OPTIMIZING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

The past few months have been difficult with the pandemonium and hysteria surrounding COVID-19.  I want to lend a voice of hope and optimism.  Paranoia and selfishness can be a great strain on the body’s immune system.  COVID-19 may be dominating the news, but it doesn’t need to dominate our lives. I want you to know that I am not worried. Worry weakens your immune system. I do what I can to optimize my immune system in the ways I am about to tell you about. I am not worried about you if you are doing what you can do to strengthen your immune system. Just listen up really quick … You are your own best health advocate. I can’t say that enough.

In more than 44 years practicing nursing, I see that the amazing ability of our immune system to fight and overcome is still there. A virus is a mechanism; it’s not alive. Our bodies fight viruses naturally in these ways: by recognizing that there is a virus in the body, antibodies, T-cells, and fever and mucus production – remember, a fever is your friend.  Because the coronavirus is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics and they should not be taken as a preventative because they will destroy your body’s natural ability to fight. The good news is, there are proven ways to build the immune system. Here are some tips to optimize your immune system and help you not just survive, but to thrive during this time. First: your Spiritual and mental health; Second: your chemical health; and finally, your physical health.

Spiritual and Mental Health:

• You are what you think.
• Fear and faith cannot coexist. Stay strong! Replace fear with good thoughts, acts, and service.
• Don’t be glued to the news right now, it is increasing the hysteria. Take regular breaks from it.
• Stay social! Now, don’t go kissing strangers, but don’t stop interacting with others. It is so important to keep good relationships going through phone calls, Facetime, Zoom, Skype or other means.
• Think about what you can do to help others. Make an uplifting phone call.
• Smile at others – it will give you a boost! A simple smile causes a true biochemical reaction in your body that strengthens the immune system.
• My essential helpers:  Lavender, Stress Away, Peace & Calming, Frankincense and Valor are great for relaxing and meditating.  Lemon and Citrus Fresh help to move toxins out.  A DIY with Epsom Bath Salts and the CALM CBD Roller are also very helpful to de-stress!

Chemical Health

• You are what you eat.
• Right now everyone is buying food with long a shelf life which is typically not healthy.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables throughout the day, every day. Load your body with nutrients that will help build your immune system.
• Increase the good, and decrease the bad. Snickers, Twinkies, ice cream, and sugar-laden soda don’t fall in the “good” category.
• Get sunshine. Going outdoors provides visual, mental, and physical stimuli to optimize your immune system.  I boost my Vitamin D by taking Super Vitamin D, too!
• So, eat Real foods, leafy greens, avocadoes, olives, flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts & fish.  And boost your nutrition with some of my favorite helpers like NingXia Red antioxidant drink, Super Vitamin D, Super C, Super B, probiotics, Essentialzymes, Allerzyme, Detoxzyme, and DiGize for any tummy issues.

Physical Health

• You are what you do.
• Don’t be afraid to be active right now. Exercise is Key! However, now is not the time to start a new exercise regime. If you haven’t been exercising, start walking. It’s the best option and not just because the gym is closed.
• I start with Cool Azul for muscle aches, a few drops of Peppermint in a spray bottle of water for cooling and Lemon or Citrus Fresh in water to help move out those toxins…
• Get between 7 and 8 hours of quality sleep a night. Go to bed early, and don’t sleep in too late. To help you wind down and get to sleep easier Lavender, Stress Away, Valor or Peace & Calming will become your best friends.
• And what grandma taught you is true: Wash your hands! And often!
• For hygiene, I love everything Thieves: EO, hand soap, spray, hand purifier and more.

You are what you think, eat, and do. Stay logical. As we strengthen each of these health areas, we are optimizing our immune system’s natural ability to fight and overcome.

It’s easier to put out a spark than a fire. Your health is your responsibility.

Stay positive!