Many of you refer to me as your trusted esthetician and skin specialist, but you probably don’t know that I’m also a Certified Health Coach. I’ve spent the past fourteen years traveling the country, meeting with doctors, reading, and taking classes to better understand and improve my own health and wellness. Five years ago, I turned my passion into a profession and successfully completed my Healthy Coaching Certification through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). So, as we head into “flu season” during the COVID pandemic, I thought it would be helpful to share some of my favorite immune boosting tips.
10 IMMUNE BOOSTING TIPS
The following Immune Boosting Tips are safe and designed to reduce stress, improve sleep, increase detoxification and in turn boost the function of your immune system.
1. Caster Oil Packs
Never heard of it? Well, listen up! Caster Oil Packs are great at detoxifying the lymph system, reducing excess fluid, and improving digestion. The process consists of flannel sheets soaked in caster oil placed over the abdomen for 20-60 minutes 1-3 per week. It might sound messy or complicated, but it really isn’t. I recommend the Heritage Store Castor Oil Pack from Amazon.
Great YouTube Video:
2. Essential Oils
My favorite Fall essential oil is Ginger. Not only is it the perfect scent profile for this time of year, it’s also great at boosting your immune system. I like to place a couple drops of it on my pulse points (neck & wrists), the bottom of feet, sprinkled in the shower, or simply inhaled. Local co-ops are great places for purchasing essential oils. My favorite brands are Aura Cacai and Pranarom.
3. Exercise
Get moving! Exercise creates detoxification through sweating, increased circulation, and oxygenation. It’s also great at improving sleep. My favorite forms of exercise include brisk nature walks and barre classes.
4. Gratitude
We hear a lot about practicing gratitude, and for good reason. It really works! From my seat in the treatment room, many clients are under a lot of stress and are emotionally exhausted. A simply practice is to try and focus on what is, and not what isn’t. What’s good, rather than what isn’t. Remind yourself to be present in the moment, and simply connect to your body and your breathe.
5. Gut Health
You are what you eat! Eighty percent of your immunity is found in your digestive track. Consider changing things up this Fall by adding fermented vegetables, bone broth, collagen powder, sprouted foods (nuts and seeds), foods high in vitamin c (citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes), spices (cayenne pepper, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, turmeric), and maybe some green juices or green smoothie to your diet. My favorite thing to make right now is soup. I always start with bone broth, add lots of potatoes and tomatoes, season with of garlic, onion and turmeric, and let my refrigerator take it from there.
6. Natural Sunlight
The days are starting to get shorter, and before we know it will be dark before dinner. As much as I preach the importance of wearing sunscreen, sunlight is beneficial for our immune system and our mood. Recently, many news articles have discussed the importance of Vitamin D in fighting COVID19. So, try getting ten minutes a day of direct, natural sunlight on your skin. Also, Vitamin D supplements are beneficial and often necessary to boost your Vitamin D levels and ultimately support your immune health. Next time you’re at the doctor, have your Vitamin D levels checked.
7. Nature
There is nothing better for the whole body than getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. Nature soothes the soul and reduces stress, which ultimately boosts your immune system. I love to walk my dogs around Bredesen Park in Edina.
8. Sea Salt Bath
Soaking in a hot bath of one cup sea salt for 20 minutes at least once a week increases detoxification, helps to remineralize the body, and induces restful sleep. My favorite is the Self Love Bath Soak by Magic Fairy. I always have this amazing smelling, dead sea salt soak available for purchase in my studio.
9. Skin Care
The skin is the largest organ and our bodies first line of defense against pathogens. When the skin gets dry it flakes, cracks, and often breaks. Micro tears or cuts become ideal entry spots for pathogens. To keep skin healthy and looking good during cooler months and flu season, I recommend focusing on hydration. Consider applying Original Sprout Scrumptious Body Cream all over your body and hands after your shower, bumping up your nightly moisturizer to something heavier like Epionce Enriched Firming Mask, and giving your lips some love with Mizzi Cosmetics Lip Scrub & Lip Balm.
10. Water
Don’t forget to drink water, it’s the source of life. The recommended amount of daily water consumption is typically half your body weight in ounces. So, someone who weights 100 lbs should drink at least 50 ounces of plain, filtered water evert day.
There it is, my top 10 Immune Boosting Tips. Try one or try them all, and let me know your favorite.