In a perfect world, we would all be healthy every day of our lives, but we all know it’s not a perfect world. So, what can we do to keep ourselves well instead of having to battle back up to being well. Let’s go over 3 tips I’ve put into practice over the last 5 years and found to be very helpful when applied consistently. They are simple, but consistency is the key.
- Limit or Cut Sugar
Sugar can do a lot of damage to the body, but it is especially hard on the immune system. Only 2 teaspoons of sugar can shut down the immune system for about 5 hours. When you look at the foods and drinks you consume in a typical day, what does the nutrient information say the amount of added sugar is? To help you do the math, 2 teaspoons is equal to just over 8 grams. For every 8 grams, your immune system will be shut down for 5 hours. Personally, I avoid sugar on a daily basis, but I highly encourage this practice while you are sick. If you want to enjoy something sweet that won’t tear you down, look for products that use natural sweeteners like stevia (not with maltodextrine; that’s sugar undercover) or xylitol. Some of my favorite swaps are Rebel ice cream, Zevia sodas, and Russel Stover’s sugar free candy.
2. Support Your Wellness Daily
Wellness is not just about avoiding certain things, but also fueling our body with the building blocks of wellness. Antioxidants protect our cells from free radicals that attack the cells like rust does the body of a car. We don’t want that! T-cells and white blood cells are key players in our immune defense so staying healthy on a cellular level makes perfect sense. Goji berries are a great source of antioxidants! My family drinks 1oz of our favorite goji berry juice every day.
Did you know that 70-80% of your immune system lives in your gut? A healthy gut is one of the foundational pieces to a healthy you! Not only is it linked to your immune system, but also your mental wellness and more. Taking a probiotic is an easy way to support your gut. Probiotics build the environment that you need to thrive.
My family also uses essential oils to promote our wellness. It’s as easy as applying them to our spines and feet daily. Even my toddler son can do it! I also love to diffuse the oils for their comforting and uplifting scents.
3. Use Toxin Free Products
Unfortunately the products that allow on store shelves are not safe for us and actually tear down our bodies. Let me give you a quick crash course of what to watch out for. Fragrance: this term can hide thousands of chemical ingredients that lead to hundreds of symptoms including asthma and migraines. Triclosan: although it’s registered as a pesticide by the EPA, it is used as an antibacterial agent, but it’s been known to lead to antibiotic resistance and more. Phthalates: This is an endocrine disrupting chemical that has been proven to mimic estrogen in humans and can impact fertility in a negative way. Formaldahyde: this is a carcinogen recognized by the Cancer Institute that is used to embalm dead bodies. However, it is still added to everything from toothpaste to shampoo. It can cause eye irritation, asthma, skin issues, head aches, nausea, and multiple types of cancer. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): It is used as emulsifying and foaming agents as well as engine and floor degreasers. Studies found that is can hair loss, cataracts, and rashes as well as having negative effects on the heart, brain, and liver.
My favorite toxin free cleaner only uses plants and natural ingredients that are safe for the whole family including pets. Plus it’s super economical since it’s made to be diluted; win win!
You can see all my favorites here and get some for yourself. Make sure you download the Habit Tracker.pdf so you can choose your healthy habits and track your consistency and results.
Empowering Others,
Kristen
