Your Wellness Warrior

The winter season can be tough on the immune system. Colder temperatures and shorter days can make it difficult for our bodies to stay healthy and fight off infection. One of the main reasons why our immune systems are weaker during the winter is due to a decrease in vitamin D levels. Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining a strong immune system.

One way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D, is through food sources including fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, egg yolks, and mushrooms. However, during this time of the year, taking a daily dose of 5000 IU helps to prevent vitamin D deficiency and maintain optimal levels of the vitamin in your body. Fortunately, we have access to Super Vitamin D which is an especially important supplement at the moment to add to your daily regime this season. 

 

Vitamin C is an important nutrient for supporting the body’s immune response, so include lots of citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons in your diet. Vitamin C-rich vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli and kale are also great additions to meals. Most likely you will be not getting enough from foods during this season; however you can supplement with a natural Vitamin C complex. Super C's  chewable form for kids and tablet form for adults tends to work well in our home.

Young Living also offers a variety of other supplements that can help support your immune system throughout the winter season. For example, NingXia Red is packed with powerful antioxidants and nutrients like wolfberry, aronia berries, blueberries, grape seed extract, and other superfruits. It helps boost overall energy levels and supports your body’s natural defenses. 

Thieves® Vitality Essential Oil blend is another great way to keep your immune system functioning optimally. The blend contains five powerful essential oils—Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary—which all have natural antibacterial and antiviral properties. Taking a drop of Thieves in a veggie capsule each day has been known to help strengthen the body’s natural defense system. Kids love it when you roll it on their feet, you can make an immune roll on by diluting 15-20 drops with carrier oil.  

In addition, Inner Defense™ capsules are a great way to support your immune system during the winter season. These dietary supplement capsules contain oregano oil and Thieves Essential Oil blend as well as other powerful ingredients like thyme oil, clove bud oil, and lavender oil. The combination of essential oils in Inner Defense™ helps to strengthen cells and provide a potent defense against environmental and seasonal threats. Together, these essential oils have been known to support healthy immune response and provide antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Be sure to keep these on hand, so that when you start to feel run down you can address it ASAP.

If you’re looking for a more culinary approach to enhancing your wintertime immunity, there are several foods that can help strengthen the body’s natural defenses. Eating garlic is an effective way to boost your immune system and fight off colds and flu. It contains a powerful antioxidant called allicin, which is responsible for its immunity boosting properties. Onions are also an excellent choice as they contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation in the body. Other immunity boosting foods include ginger, turmeric, oranges, blueberries, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. These foods are all packed with vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and contain antiviral or antibacterial properties to help fight off winter illnesses. Eating a variety of these foods throughout the winter months can be an effective way to boost your body’s immunity and keep you healthy.

Additionally, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas.  Water helps flush out toxins from the body, while herbal teas can soothe a sore throat and provide additional nutrients that help strengthen the immune system.  Finally, reduce your intake of processed foods – as these don’t offer any health benefits and may actually weaken your immune system. 

Taking care of your body should be a year-round priority, but it’s especially important to boost your immune system before winter comes. Thankfully, there are foods and recommended supplements that can give your immunity the extra edge it needs. Now is the time to start stocking up on these items so you’ll be prepared for whatever cold and flu season throws your way. And remember, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions about how to best take care of yourself this winter, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We want nothing more than for you to stay healthy and happy all season long!

We all know that our DNA makes us who we are, but did you know that your lifestyle choices can have an effect on your DNA? That's right—your daily habits and the products you use can positively or negatively impact your genetic makeup. One way to positively influence your DNA is through the use of essential oils, which have been scientifically proven to support the healthy functioning of our cells. 

Essential oils are incredibly powerful, and scientific studies show that they can be used to help protect and repair our cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a process in which free radicals damage cells, leading to cell death or genetic mutations. Studies have shown that certain essential oils possess antioxidant properties, meaning they are able to neutralize the effects of oxidative stress on cells. 

When it comes to supporting healthy DNA function, some essential oils stand out above the rest. Research has found that frankincense, lavender, and bergamot essential oils may be particularly effective at protecting our cells from damage while also promoting proper cell function. Frankincense oil has been shown to reduce inflammation in human cells while bergamot helps promote cellular respiration. Finally, lavender oil has been linked with increased telomere length (the “caps” at the end of chromosomes), which helps protect against premature aging and disease. 

At the end of the day, there's no denying that our DNA plays an important role in determining who we are as individuals. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to protect our genetic material from harm and promote good health for years to come! By using essential oils such as frankincense, lavender, and bergamot oil regularly in your daily routine, you can actively support healthy cell function and protect your DNA from oxidative damage. There is no better time than now to start incorporating these amazing aromatherapy products into your lifestyle. You will be pleasantly surprised to the other benefits that show up. One of my favourite examples of this was while using frankincense and discovering that it is super for keeping wrinkles away.

Hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on a woman’s overall well being. As we age, our body’s ability to produce the hormones we need for balanced health starts to decline, especially around the time of menopause. One hormone in particular, progesterone, is essential for regulating an array of bodily functions and has a major influence on a woman’s mood and energy levels. Let’s break down why progesterone levels are so important and how Progessence Plus can help restore balance. 

Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and plays an important role in many bodily functions, from metabolism to temperature regulation. It also helps to regulate menstruation cycles, promote healthy sleep patterns, and strengthen bones. In addition, it plays an important role in women's fertility since it is necessary for the development of the embryo. Perhaps most importantly, progesterone works with other hormones like estrogen to balance mood swings and keep stress levels low. 

Unfortunately, as women age their bodies naturally produce less progesterone which can cause fatigue, irritability, mood swings, depression and a number of other issues that can significantly impact quality of life. While conventional hormonal therapy may provide some relief in the short term, it will not address the underlying imbalance that comes from decreased production of progesterone over time. That's where Progessence Plus comes in. 

Progessence Plus is a natural supplement made with biologically active ingredients designed to support and balance hormone levels in women over 40 who experience symptoms related to low progesterone production due to aging or other reasons (such as post-birth control syndrome). Its combination of wild yam extract and essential oils helps reduce inflammation associated with hormonal changes while increasing energy levels; its B vitamins boost metabolism; its Vitamin E supports healthy skin; its zinc helps regulate menstrual cycles; its magnesium supports bone strength; its Chaste Tree Berry Extract helps balance female hormones; and its melatonin supports healthy sleep patterns - all without any synthetic hormones or fillers! In short, this supplement provides everything you need to restore your body's natural balance without having to resort to harsh medications or invasive treatments!                                                                                                    

Women over 40 should pay close attention to their hormone levels since they play such an integral role in overall health and well being. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with declining progesterone production—such as fatigue, irritability or insomnia—consider trying Progessence Plus as an alternative solution that will help boost your energy level naturally while supporting balanced hormones over time. With this natural supplement you can get back on track towards feeling your best self!

Someone recently reminded me that school is not in the too distant future. Fingers crossed for us all the home schooling does not become another reality. So, with the hope that normal (what actually is that anymore) returns to our existence, I am here to share a few ways that I help my unvaccinated boys (they are too young) keep their immune systems in tip-top shape and their minds ready for a day of learning.

SLEEP is critical and some of our favourite ways to wind down our boys is to have them soak in a relaxing bathtub of epsom salt, carrier oil and their relaxation oil. You need to remember that not everyone is the same and what works for one child may not for the other. Finn enjoys a soak with peace and calming essential oil blend, especially when his mind can not wind itself down. Whereas Kieran resonates with lavender,  gentle baby and sleepyize. Lavender on Kieran changed my life. In case you have not heard me tell you about how it finally provided me with my first full night's rest after 18 months of no sleep.  If time is limited and a bath is not on-demand then a diffuser or topical massage will have an effect on the body too. Do what you can to help them prepare for a full night's rest.

GUT HEALTH is so important for the body to absorb nutrients and support healthy emotions. The gut is what feeds the brain's stomach too. There is no point in eating well and not having the right microbiome to take it all in. A pre/probiotic can provide that support. 

If your child is a fussy eater, don't hesitate to give them a nutrient-dense, food-based complex free from preservatives and artificial colors and flavors (so Flintstones are not your magic here). If symptoms such as pressure, bloating, gas, pain, or minor cramping tend to occur after eating or regular constipation, an enzyme should be considered. It is important that your child is removing toxic waste from their body on a daily basis. Missing a day or 2 means you need to make some adjustments. 

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT is imperative for both my kids for different reasons. Who doesn't need it with all that is going on at the moment. Essential oils are a tool of choice for us in our home. The limbic system controls our emotions and the trigger for it is aroma so, what better way to address this need. There are a number of essential oils that can be used, but I recommend understanding the emotion that needs to be addressed to know which essential oil would be the one to start with. Kids tend to love all citrus oils and these are super economical and are choice for uplifting moods. If the emotion is fear or confidence, the blend valor is often a go-to. This was my transition oil, but I mention this blend because it is Finn's favorite and it turns him into this superhero. Whereas, Kieran tends to gravitate to citrus oils to keep him calm and settled. 

We all hope our kids can remain focused during their learning, but the reality is that kids all have their own ways of learning. If it is not being met, it can be a challenge. Aim to find another way to engage them in their learning and remember, do not add stress to their or your plate. This will just create more resistance to their learning. Consider some essential oils to help the brain focus and ground them. Studies have shown that vetiver is a popular oil to help those with attention disorders. Cedarwood, frankincense, rosemary, and clarity blends can also be used to help oxygenate the brain. Research rosemary essential oil and its' effect on studying; the studies prove to be very interesting.

IMMUNITY is the talk of the town! Since kids can not be vaccinated under 12 years of age, let's consider something we can do that may be even better for them. Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc. These are must-haves and studies have proven these are best to support the human body at this time. I have experienced the power of these supplements with my son Kieran. For those of you who have not yet heard the story, it was a grueling one for our family. For 2 years, no doctor I came across could help him with his reoccurring fever that appeared every 3/4 weeks like clockwork. You can imagine the research, the experiments, the waste appointments, and hospital visits. The magic was in this combination. I also used a blend of essential oils for immunity.  It has been officially 2 years this month (Aug) that he has been fever or illness-free. You can imagine my immense gratitude.

Essential oils can be a wonderful addition to keeping the body's immunity in check. One of the parents' favorites are thieves essential oil. This oil is a hot oil and that means applied neat can cause some skin irritation, so I strongly encourage you to create a diluted version of thieves to massage on the bottom of their feet before sending them off to school or when their immune systems are feeling a bit compromised. Have they been sleeping, eating well, and in the right mental mindset? If not, then consider the power of essential oils in your home. 

With the fall and winter season ahead of us, consider having a natural option to Vicks Vapour Rub at your fingertips, please. If you use an oil or blend as soon as you hear the onset of a cough then apply it diluted to their back, chest, or the vita flex point on the bottom of the feet. You will wonder if the cough was real or if the oil was really that effective. It happens all the time! I now just laugh when I get a message from someone that is along the lines of, I used the oil, but not sure if it was the oil or something else that helped. And honestly, I don't care, I am just happy their child is not coughing. Options for you to consider for the respiratory system are RC, Ravinsara, Refresh (kids diluted version), or Eucalyptus Radiata to name a few.

MUM SANITY must not be forgotten. We will begin a hectic morning routine and the after school pick-up again. Do not forget to pour love all over yourself regularly to keep that tank filled. Consider all of the above for you, as well as mediation, yoga, or fitness since your kids will be enjoying some of that in their PE classes and after-school activities. If you become desperate or just aware that you need some calming roll-ons or even some CBD (without THC, folks)  to keep the body in balance, don't hesitate to drop by and test them out or we can set up a video chat to walk you through some options for you. We even have a handy device that works on the principle of skin galvanization to tell you what your body systems would appreciate using for the month, to be in better balance.