Ayurvedic Liver Detoxification Supplements To Improve Immunity

Among the many benefits of liver detoxification, ayurveda states that it can improve immunity to a great extent. Livoxil capsule is one of the supplements for liver detoxification.

In general, the toxic waste from the human body heads through their lymph and towards two important thoracic ducts. These ducts dump back the toxins into the important veins that go to the human liver for carrying out the final toxin process. Whenever some toxic materials enter into the human body, they enter into the circulation and move directly to the liver.

When the liver works properly, it will keep the blood clean of trash, which is highly important for the survival of humans. On the other hand, if this part cannot perform its duty due to exposure to too much toxic materials, the level of toxins will increase in the blood, which in turn will create stress to the body as these toxins can irritate the crucial organs like the kidneys, brain and heart as they keep circulating for long. This will make the lymph congested as the blood cannot tolerate any more wastes that cannot be processed by the liver.

How to prevent this problem?

Experts are of the opinion that daily intake of ayurvedic liver detoxification supplements can be of great help to people, who are interested in ensuring the proper functioning of their liver. This is where Livoxil capsules can be of great help to these people. In addition, it is stated that ayurvedic detox supplements can be helpful for people interested in improving their immunity system as well.

Improving immunity through herbal ingredients:

Livoxil capsules include a wide range of herbal ingredients, wherein some of them contribute towards improving the immunity to a great extent. Here are the details about ingredients in Livoxil capsules that can help in this regard:

1. Punarnva is an ingredient present in this capsule that can bring about a natural improvement in the level of immunity to fight against diseases. This is done by this ingredient to fight against liver disorders. When the liver does not function properly, it will lead to several problems inclusive of poor immune system.

2. Harad has got natural anti-bacterial properties and so it can fight against unwanted bacteria growth. It will also contribute towards the growth of good bacteria, thereby making the individual strong against diseases.

3. Generally, when it comes to ayurvedic liver detoxification supplements, amla is added as an important ingredient and it can bring a wide range of benefits inclusive of protecting people against digestive disorders. When the digestive system functions at its optimum level, the liver will also perform its duties well, thereby protecting the users of Livoxil capsules from low immunity as these capsules have amla or Indian gooseberry as an important ingredient.

4. Daruharidra is another herb found in Livoxil capsules and it will supply the essential nutrients for ensuring the proper functioning of the human body.

So, people looking for ayurvedic liver detoxification supplements can use Livoxil capsules as these capsules include healthy ingredients that can bring about a natural improvement in the immunity function with regular use for at least 3 to 4 months.

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Best Natural Ways To Cleanse Liver To Improve Its Functioning

Going natural for liver cleansing can be a great idea as against using other methods. Livoxil capsule is the best to cleanse liver and improve its functioning.

Liver is one of the most important and the second largest organ in the human body. It takes care of the important task of filtering harmful toxins from the bloodstream. Even though, there are many methods available to ensure the functioning of liver, cleansing or detoxification is stated as the best method. This is because this organ is engaged in the function of filtering toxins and so it can become toxic itself. When talking about liver cleansing, natural ways to cleanse liver can be the great idea as against relying on other methods.

Best natural way: When talking about natural methods, going herbal is stated as the wonderful remedy. Even though, many herbs like purnarnva, chitraka and guduchi are stated as the best remedies for improving the functioning of this organ, many people find it hard to go in search for these herbs separately. This is where the best method they can choose is to use Livoxil capsules. The herbal ingredients ensure the overall healthy functioning of liver and many other organs in the human body. So, for those looking for natural ways to cleanse liver, Livoxil capsules can turn out to be the wonderful remedy.

What are the other ingredients forming part of Livoxil capsules?

As mentioned earlier, these capsules have punarnva, chitraka and guduchi as the main ingredients. In addition, it has other ingredients and the details of some of them are as follows:

1. Amla or Indian gooseberry is always recommended for ensuring the best blood circulation and for ensuring the health of skin. It can act as the best blood purifier and so amla is added as an important ingredient in Livoxil capsules as a means of purifying the liver by improving the blood flow. This ingredient has got anti-aging properties and so it can bring down the effects of aging on liver.

2. Himsara is an herb that is generally recommended by herbalists in the form of herbal tea for bringing down inflammation. So, it can bring down inflammation if any present in the liver and other parts of the human body to ensure overall health.

3. Pitpapda is helpful in removal of unwanted toxins from the human body and in addition to this reason; its anti-aging property has made it a part of Livoxil capsules.

4. Sarpunka is an ingredient that is known for its anti-aging and self-regenerating properties. It can also bring down inflammation and pain, thereby forming part of natural ways to cleanse liver.

5. Kutki is an ingredient known for its anti-oxidant properties and so it can bring down the effects of free radicals.

6. Kasmard is a leafy herb that is known for its effectiveness in cleansing liver and it can also protect this part from hepatitis. It is also known for its laxative and purgative properties.

Going natural will always be a great idea when it comes to ensuring the overall health of different parts of the human body. This is applicable to liver as well.

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The Many Benefits of Yoga

This article tells about the many different benefits of yoga both mentally and physically. This is why so many celebrities do yoga.

Doing yoga has virtually unlimited physical and mental benefits. People know it for its stretching abilities. But it was designed to stimulate different glands to improve mood and overall health of the body. Also these glands create anti-aging hormones. There is a book by a medical doctor, Timothy McCall M.D., that is called Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing. On the cover it says "Read this to find out why we teach our patients YOGA." -- Mehmet Oz M.D. (better known as Dr. Oz)

I have read stories about people that started doing yoga because they were depressed and it helped so much that they became yoga instructors. Note that depression can have many different causes including a lack of nutrients including vitamin D that you can get from sunlight. Psychology Today has an article saying that the increase in depression is due to sunscreen since it filters out 95% of the vitamin D. As far as all the women doing yoga, women are twice as likely to get depression as men. Note that there are many famous celebrities that do yoga including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.)

You can even do a search on the internet and find yoga positions, postures or poses that help with depression. I have been doing yoga since I was 12 years old and it has kept me young mentally and physically. As far as it helping prevent depression, I read a story where a woman doing yoga postures went through a similar set of emotions that people go through when they are getting psychotherapy. Of course it may also have something to do with people doing yoga also having a healthier lifestyle like getting more sunlight and eating healthier. You can also find poses with a search that also help mental anxiety and insomnia (trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep). I sleep like a baby.

Doing yoga also increases balance that can prevent falls that can be damaging to your body. A couple of years ago I went to a health fair that does all sorts of health tests. I had my balance tested and it showed my score and also has a graph of people of a certain age and their range of scores. It showed that no one my age has a balance score as high as mine. Although to be objective I was doing martial arts and tai chi (moving meditation) when I was 12 years old.

In Positive Psychology they study how people can be happier. They say that yoga and martial arts are especially good at helping people to feel the flow experience. This is an experience where people feel extremely happy or euphoric and they can feel that time has stopped. Now with the teachings of Eckhart Tolle, people will say that they feel much more in the present.

As people age, yoga has more benefits like in preventing dementia and preventing aches and pains that people think is a normal part of aging. I know some people that have gotten knee replacements with a titanium knee or a plastic knee. I know that yogic stretching of the knee could have prevented that. I have had some bad knee pains and have helped in a few minutes of doing yogic stretching of the knee. I can see know that the human body was made to be stretched daily or almost daily to remain healthy. Yoga also strengthens the body to make the muscles stronger. Stronger muscles also causes the body to burn more calories.

Yoga also strengthens the core so people will look thinner by preventing their belly from protruding. The core is the area around the abdomen. This can also help with one's posture especially as they age. This may also account for many more women than men doing yoga. Hillary Clinton has been doing yoga since law school. Also while in law school, President Bill Clinton also did yoga at the yoga classes that they went to. Yoga can be very therapeutic mentally and physically. Some have used it to recover from accidents and physical injuries. Tennis player John McEnroe was unable to play tennis at one time. It may be due to tennis strengthening one side of the body more than the other. He did Bikram's hot yoga and recovered from this.

A study found that people that strectched and became more flexible had more flexible arteries. Having more flexible arteries prevents heart attacks and strokes. So there are unlimited benefits from doing yoga.

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10 Untold Facts that Egg Donor Should Be Aware

This is only due to not the number of growing egg donation agencies, but raising number of intended parents dramatically. Consequently, a growing number of young women are finding themselves interest...

This is only due to not the number of growing egg donation agencies, but raising number of intended parents dramatically.

Consequently, a growing number of young women are finding themselves interested in learning more about the egg donation process and trying to decide if it is right for them or not. Those who think they that they should help others expand their families in this way – Egg Donation; Here are 10 untold facts that egg donor should know about the egg donation Canada.

1. Egg Donor Candidate Should be Physically and Mentally Healthy Young Woman

They are typically between the age of 21 to 28 and who are willing to donate their eggs to the intended couples or individual wishing to expand their families. Do believe that Love makes a Happy Family, Not DNA.

2. Egg Donor Should Take Series of Injections and Medications for 2 to 3 Week

The ideal number of eggs to be retrieved is – 15. Although, the number varies. Donor should need several appointments with specialist to have their ovaries check and blood test or hormone balancing.

3. Donors and Intended Parents Meet and Stay in Touch for Long

For the general growth and child's journey; the more open and willing the intended parents and donor are stay in future contact. Staying in touch and meeting each other is not a requirement, but it become more common and encouraged.

4. Donor Must Complete Psychological and Genetic Evaluation

Depression and mental illness in the donor and her family would be not accepted in egg donor program, if they have highly genetic diseases. Similarly, donors who are significantly over and under weight would likely not pass their medical evaluation.

5. Eggs Donors and Paid for their Eggs but they are extra paid for their Discomfort, time and risks.

The average fee paid to the egg donor is in between $5,000 and $10,000. Higher fees are typically paid to repeat donor for their discomfort, the risks they have taken and for their valuable time and efforts.

6. There's a Limit For How Often You Can Donate

Egg Donor cap the number of times she donates to Six. Most Egg Donor Banks and clinics adopt this as a general rule.

7. The Risks of this Process are Slim but they are Real

Some donors choose to ride out the discomfort for several days while others many have the excess fluid in their abdomen and ovaries removed for more immediate relief. There are other less common complications that should also be discussed with fertility doctor prior to moving forward with the egg donation process.

8. Egg Donors Should Meet with an Attorney

Ideally this person should be familiar with laws to review the contract between the egg donor and the intended parents.

9. Agencies Operate by the Same high Standards

Good egg donation agencies will answer all of your questions. Keep in your mind that your profile and photos are being shown to prospective parents immediately after you agree to be a part of the program.

10. Well, It's a Big Responsibility

The donor egg ivf , who apply to be part of this process should do so empathetically; be transparent and honest about your medical history, make sure you have enough time and flexibility to make your doctor's appointments. Don't afraid to ask anything! You are doing amazing job!

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Should We Eat Greens High in Oxalic Acid?

One question I often get asked is whether we should avoid leafy green vegetables, and other natural foods, which are high in oxalic acid. Problems with oxalates in the body are two-fold:   The re...

One question I often get asked is whether we should avoid leafy green vegetables, and other natural foods, which are high in oxalic acid.

Problems with oxalates in the body are two-fold:

• The restriction of mineral availability, hence depriving the body of essential minerals
• The potential to form kidney stones in susceptible individuals.

In this article I'm going to elucidate what oxalic acid is, what foods contain oxalic acid, whether we should eat foods high in oxalates if health issues occur from consuming greens high in oxalic acid, and what quantities are optimum for health.

What is oxalic acid?

Oxalic acid is a colorless, organic compound that occurs naturally in plants, animals and in humans. It is made by the human body from other substances such as vitamin C. It can also be ingested from food and readily combines with calcium, which is why some people have concerns. Likewise, our bodies convert many of the things we consume into oxalates. Organic oxalic acid is an important - even essential - element to stimulate and maintain the peristaltic motion in our bodies, so it is not all bad.

What foods contain oxalic acid?

Oxalic acid is found in greens of the Amaranthaceae family such as spinach, Swiss chard, beet tops, lambs quarters and amaranth plus sorrel, parsley, purslane and rhubarb. It imparts a sharp taste to beet greens and chard that is felt in the throat. Oxalic acid generally increases as foods mature, producing increasingly bitter vegetables. Young, fresh vegetables such as baby spinach are less likely to have oxalic acid.

Other foods high in oxalates are almonds, cashews, buckwheat, unhulled sesame seeds, tea, coffee, chocolate, textured soy protein, beets.

Low oxalate greens are lettuce, celery, chickweed, watercress, escarole, asparagus, dandelion, and the members or the brassica family or cruciferous such as kale, bokchoy, collards, mustard greens, turnip tops, cabbage and arugula.

High Oxalic acid/100g food Med oxalic vegetables Low oxalic vegetables

• Lambsquarters (highest) Radish (0.48 g) Chicory (0.21 g)
• Parsley (1.7 g) Collards (0.45 g) Turnip (0.21 g)
• Chives (1.48 g) Beans, snap (0.36 g) Broccoli (0.19 g)
• Purslane (1.31 g) Brussels sprouts (0.36 g) Celery (0.19 g)
• Amaranth (1.09 g) Lettuce (0.33 g) Eggplant (0.19 g)
• Spinach (0.97 g) Watercress (0.31 g) Cauliflower (0.15 g)
• Beet leaves (0.61 g) Sweet potato (0.24 g) Asparagus (0.13 g)
• Endive (0.11 g)
• Carrot (0.5 g)
• Cabbage (0.1 g)
• Onion (0.05 g)
• Pea (0.05 g)
• Tomato (0.05 g)
• Turnip greens (0.05 g)
• Parsnip (0.04 g)
• Pepper (0.04 g)
• Rutabaga (0.03 g)
• Cucumbers (0.02 g)
• Kale (0.02 g)
• Squash (0.02 g)
• Coriander (0.01 g)

U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrition Data Laboratory. Oxalic acid in vegetables

Absorption of minerals

Oxalic acid present in greens and other foods has the potential to bind with calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper in our intestines to form oxalates, insoluble salts, thus interfering with the absorption of these minerals and making them unavailable for the body to use. It doesn't, however, affect the absorption of calcium in other foods consumed at the same meal.

Studies have shown less absorbability of calcium from spinach. The absorption of calcium in spinach is only 5% compared to 30% absorption in kale, a low oxalate greens. The bio availability of calcium from kale is actually better than milk at 27%.

In another study, about 27 percent of the magnesium from spinach was absorbed compared to 37 percent of the magnesium in kale.

However the oxalic acid on iron absorption varies from person to person and meal to meal, and the body absorbs more iron from oxalic acid-rich foods when you are iron-deficient compared to when your iron stores are plentiful. So you get iron from eating spinach if you need iron.

How does cooking affect oxalic acid?

The oxalic acid is lowered by boiling and steaming but so are the minerals and vitamins and phytochemicals which leach in the water. If you discard that water you reduce the oxalates remaining in the food but at the same time you also lose the vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals. So you are better off consuming your greens raw if you want to benefit from the whole spectrum of nutrients.

Health problems with oxalates

Oxalic acid forms insoluble salts such as calcium oxalates which are found in kidney stones. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and may cause health problems such as kidney stones.

There is also a large degree of genetic variability in the ability to detoxify the chemicals that produce oxalates. Perhaps twenty percent of the population has a genetic variance that increases their likelihood of producing oxalates, even when not consuming a high-oxalate diet. For this reason, certain individuals need to be careful about their intake of oxalic acid - those who have existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems, a vulnerability to kidney disorders, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or certain forms of chronic vulvar pain. People with hyperoxaluria (a genetic predisposition to this disorder occurs in less than 1 percent of the population) should highly minimize their intake of oxalates.

For others, the extent to which foods high in oxalic acid are a potential health problem varies from person to person. For normal, healthy persons, that risk is almost negligible provided that great amounts of oxalic acid are not consumed on a continuing, long-term basis.

For those who have a healthy digestive tract, good bacterial flora, who chew their foods well in a relaxed state, and minimize animal protein, will have the potential to lower oxalate absorption/urinary excretion from foods containing oxalic acid.

Although calcium oxalates play a part, it is the consumption of animal protein that is the main culprit in the formation of kidney stones. The acidification of the urine and increased animal protein are linked with the most common stone - uric acid stones. A plant-based lower protein diet will prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Being well hydrated and a daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids are also very effective in preventing oxalate deposition.

How much oxalic acid to eat?

It all depends on whether you have trouble excreting oxalic acid or not. Generally I recommend that high oxalic food be a smaller portion of your leafy green intake. Stone formers should look at minimizing those portions.

However we don't have to avoid high oxalate foods completely. Spinach, beet leaves, lambsquarters and purslane have much to offer nutritionally: they're an excellent source of folic acid, phytonutrients carotenoids and lutein, antioxidants, other minerals as well as vitamin K, E and C.

Don't base your smoothies on spinach or Swiss chard. It is large amounts of consumption over several months that you should be aware of. I know people who put spinach in their smoothies all day and all year long without varying their greens. They are depriving themselves of calcium and other minerals more readily available in other low oxalate greens.

Rotate your high oxalate greens with low oxalate greens. The best spinach substitute in smoothies is baby bokchoy. It is mild in flavor, has soft fiber and a high calcium level.

Mix high oxalic greens with a variety of low oxalic greens. For example instead of using 2-3 cups of spinach in a smoothie, cut it down to half and make up the other half with other greens low in oxalic acid. This way you won't ingest too much oxalate and will benefit from both worlds.

You can put spinach in your salad and soups but make sure the spinach is less than half of your total consumption of greens.

In general you should not eat more than 8 ounces of spinach a day, juiced or raw. If cooked, 10 ounces is not too much, but eating it every day can't be as good as consuming a mix of other greens throughout the week.

And if you do experience a 'burning' sensation in your throat, however mild, you should stop eating those greens immediately, rather than ignoring it. Once I made a green smoothie containing Swiss chard stems and leaves. The smoothie tasted so strong that I couldn't even have a sip without feeling an intense burn in my throat. I had to throw away the smoothie. On another occasion I made the same smoothie with Swiss chard and it tasted great. Not all chards are the same. Likewise with raw beets. Some beets burn my throat while other beets don't. Don't ignore those messages from your body. A food that burns your throat is not beneficial.

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Using Healing Spices to Prevent Disease - Try Turmeric

Instead of focusing on which box has the "best" nutrition label, get into the kitchen and experiment with healthful foods that have been used for hundreds of years and can benefit your health in a mul...

Instead of focusing on which box has the "best" nutrition label, get into the kitchen and experiment with healthful foods that have been used for hundreds of years and can benefit your health in a multitude of ways.

Turmeric is a great place to start! This spice used in Indian and many other cuisines is considered to be one of the most powerful healing spices found in nature.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Healers in India have used turmeric for many purposes including soothing the digestive tract, speeding wound healing, relieving headaches and clearing nasal passages. There has been research suggesting turmeric may be protective in many disease conditions. The benefits we focus on today come from turmeric's strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.

Benefits of an antioxidant

Oxidation is a process that occurs in the body as a result of many factors including sun exposure, pollution, or diet. This oxidative stress can lead to low levels of inflammation throughout the body that will increase the likelihood of disease progression. Inflammation is associated with many disease conditions from arthritis to heart disease to Alzheimer's disease. Consuming antioxidants in the diet can be beneficial to reduce the oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Brightly colored foods, such as many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that are beneficial for reducing this oxidative load and inflammation. In addition, consider choosing foods or recipes that incorporate spices that have these important health benefits.

Adding turmeric to your meals

The best known recipes that incorporate turmeric are curries. Though cuisines from all over the world use turmeric from India to Japan to England. One of my favorite recipes is Dahl Fit For A Saint from Rebecca Katz's The Longevity Kitchen. The spice has a ginger and orange scent with a bit of a peppery taste. It may be considered harsh when it is raw, which is why Indians will always use it in meals cooked.

You can use turmeric in many simple ways. Begin by heating oil in a pan and sprinkle in turmeric continuing to stir it so it does not burn. You should begin to smell it's aroma. If it doesn't have much smell your turmeric may be too old and should be thrown. Turmeric is not used best in dishes containing dairy as it tends to cover turmeric's delicate flavor. It can be a great flavor, though, in dishes containing coconut milk.

• Add to a stir-fry with meat and/or vegetables.
• Saute oil and turmeric with meat, poultry or fish.
• Add to cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, kale, cabbage or broccoli.
• Mix in dips or dressing.
• Scramble in eggs.
• Add to soups, stews or chili.
• Heat before adding to rice.
• Toss it with roasted vegetables.
• Marinate meat for grilling.
• Explore new recipes. 

Don't be afraid to give it a try. Though finding a recipe you love may seem safer, you can expand your expertise in the kitchen by experimenting with different flavors and finding combinations you love.

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Bolster Your Immune System Naturally

Happy New Year! I hope all of you enjoyed a happy and healthy holiday season. My family had a wonderful time, with no sickness (knock on wood), but I must admit, getting ill in December is always a wo...

Happy New Year! I hope all of you enjoyed a happy and healthy holiday season. My family had a wonderful time, with no sickness (knock on wood), but I must admit, getting ill in December is always a worry, especially since we were sick as dogs just a few Christmases ago. Since then I've been much more proactive in warding off illness every opportunity I get. I've been reading, consulting the advice of naturopaths and other dietitians, and looking for any way I can to keep things sanitized without becoming a germaphobe.

Given that this is the time of year when some of the worst illness strikes, I thought I'd share with you how we fight to stay healthy through the winter. It's no easy feat with a 5-year old who loves being dirty and a 2-year old who can frequently be found with a finger up his nose, but for the past two years now, since I started employing a few simple techniques, we have been spared any serious ailments. Time will still tell, but I'm going to keep on it. The best part is, the boys love it! They are always asking for their supplements and love diffusing oils. Let me share my favorites...

1. Vitamin D

We've all heard about Vitamin D and why we need it. Well, many think it can also help improve immune function. Since the sun is almost non-existent here in the Northwest during the winter, we naturally produce less Vit D. Regular and extra supplementation is often necessary. My naturopath recommended I take 5,000 IU's a day given the low status at my last blood draw, so I do some easy Vit D drops daily. For the kids I get some 400IU gummies and they love it. Sometimes, if they really beg, I give them two.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is well known for helping with colds and general immune function. In fact, Linus Pauling did extensive research on Vitamin C in the 1960's and 70's and thought people should be taking very high doses. He himself reportedly took 12,000 mg a day (for reference, the RDA is set at 60 mg/day). In the words of my 2-year old, that's a lot! Since then there has been some controversy about recommending that high a dose, but nonetheless upping your Vit C intake during the winter is a good idea. Naturally you can get that through foods, but I also keep a supplement on hand for those times I feel like a bug is coming on or for any reason think I might need a little extra protection. The kiddos get an easy Vit C gummy that they always find excuses to ask for.

3. Elderberry Syrup

Ahh, my favorite. I love this stuff. I swear by it. I started using it for myself and the kids two years ago and so far no major illness. Not even barely a cold. Now, it's not exactly known for working with colds, but it is known for having antiviral properties, and that makes it great for combating the flu. In fact, research has shown that Elderberry Syrup works better than Tamiflu, shortening the duration of the flu from 7 days to 4. That's pretty significant! So let's see, I could take a drug with known side effects, or I could take a safe, natural extract that produces better results. Done. Absolutely love this stuff. The Naturopath in our office, Dr. Jones, picks wild elderberries and makes an extraction of her own every winter that she sells in the clinic. Let me know if you need a hook up. One more anecdote. My husband had what he thinks was the flu last week (101 degree temp, body aches, congestion, etc), and he took Elderberry syrup every couple hours. He drank most of that bottle I got from Dr. Jones, darn it all. But... his fever was gone in 2 ½ days and he was almost completely better in 4 (doesn't that line up with what I just said about Elderberry?). A client of mine reported the exact same results. This is one to keep stocked in your fridge. In case you are wondering, I use the Gaia brand. I you have any trouble finding it, let me know and I can send you a link to my online dispensary.

4. Essential Oils

At first I was a bit skeptical about these, but now I'm hooked. Another one I can't live without, especially for the boys. I have anti-bacterial oils diffusing in their rooms almost nightly and again, not even sniffle. Oh wait, both boys had a sniffle over the weekend but now its gone. Whatever that was got nipped in the bud. I buy mine through Doterra, but there are lots of places to get oils. I really am a complete novice in how to use the variety of oils out there so you will have to do some of your own research. Currently I'm using On Guard by Doterra which seems to be doing the job. Other brands probably have their own immune blends so find something you like and give it a try.

5. Coconut oil

Did you know that coconut oil has specific fatty acids that are known to be antiviral and can also kill yeast like Candida? Indeed. I make a point to cook with coconut oil, especially during the winter, to make sure we all have some of these beneficial fatty acids working in our system. How do I use it? Add a teaspoon to my oatmeal, make pancakes with melted coconut oil, put a little in my smoothie, make pureed vegetable soups with a little coconut oil swirled in... you get the picture. There are a tons of ways to add this healthy fat to your diet.

6. Healthy Diet

Uh, I think this is totally a given. You have to have a healthy diet to support a strong immune system. Supplements can only get you so far. There is a synergistic effect between the vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds in whole foods that support your whole body. A pill cannot mimic that. A well-rounded diet will make sure you are supporting all of your body's systems instead of tearing them down. If you are constantly creating inflammation or taxing your liver on unimportant matters (eating crappy food, for example), then your body will not have the resources or energy to fight an infection. Basically, when you get sick it's going to be bad and it's going to be long. So winter is definitely the time to change up your diet. Make big batches of vegetable soups, steam lots of veggies, and even consider drinking warm cups of bone broth. One of my new favorite things to do is to make recipes from vegetarian cookbooks, which are typically chocked full of veggies, obviously, and then add meat as needed (ie for the husband). That way the meat isn't the focus and the veggies shine with their ginormous amounts of vitamins and minerals.

7. Thymucin

This is the only one on the list that I have not actually used myself. I recently read about it and its amazing immune boosting properties. Apparently it helps activate T-killer cells and helps you kick colds and other illnesses before they even start. Definitely putting this on my list for my next supplement order!

8. And last but not least, wash hands! Wash hands as frequently as possible. You don't need hand sanitizer friends, you just need good ol' soap and water with a lot of friction. I make it rule now to wash my hands whenever I enter the house from being out. Heaven knows what I picked up along the way, so best to wash it off and start afresh. This is doubly true for the rug rats!

Now, I would remiss to do an article on immune function without at least briefly mentioning the flu shot. I know, I know. Controversy! I go back and forth on this ALL THE TIME. Most years I've gotten it but then my healthiest winters have now been the ones I have not gotten it. What is a mom to do? Spoiler alert, I do not have the answer. Alls I know is that the shot is 40-60% effective at best, that people who get the flu shot can still get the flu, and I don't want Mercury pumped into my blood stream, however small the dose. I have been told that some natural stores carry the non-mercury shots, so that could be a good consideration if you are on the fence. I'm told our local Pharmaca here in Seattle is a great place to go. I still haven't made up my mind on what to do this year, but I'm going to keep up numbers 1-6 in the meantime.

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