Your immune system is EVERYTHING. Let's go through some easy-to-incorporate ways my family helps our immune systems so you can help your own. Be sure to read to the end to get Two Immune-Boosting recipes that are easy and get results.
Sleep
Easier said than done, right? It is important to get at least 7 hours of sleep a day! When your body does not get enough, it has a tougher time fighting off infection. We consider it "Vitamin S". Many studies even suggest that poor sleep causes weight gain. Stick to a nightly routine, power nap if you need to, just make sure you and your family are catching ZZZ’s! (See link to "guide to better sleep" at the end of the blog).
Eat healthier and eliminate processed food
Before we had our eyes open to our self-sabotaging health practices, we fed ourselves and our children many regretful things. I'm gonna tell you a little story here:
This is an example of how clueless I was about the effects of foods on wellness. For my son's 5th birthday, we got him a whole container of bubble gumballs. You know, the kind that are in gumball machines? So, what do you think he wanted to do? He chewed and spit out about 20 of them! We were on the way to a movie for his bday. We had to change plans when he started wheezing and couldn't breathe. So many nasty chemicals in those gumballs that his body went, "NOPE". We had our final food awakening at Whole Foods shortly after (Read about that in my Vitamix blog).
You know what NOT to do, and here's where I'll tell you what TO do:
When you add fruits and vegetables as well as eliminate (or reducing) processed food, it can naturally boost your immune system. Fruits and veggies are packed with antioxidants that slow down aging, maintain heart health, lower the risk of infections, and strengthen the immune system. Processed foods have the opposite effect; they decrease our immune system and can contribute to becoming ill or having asthma attacks. These foods are not nutrient-dense, but rather filled with preservatives, artificial ingredients, and even toxins!
Don't completely ban comfort foods (unless they are truly toxic). Graze in moderation and up your veggie and fruit game! Slowly add more veggies and eat them first, then have your normal meal. Eat a fruit smoothie for a snack, and munch on veggies or fruit in between meals! It's amazing how your body adapts and starts to crave fresh and healthy over junk food. Pay attention to how you feel before making the switch and possibly keep a journal to be completely honest.
CONSUME AN ANTIOXIDANT DRINK 
Find a drink high in antioxidants to kick off your morning and start on the right foot! Every morning we drink one ounce of our red antioxidant drink for all the reasons listed above! During the winter months, we double it. I pop it in my family’s orange juice or add it to smoothies. Our red drink supports brain health, a healthy weight, and our immune systems. We don’t want to go without it! Hubby attributes his ability to pass his BP test during physicals to this one ounce a day!
Exercise
Exercise helps boost your cells in your body that target harmful bacteria. A daily walk, bike ride, pilates/yoga/stretch, or playing catch with your kids, are all great activities to stay active! Just do not overdo it. If your body is overworked, it can have the opposite effect. Find a balance and get moving!
Be proactive rather than reactive
Being proactive is essential! We seemed to be stuck in that cycle of illness every six weeks or so before we made different choices. Do not wait for sickness to strike and then try to recoup! Stop losing days and money stuck in bed due to illness or caring for your sick littles. Be proactive and consistent. START to eat healthy on a regular basis, exercise a few times a week, consume an antioxidant drink daily, get your sleep, apply oils to support your systems, and remove toxins like dangerous cleaning products, and hormone-disrupting facial and body care products. It's easy to incorporate into your daily routine (or I wouldn’t do it). Don't fret about what you've done in the past. Start today. Start small and add things slowly. It's easier to stick with it if you don't shift EVERYTHING in your life all at once. You can do it. You will. You and your family are worth it!
Two of our favorite recipes for immune system support:
IMMUNE BOOSTING TONIC:
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (We use Braggs)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup Honey (local is best)
2 Tbs lemon juice or 4 drops Lemon essential oil
1 Tbs grated ginger (OR 1 tsp ground ginger)
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 grated clove of garlic
Mix all ingredients in a glass jar.
Take 1 Tablespoon/day for daily boost or 2-3 Tablespoons throughout the day as needed.
WELLNESS ROLLER BLEND
15 drops of Thieves
5 drops of Lemon
5 drops of Purification
5 drops of Lemon
5 drops of Purification
10 drops of Peppermint
5 drops of Frankincense
5 drops of Oregano
Add oils to a 15 ml roller and top with a carrier oil.
Roll on your spine and/or feet before leaving the house and before bed.
What are your immune-boosting tips? I'd love to hear your ideas! 😊
Have you struggled to get good sleep? You'll LOVE my guide "Get Better Sleep Now". Check it out here!
If you'd like to hear all about how to Ditch your toxic cleaning products and find natural cleaners that WORK, click here.
Being sleeping mouth-breathers, most of my family had pretty nasty morning breath. We have also been blessed with less than perfect dental records. Since starting on my better health journey, I have come across many articles on the advantages of oil pulling, and have convinced 3 of my family to join me in the habit to improve our dental health.
Oil pulling is a very simple, inexpensive, and effective oral hygiene treatment. Several studies have shown that oil pulling could help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, and decreasing these strains of bacteria could help prevent tooth decay and reduce the risk of cavity formation. One study found that oil pulling was as effective as antiseptic mouthwash at reducing bad breath.
When swishing through my morning routine, I realized that there are unexpected bonuses like opening my sinuses and soothing a scratchy throat! I've learned that oil pulling is believed to help in the excretion of toxic heavy metals from your body. The swishing activates salivary enzymes that absorb bacterial and environmental toxins from the blood. So it's not just good for your mouth, it's a way to detox the whole body.
Two of the biggest benefits to oil pulling are how simple it is to do and how easily it can be incorporated into your daily
regimen. Additionally, it requires just one ingredient that can be found right in your kitchen.
Types of oils to use:
- Sesame oil is the traditional oil of choice, but I didn't prefer that flavor so it went back into the cabinet for stir-frying.
- Coconut oil is my favorite and happens to possess strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can be especially useful for oil pulling.
- Olive oil is another popular choice thanks to its ability to fight inflammation. I've used it in a pinch, but feel there are more benefits with coconut oil.
HOW TO DO OIL PULLING IN 4 SIMPLE STEPS:
- Measure one tablespoon of oil, such as coconut, sesame, or olive oil. You could also add a quality trusted essential oil here, like Orange (whitening), Lemon, or Thieves (supports immune system and dental health) to increase benefits even more!
- Swish it around in your mouth for 15–20 minutes, pulling it between your teeth, being mindful not to swallow any.
- Spit the oil into a trash can once you're done. Avoid spitting it into the sink or toilet, as this can cause a buildup of oil, which may lead to clogging.
- Rinse your mouth well using warm water before eating or drinking anything. (I usually rinse then brush teeth).
Repeat these steps a few times per week or up to three times daily. You may also want to work your way up, starting with swishing for just 2 to 5 minutes and increasing the duration until you're able to do it for a full 15–20 minutes. You could also start with a smaller amount of oil. It was a bit odd at first, but we all quickly acclimated.
[FYI, the oil blend will double in size over the time you squish, because of the saliva you will produce. If it gets too uncomfortable, you can spit some of it out in a paper towel and then carry on swishing until your time is up.]
For best results, most recommend doing this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Everyone can benefit from oil pulling. Did you realize that harmful bacteria and plaque has a link to heart issues? It's all about the inflammation, so get pulling and get healthier!
Blessings,
Christy
