And don't let this scary photo stop you from reading on!
In this fast-paced world, where our schedules are often jam-packed and stress levels are high, it's critical to prioritize our health. If you're reading this blog, then you probably already know that. But sometimes life gets too busy.
Yes, we know that we should eat balanced meals, sleep for 8 hours and write in our gratitude journal every day. But is this realistic? In my humble opinion, the amount of pressure we put on ourselves for perfect "self-care" can set us up to feel like failures and could then increase our stress levels. Counterproductive, isn't it? So, today, let me present some options to make part of your "self-care" routine easier to get ahead of cold and flu season!
Making it Easy: Although we are all different with specific health conditions and needs, there are a few products that can help everyone stay healthy.
This list was inspired by a patient who I've been meeting with virtually for health coaching consultations. She relocated to Las Vegas and has diligently tried to build a new health team.
While she has met some great practitioners, she's often left feeling more confused than empowered. So, after visiting with her providers, we go over their plan. I synthesize their recommendations to strategize for her best health outcome while making it easy for her to fold into her life. This approach is crucial: if it's not easy, I won't do it and I'm pretty sure that you won't do it either! Last week, she asked me to "just send me Karly's favorite supplements and make it easy." Here's what I sent her:
Immune + from Evergreen Herbs
Vitamin D3+K2 5000 iu from Metagenics
Express 3-in-1 Probiotics from Bulletproof
Biocidin
On Guard from Doterra
Now, I'll briefly describe why I chose these tools:
Immune +: A carefully composed blend of adaptogenic herbs proven in studies to boost your immune response and increase energy and stamina. Bonus: it's anti-microbial and has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Immune + can be safely taken everyday and that's what I do, year-round. How to use it: Take 2 in the morning during the Fall and Winter and take with you while traveling. I double the dose a week before I go anywhere to prevent any bugs from getting me down. Testimony: I took this 10 days before I left for my second trip to China and I was the only one out of my group to not get sick. Boom!
Vitamin D is actually a hormone and performs at least 10% of all of your body's functions. It's way more important than we thought and helps our immune, neurological and skeletal systems. D3 is the most bio-available (meaning, our bodies can better absorb it) and K2 helps Vitamin D strenghthen the structure of our bone. How to use it: It's best absorbed in divided doses so I take 5000 iu twice a day. Even if you're in a sunny climate, you need this supplement to convert the sun's rays to Vitamin D in your body.
Express 3-in-1 Probiotic: The ancient Chinese said that our digestive system is central to health...and now Western research has proven it! I have tried at least 10 other types of probiotics (even ones that cost $70 and need refridgeration) but still come back to this one! No, it's not trendy but it works the best for most people. Bonus: it can aid in weight loss, another teaching of Chinese medicine. If you have a strong digestive system with healthy microbes, you are better equiped to fight off bugs and lose weight in the meantime (this one has specific strains to help)! How to use it: I take 3 capsules at night as there was a study about 20 years ago stating that probiotics at night can help prevent allergies. I will always take probiotics as I spent most of my childhood on antibiotics...until acupuncture found me!
Biocidin was a request from a patient who said that her surgeon-husband swore by it. Since then, I've carried it in my clinic and it always sells out. Family and friends often say: "I took this and started to feel better after 20 minutes!" It's application is genius: spray it into your mouth where the mucosa is a first-line defense against nasty microbes! Patients facing dental work or infections also love this spray. Bonus: it tastes good and has been proven in human studies!
How to use it: 3 sprays in your mouth at the first sign of sore throat, stuffy nose or hoarse voice, used 3 times a day until symptoms are relieved.
On Guard essential oil blend saved me when Maya was a toddler. She had been hit twice with "hand-foot-and-mouth" disease. Prior to her getting this terrible illness, I assumed that it was akin to the plague and only found in biblical times. Well, I was half-right as it felt like Maya had been smote! The sores in Maya's mouth prevented her from eating anything but spoonfuls of protein shakes..and she couldn't hold the spoon due to the sores on her hands. Looking back, it was good bonding!
In desperation, I asked her preschool director if I could donate a huge diffuser and On Guard for Maya's classroom. To my delight, she agreed. For the last two years of Maya's preschool experience, her teachers used On Guard and Maya avoided any other illnesses. Phew! How to use it: As you see here, when I feel a cold coming on, I put drops directly under my tongue. THAT IS NOT RECOMMENDED! You can put 3-5 drops in warm water and sip it through the day or you can put 5-8 drops into a diffuser. I tend to do both. They also offer a roll-on that Maya and I put on our necks and wrists every morning.
So, if you'll be traveling for the holidays, hustling at work or if you're a parent whose children have recently gone back to school, make sure you that have my favorite immune-boosting products in your home. And, as always, consult with your medical provider if you have any questions.
And if you'd like to work with me, I'm happy to help! For a personalized and seasonal approach, I'm excited to offer in-office or virtual health consultations. Book one here.
As always, thank you for doing this with me!
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