Beat the flu (and other illnesses) and feel your Optimal You!
This is the time of year when everyone around us seems to be getting sick with a cold, the flu, or some other illness. No one likes being sick. Besides the physical suffering, having an illness can mean missing work and also missing out on the fun things in life that you enjoy doing. The great news is that there are a variety of things you can do to increase your immunity and ability to fight off illnesses quickly, and even prevent getting sick in the first place.
Getting adequate rest on a routine basis is a well known way to enhance your immunity. There are many more things you can do. Here, at An Optimal You, we offer Integrative Medical care in association with our Wellness Partners. We have compiled our list of things that you can do to boost your immunity–things that you may not have thought of doing.
1. Sharon Mayberry, Clinical Aromatherapist:
There are many essential oils which can actually stimulate our immune systems and help to keep us healthy during cold and flu season. When creating immunity blends for clients I generally look for oils which are high in Monoterpenols and Phenols. These two chemical families offer great immune boosting properties.
A few of the oils I often reach for when blending for this intent are: Xanthoxylum, Ravintsara, Manuka, Ho Wood, Niaouli ct 1,8 cineole, Marjoram, Lemon, Lavender (those with a high linalol content), Guava Leaf, Engelman Spruce, and Balsam Copaiba.*
Some effective ways to use immune stimulating blends are by diffusing, in a lotion, creating a steam blend, and in a personal inhaler. When used properly, these natural oils can really offer some great immune boosting benefits!
*Always consult with a certified aromatherapist before using essential oils for children, asthmatics, and the elderly or immune compromised. Many oils, especially some of those listed above, may cause breathing issues if not used properly. I specialize in creating custom, organic essential oil blends but if you prefer making your own blends, I offer professional guidance as well. Essential oils are effective and safe when done correctly.
2. Dr. Laurie Blanscet:
Before traveling, when around people who are sick, or when you start feeling the onset of an illness; I highly recommend getting an IV Meyer’s cocktail plus IV Glutathione along with taking oral silver.
The IV Meyer’s cocktail has a variety of immune boosting vitamins, including Vitamin C. Getting these nutrients by IV ensures that they get into your cells efficiently. The Myer’s cocktail has been around for decades and is effective at assisting your body in fighting off illnesses. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to get this IV and can be easily done in our office the same day you need it.
IV Glutathione is a great boost to your immune system, especially when combined with the Myer’s cocktail. Glutathione is your body’s most potent antioxidant and I also recommend it for assisting detoxification. It is not effective if given orally, it is best given as an IV or injection.
Liquid Silver naturally fights viruses and bacteria. It has no taste and does not cause side effects like so many prescribed medications. You can buy it without a prescription but do ensure you get a high quality silver. (Contact our office if you have questions on this). If you start feeling sick, take one teaspoon of silver and hold it under your tongue for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. Do this 6-7 times a day while feeling sick. Once you feel better, reduce to three times a day for a few days and then stop it once you feel well. Prolonged use of silver is not recommended, but periodic use is safe and effective.
3. Cindy Farrar, Advanced Skin Care Specialist:
Would you be surprised if I told you that your favorite cosmetics products, the ones you may be relying on every day of the week, might actually be causing you harm? Your skin absorbs what is put on it within about 28 seconds.
You may wonder what this has to do with immunity…..If you are putting on harmful products, it places a stress on your immune system and could affect it’s ability to protect you efficiently from other Invaders, such as viruses or bacteria.
If your makeup, lotion or other cosmetic products don’t come from nature, they shouldn’t be put on the skin. Remember, our skin is an organ, and it is porous, so it will absorb what it touches. If the ingredients listed on the bottle are a scientific mystery to you, it’s always safest to avoid it …until you’ve done your research.
For instance, some of the eye make-up removers on the market are the same ingredients you find in an auto store to degrease engines! Be aware of what you are putting on your body–it can help you prevent diseases later in life and it can help you stay healthier today!
Getting regular facials is not a luxury, it is a great way to keep your skin in tip top shape. I enjoy helping men and women keep their skin looking and functioning great through facials using plant based organic products.
Another great thing to do for your skin is to take Epsom salt, or Magnesium flake, baths on a regular basis. This is a relaxing way to assist your skin in it’s detoxification. It also relaxes your muscles and calms your brain chatter. Anything you can do to assist mind and body detoxification assists your overall immunity.
4. John Grant, Life Coach:
To optimize your overall well being, as well as your immunity, I recommend developing keen awareness of your spiritual, emotional, energetic and chemical state of being.
With a strong mind body connection we are able to tell when we have low energy, stamina, and strength. When you can recognize this early on, you can take steps to build yourself up and prevent a downslide in your health.
Pause and ask yourself: what is emotionally coming up on a consistent basis? How are you resolving these emotions? If you stuff them down it will likely lower your immunity and result in feeling bad now, as well as increase your risk of developing a chronic disease later.
What tools will you use to resolve your emotions? The peace process, breath meditation or one of a number of other tools are available and can be easily taught to you during a private coaching session.
An easy thing that you can start now is to keep a daily gratitude journal. Our brains are trained to look for the negative in order to stay alive. But in today’s world, that ends up making us ill. You can train your brain to see the positive. Writing down three things you are grateful for each day is a great way to do that. The Five Minute Journal, by Intelligent Change, is the easiest and most helpful journal I have seen.
By building self awareness and using tools to strengthen your mind, your body and immune system will also strengthen.
5. Joseph Montgomery, Ph.D. Integrative Nutrition Consultant:
Vitamin D3 is something that many people lack regardless of their perceived level of health, sun exposure, and fitness level. Low levels of Vitamin D3 can lead to a rapid decline in the health of your cells. This decline in cellular function can lead to illnesses like “The Flu”, a “cold”, or other commonly seen illness.
Keeping your vitamin D levels in the optimal range of 60-80 ng/ml (of blood volume) can prevent you from getting illnesses, such as the “flu”. It can also greatly diminish the number of days that you suffer in case you do end up getting sick from the “flu” or some other infection.
When taking a Vitamin D3 supplement, make sure that it has Vitamin K2 to maximize it’s effectiveness. Supplements vary in their quality and it is important to use high quality supplements that are designed for maximum effectiveness. Please note that Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which means that it requires fat for maximum absorption. Make sure that you take Vitamin D3 with food or take a Vitamin D3 supplement that comes in oil.
6. Becky Kay, Intuitive Consultant:
My favorite daily immune building remedy is garlic mixed with ginger. It works wonders in assisting your body in fighting off illnesses.
Before any physically or emotionally stressful event, or when around a lot of people who are ill, I mix oregano oil, apple cider vinegar, honey and lemon. This is a strong immune builder. You will love the natural immune boost that it gives to your body. I also find that it gives me the perfect “spiritual energy” to hold a connection during an intuitive consultation.
As you can see from the advice from a few of our Wellness Practitioners, there are quite a few things that you can do to prevent illnesses and also minimize the length and severity of illnesses if you do get sick. You can build your immune system by applying “Self-Care” and “Self-Love” to your everyday life. Remember: an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure!
