WELLNESSJanuary 26, 2018

5 health hacks to stay well all winter

It seems like everyone I’ve run into the past few weeks is either sick, recently recovered, or on the verge of coming down with something. Beyond the usual seasonal cold, the flu is seems to be particularly awful – and if you’re like me – you’ll do anything you can to avoid falling victim to any sort of sickness.

With germs running rampant, your immune system needs all the help it can get.

There are so many supplements, powders, tea, tinctures, that promise eternal health – and I’ve probably tried them all. Not all of my recommendations require something to purchase, but for the ones that do, I stand by the quality and efficacy of the specific brands. That being said, different tricks work for different people.

I would love to hear what you swear by to stay well!

1. Oil of Oregano / North American Herb & Spice Oreganol

This is the first thing I reach for when my immune system needs a boost. You put a few drops directly under your tongue, or you can mix it with a little water and chug. It’s antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and a great antioxidant source. The important thing is to take it as soon as you think getting sick is a possibility – and to take it often. I like to keep the bottle with me and take every few hours.

This brand is non-GMO and made from wild oregano, which is known to be more effective.

I warn you that it tastes very ‘herby’ (like a really strong oregano to be exact), but I’ve grown to like it. You can take it in tablet form, but it may not be as absorbable and assessable by the body.

GET IT HERE

2. Sleep

While obvious, it cannot go without saying that a good night of sleep can work wonders. By resting, you allow your immune system to work its magic and fend off any lingering sickness.

Try to hit the hay an hour or two earlier than usual for a longer night’s rest. And if you can squeeze in a midday nap – all the better.

3. Vitamin C powder / Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C

There are no shortage of Vitamin C powders available at every drug store, but not all are created equal. Besides many containing sugar, fillers, flavors, and coloring – most are not easily absorbed efficiently by the body and rarely make it into your blood stream. To give you a sense of numbers, ‘regular’ vitamin C has a 3% absorption rate, while lypo-spheric vitamin C has a 90% rate.

It’s more expensive, but you also need to take a lot less. It’s best taken in the morning on an empty stomach. In addition to being immune boosting, vitamin C is beneficial for cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems. It’s also known for being great for skin health – which is an added bonus in my book.

GET IT HERE

4. Water ( with lemon)

Like sleep, drinking more water is something we should be doing on a regular basis – but for whatever reason – it can easily fall through the cracks. Make a point to have a big glass of water upon rising, and fill up a bottle to swig throughout the day. Water helps keeps your immune system fully functioning and can flush out any impending illness.

Adding lemon to your water is a great way to get bio-available vitamin C and can also act as a flavor enhancer.

5. Echinecea Plus Elderberry Tea / Traditional Medicinals

Not only is this tea a great way to up your fluid intake, but it’s also loaded with immune boosting echinecea and elderberry. Sip this warm throughout the day, or make a big pitcher to have cold if that’s more your style.

It has an herbal, fruity taste that I enjoy on it’s own – but add a little raw honey or a few drops of stevia if you would prefer it a little sweeter.

Traditional Medicinals sources the highest quality herbs, is non-GMO verfied, and 99% organic.

GET IT HERE

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