear. Do not place oil directly in ear. 3-5 times daily.
Massage head and neck
Trust your child's innate response. A typical virus or bacteria will naturally run it's course over 7 days.
I hope this gives you a head start to a healthy fall and winter. My recommendations are based on recent scientific studies and clinical trials. If you are interested in reading the research let me know and I will pass it on to you.