Top 5 Immune Hacks

Regardless of how well we take care of ourselves, the stressors of life can sometimes take their toll on us. This is the perfect opportunity for pesky viruses and bacteria to put us down for the count. Getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating a nutrient dense whole food diet that is supportive to your body’s needs is always the first place to start. With that said, having the right nutritional supplements on board and a few health hacks won’t hurt the cause for keeping you upright and out of bed for a week. Consider these techniques an added layer of protection you can go to when needed.  Taking specific nutrients at the right time can mean the difference between just having a small bought of the sniffles and a scratchy throat or getting a full blown flu or strep throat and being out of commission for weeks. The following products and nutrients have worked very well for myself and my clients.

I. Vitamin C

Vitamin C: (1000-3000mg a day for maintenance. 3000-5000 at the first sign of getting sick) Warning! Vitamin C taken in large enough doses will have a diuretic and/or a laxative effect in some people.

Hack #1: Coconut Oil: This is an Ayurvedic technique where you line the insides of your nostrils and the insides of your ears with coconut oil. Coconut oil is antibacterial and anti-viral so having the air that is passing through your nose get treated with coconut oil could disinfect the air that could contain viruses.

II. Essential Oils

Essential Oil Bacteria Killer: This is a formula that I adopted from Dr. Gary Young, founder of Young Living Essential oils. The combination of Oregano, Lemon and Mountain Savory creates a very strong anti-bacterial combination. Current research shows that bacteria is not resistant to essential oils. I personally have not taken an anti-biotic in over 25 years and I feel this combination is one of the reasons why. Take an empty 00 gelatin capsule and then add the oils in the following order:

10 drops of lemon oil,

5 drops of Mountain Savory,

3 drops Oregano.

Close the capsule, shake it and immediately swallow. If you wait to take the capsule the oil will dissolve and you’ll have a bit of a mess on your hands and your house will smell like a giant pizza (that would be the Oregano oil). 

Hack #2: Xylitol Nasal Rinse: I prefer using the Xylitol Rinse over the Saline rinse. It is less irritating and it does a better job of cleaning out the sinuses. Rinse your sinuses to clear out congestion and to possibly shorten the active time of a sinus infection. Use either the squirt bottle or a traditional neti pot to irrigate the sinuses.

III. Andrographis

Andrographis and Ginseng: A fantastic herb that is very powerful and works exceptionally well when you have nasty viruses like the flu. You know the kind of flu that makes you feel like you’ve been hit by a car? The body aches come from the massive amounts of inflammatory cytokines (fancy word for chemical messengers) that the body makes to fight off these types of viruses. Andrographis has also been a great help in fighting off upper respiratory infections as well. According to the Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine, “A specific product (andrographis combined with Eleutherococcus senticosus a.k.a ginseng) may shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of common cold.” It also says, “Pregnant women shouldn’t use andrographis because it could terminate pregnancy.

Hack #3: Ear Candling: When it comes to sinus relief and managing sinus related headaches, PRESSURE is the name of the game. Excessive ear wax and mucus buildup can increase pressure in the head and could exacerbate sinus headaches. Clearing out the extra wax with occasional ear candling will relieve pressure in the sinuses by relieving the pressure in the middle ear (ak.a. Eustachian Tube)

IV.Chicken Soup:

Chicken soup contains vitamins A and C, magnesium, phosphorus, gelatin and antioxidants, which are known to build a strong immune system and fight off viruses. The protein from chicken provides amino acids that are used to build antibodies to fight infection.

4a. Bone Broth: Bone broth is rich in minerals that help support the body’s immune system. It contains gelatin and collagen and other healing compounds including glutamine, proline and glycine. Consuming bone broth helps fight inflammation throughout the body and aids the digestive system. Bone broth contains particular substances that are vital in this process. First of all, bone broth contains the amino acids arginine (essential for immune system and liver function), glutamine (which helps with metabolism), and glycine (which aids in glutathione production and also quality of sleep). Bone marrow that liquefies over time as your soup simmers is especially beneficial to the immune system. This marrow will contain lipids, especially alkylglycerols, which are vital for the production of white blood cells. Alkyglycerols also appear in colostrum from mother’s milk and have been found to control cancer tumor cell growth.Making homemade bone broth is quite simple or you can get pre made Organic Bone Broth if you are in a pinch or don’t have the time. Pacific Foods makes a good organic bone broth that I use quite often. (1)

Hack#4: Zicam (homeopathic Nasal Swabs): When I first tried these, I was definitely a bit skeptical because I bought them at the local drugstore but after using them I can definitely say that they work. I was totally feeling that I was going to get a sinus cold and using the nasal swabs for two days nipped it right in the bud. At the first sign of a sinus cold which usually starts out as a sinus headache, I would use the nasal swabs to keep the virus from going full blown.

V. Echinacea

Echinacea: Although the mainstream clinical evidence does not fully support Echinacea’s effectiveness, I can tell you from personal experience that this herb has never failed me. Understanding that everyone is different, it is my opinion that at minimum, Echinacea tea can be used at the first sign of a possible infection or take 1 serving of tea once a week as a preventative.

Hack#5: Air Power ( (Enzamatic Therapy) I believe the original formula had fenugreek as its main ingredient. Now the main ingredient is Guaifenesin, a very powerful expectorant (i.e. a breaker upper of phlegm). If you are suffering from a nasty head cold, chest cold, bronchitis or a post nasal drip, this product should provide you with some relief.

Product links

Vitamin C: Camu Camu

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: Click here

Essential Oil Combo

Oregano: Oreganol

Mountain Savory: 100% Pure click here

 Lemon Oil: 100% Pure click here

Xylitol Nasal Solution: https://amzn.to/2x1ihY7

Andrographis: Rainbow Light Counter Attack

Ear Candles: Cylinder Works Ear Candles

Bone Broth: Pacific Foods

Zicam Nasal Swabs: Sinus Support. Click here

Echinacea: Pure Synergy

Air Power: Natural decongestant: Enzamatic Therapy

Disclaimer:

these recommendations are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as a diagnosis,

prescription or treatment for any disease, or as a substitute for regular care under a licensed medical provider.

How To Plug Your Energy Drain

Believe it or not, the number one reason for medical doctor visits is fatigue. When the body lacks resources, lacks sleep, lacks the synchronization of its own rhythms, the first thing to go is your energy levels. Energy – how you feel when you wake up and how you feel throughout the day is going to be your number one indicator as to how well your body is running.  The number one thing that you can do to make sure that you are energized is to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Sounds simple and goes without saying. That time window from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. is that time in which your body repairs itself. The shorter that window of rest you give yourself, the less time your body has to rebuild itself.

Secondly, you want to make sure that you’re eating in a way that stabilizes your blood sugar. If you are constantly relying on stimulants, sugar and fake foods you’re going to be giving yourself temporary energy boosts which will then be followed by permanent energy crashes. What you should be doing is putting more whole foods into your diet.  Make sure you’re eating adequate amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Sufficient sleep and macronutrients ratios and you’re half way home to solving your own energy crisis. If are having trouble determining which foods are right for you, I would definitely look into getting additional coaching through the Physical Excellence.

Exercise: Stretching For Your Health

Stretching is something that most people know is important but often times have trouble understanding how it make it work to their benefit. They stretch either because they want to increase their overall flexibility, want to maximize athletic performance or get out of pain. I also would like you consider stretching for health, which is more about balancing the musculoskeletal system to allow for optimal flow of energy throughout the body. Here’s how it works: the health of your blood vessels, lymphatic tissue and nerves are greatly dependent on the tension or lack thereof in your muscles, tendons and fascia. These structures allow for a free and un-inhibited flow of life force, whether it’s blood, or nerve energy. Therefore when you stretch, consider that your results are not just dependent on your ability to tie yourself in knots. It is more about freeing up any stagnant energy areas in the body. There are many types of stretching that we’ll touch on at a later point but for now, let’s focus on muscle stretching, on ligaments, and fascial stretching. There are different types and techniques that you can use to get maximum benefit, add balance to your body and to achieve optimal health. The type of stretching that you do will vary depending on your individual needs and your specific constitution.

If It Hurts or Taste Bad You Are Doing It Wrong

Often times people don’t get started on their health and fitness journey because they believe it has to be torture. They either think that they have to starve themselves or beat themselves up with exercise. The truth is it is the exact opposite. Getting in your best shape ever will actually be more pleasurable then staying out of shape if you know how to do it right. Use the six foundational principles to get you into your best shape ever and enjoy the journey.

Get control over your wrinkles

Strong and supple collagen tissue is the key to having healthy and youthful looking skin. Collagen health is largely dependent on proper hydration, therefore if you are not drinking enough water (not tea or or any other flavored fluid) you are starving your skin. Secondary to staying hydrated is to manage cortisol levels. In times of stress the body produces large amount of cortisol, which drives the body’s metabolic process into what is called gluconeogenesis. In plain English, this is when your body uses protein for energy. This protein can some from ANY protein source in the body. Skeletal muscle, glands and organs including your skin. Research has shown that the collagen in the skin is one of the first to be sacrificed when cortisol levels are high. Any hopes of tightening up that saggy skin, reducing cellulite and looking younger are all dependent on hydration and stress management. #managecortisol

Put More FOOD In Your Food

There are so many nonfoods on the market, people have lost the ability to make correct food choices. Billions of dollars have been spent on advertising in an effort to convince you that speed and convenience is better than quality. Here is a quick food-buying tip. If you need convincing to eat something, more than likely it is garbage. Good food does not need fancy advertising. How many commercials have you seen for Rolls Royce automobiles? They don’t need to advertise because everyone knows it is the best car that money can buy. How many commercials have you seen for organic fruits and vegetables? This is the same example. How many commercials do you see on a daily basis for fast food, boxed food, or fake food?  I rest my case.

You must establish a normal relationship with food. Your tastes and cravings for healthy foods must be reestablished. You must have a system for determining what foods are best for your individual metabolic type. You need to know what your metabolic type is.

A Tight Muscle Is A Weak Muscle

A properly executed stretching program will produce fast gains in golf performance and here is why:

Flexibility, strength, and power are intimately connected but flexibility is the gatekeeper to achieving optimal strength and power. Our body has a protective mechanism that does not allow it to move beyond a point that it is not strong enough to control. It can be likened to the parking break on your car.  For example a tight hip muscle will restrict hip mechanics during the golf swing. The tighter the hip muscle gets, the weaker it gets. Tightness begets weakness and weakness begets tightness. It is a perpetuating cycle that will continue until the muscle is properly stretched and balanced. A properly executed stretch will tell the body that it is ok to relax, thus “releasing the body’s parking break”.

The Secret To Staying Young!

The key to lifelong vitality is following the 6 foundational principles.

1. Thoughts: thoughts create emotions and emotions create hormones that affect every cell in the body. You are what you think.

2. Breathing: life begins and ends with breath. Cultivate and control your breathe to control your life.

3. Hydration: The simplest solution to pollution is dilution. Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces.

4. Food: “you can’t make chicken salad out of chicken shit”. Whatever you are eating now is what you’ll become later. Any questions?

5. Exercise: Use movement to know yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Move in a way that builds structure and function. Do use your body like a rental car or it will get repossessed.

6. Sleep: A true Warrior knows how to rest. Rise with the sun. Sleep with the moon.

Your Thyroid Is Low Even If You Think It Is Not:

This is a quote from an article written 14 years ago by the late Dan Duchaine and all of his brilliance (that is right I said it). “In most cases when a dieter gets “stuck”, it is because the body’s thyroid levels have been reduced. But this thyroid reduction is not happening where you’d expect: it’s not happening in the thyroid gland. Although some organs (e.g., pituitary and brain) can convert the T4 at the site, most other cells, including skeletal muscle, use T3 that has been converted from T4 in the liver. The primary cause of down-regulation of body temperature in humans is the reduction of T3 thyroid, which is converted in the liver. “

The Dangers Of Drinking Morning Coffee!

Drinking coffee in the morning on an empty stomach raises cortisol levels that are already high from having been sleeping. If this is done over time it will cause extreme stress on the adrenals glands which will make you tired, increase belly fat, and weaken your immune system. Make sure you eat something before you drink your coffee and it will make a huge difference.

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