Support the immune system

Winter is a time where colds and viruses seem to be present.
The key is they are always there. A
But is your immune system ready to fight them off adequately?

 

In the transition between winter to spring, some seem more susceptible to colds more so than they were before. 

 

Here are a few things to consider to support the immune system:

 – avoid sugar as much as possible.  Sugar is inflammatory so weakens the immune system.  If you need something sweet, use fruit, date sugar (in baking), honey or maple syrup.

 – lessen the consumption of hard to digest foods including wheat, heavy meats and brown rice (yes, it is hard to digest for most).  Try eating more fish, and more cooked vegetables.

– increase your consumption of cruciferous vegetables, preferably cooked.  These have sulfur compounds that decrease inflammation (and inflammation uses up the energy resources).  Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli (my fave), kale, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts.  Try to consume 1 cup per day.

 

– wash your hand regularly and try to avoid as much skin contact as you can with others.  Family may have to be included in this yet we all need our hugs to feel better, too.
There is an OnGuard foaming hand wash available.

 

– use the OnGuard hand sanitizer spray.  One of my clients is a Bayada nurse, and since she started using this last year, has not gotten a cold from her clients!  It uses ethyl alcohol instead of isopropyl which can be inflammatory if used too often.

 

– wash surfaces often as well.  I love the OnGuard cleaner concentrate.  I use a capful diluted with white vinegar and use it on every surface.  Smells better than Lysol and there are no noxious fumes.  Cleans wood, vinyl, glass, plastic and greasy buildup on cabinets and countertops. 

 

– raw garlic is both anti-bacterial and anti-viral.  I would suggest adding 1 clove per day and I find it best with hummus or other cooked beans or lentils to lessen the ‘fire’ or heat of the garlic.  I have also added it to my Green JShake to give it a boost.

Try the soup above as it it includes a healthy dose of garlic – then chop some on top when you eat it!  You can use rice or bean pasta instead of the quinoa.

 

– the OnGuard essential oils blend is an amazing and easy way to support the immune system. 

 

– Schedule a Path To Heal or Chakra Balancing session so we can alleviate the reaction to stress so your body is not tying up resources in stress.

 

– Continue to exercise, at least 30 minutes per day but when feeling a little off, limit it to 30 minutes of easier activity.  Too much exercise or too many intervals and high intensity exercise will weaken the immune system. 

 

– get enough sleep!  When you are sleep deprived, you will weaken the immune system as the energy resources are stressed.  You tend to reach for high sugar foods, too which then deplete your energy even though you get enough calories.

 

What you should know about COVID-19 (from doterra.com)

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Most people who contract COVID-19 are thought to be mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic (showing no symptoms). These include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath