Why is it a challenge to stay well in the winter?
As the days grow shorter and we are exposed to less UV light from the sun, our vitamin D levels decline. Recent studies show that we need adequate vitamin D to activate our immune systems. It takes 20 minutes of exposure to full spectrum light in the form of UV rays from the mid-day sun to make enough vitamin D. Even if we could to go out into the mid-day winter sun in summer clothing, the UV rays are not adequate at this time of the year to make enough vitamin D.
In winter weather, we tend to spend more time indoors, where communicable diseases are spread more easily. We keep our windows and doors closed, which blocks natures natural cleansing effect of air moving through the house dispersing clouds of vapor and dust particles containing viruses.
We also need full spectrum light, which is in short supply in winter, to stimulate our brains to make serotonin, the neurotransmitter that stimulates wakefulness and helps us to feel happy. The brain needs serotonin to make melatonin, the sleep hormone, and melatonin in turn is one of the ways the brain makes endorphins, which boost our mood and support our immune health.
To make matters worse, the flu virus lives longer in cold air and stays suspended longer in the dry air of winter, increasing the likelihood of exposure to this pathogen.
Now is the time, before the full force of winter illness is upon us, to nurture your immune system into optimal working order. Here are just a few natural ways to begin supporting your immune system now.
Bee Propolis
The word propolis derives from a Greek word that means “bee glue” and is made by bees from tree sap harvested primarily from trees in the Poplar family. It appears to act as an antiseptic to prevent microbial infection.
The use of bee propolis by humans can be traced back to 13,000 BC when the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians made extensive use of its’ medicinal properties. But it wasn’t until the last century that scientific research has been conducted that confirms the benefits of propolis. People all over the world now use Bee honey products to promote wellness.
Wild Oregano Oil
Wild Oregano is an herb in the mint family, which is native to the Mediterranean. It has been used by healers for over 4000 years worldwide, for a wide variety of ailments and to support our immune response.
Thieves Oil
The Thieves Oil Legend dates back to the bubonic (black) plague, which occurred in Europe during the medieval period and resulted in the deaths of 75 – 200 million people. Modern research has revealed that fleas carried by rats were responsible for the cause and spread of the disease. Initially the bubonic plague was transmitted only by fleabite. But when the disease progressed to pneumonia and became the pneumonic or septicemic plague it became contagious between humans, which dramatically increased the rate of infection.
“The Thieves” is a legend which describes a group of burglars who would rob the bodies and homes of deceased plague victims and avoid infection by dousing themselves with a combination of essential oils including Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary that came to be known as “Four Thieves’ Oil”.
Elderberry
Elderberry has been used in folk medicine to support a healthy immune system for many hundreds of years. But it is only recent history in which scientific research, conducted in Israel, has revealed the mechanism through which this is achieved. Elderberries are rich in a dark purple flavonoid called an anthocyanin. Anthocyanins exert their health promoting benefits through their powerful antioxidant activity.
The Micro biome Reinforce Your Barrier to Illness
Historically and throughout the world, people of various cultures have included fermented foods as a traditional part of their diets. Some of these foods include; yogurt, miso, sour kraut and kimchi. We are now just beginning to understand the importance and value that these foods contribute to our health through their contribution of friendly bacteria.
These days there are many things in our environment that assault these important allies including; antibiotics, corticosteriods, stress, poor diet and toxic chemicals. Support your microbiome by eating fermented foods or supplementing with a good probiotic supplement regularly.
Noni Juice
Health benefits of noni juice include prevention of cancer, protection and healthy functioning of liver maintenance of cardiovascular health, relaxed muscles, relief from memory problems and conditions like gout and diabetes. The immense antioxidant potential of noni juice exerts antipsychotic, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which are valuable in treating conditions like arthritis and disorders related to central nervous system.
For thousands of years, the natural healing power of Noni juice has been esteemed for its ability to keep the skin healthy, boost energy levels and prevent general body weakness, accelerates wound healing and toughens the immune defense system of the body.
I hope this information is helpful. Let’s begin now to support a healthy winter season for ourselves and our family.
Many Blessings, Berena