7 STEPS TO AVOID AN ILLNESS

Need to kick a cold or bug before it turns into something more? 

We all know the feeling. It may start with a day of low energy or a tickle in your throat. A coworker may ask "are you feeling ok today?", or your sweet little one may be trying her best to share all her ick with you. We hear it all the time at Vitality. Patients will message us on their portal asking;

"What do I do? I have a headache, stuffy nose, and sore throat. I don't have time to be sick!"

Key Takeaways

• Taking action early could prevent symptoms from getting worse.

• Getting enough sleep and being well hydrated are important when you’re not feeling well.

• Eating nutritious foods can help your immune system respond more quickly.

• Avoiding sugar and processed foods lets your body focus on healing.

• Keeping up healthy habits makes it easier for your body to fight off illness.

After years of fighting off our own bugs and helping others do the same, we've come up with a tried and true method of avoiding an illness before it takes you down.

1. Sleep

Now is not the time to skimp on sleep. While sleep should always be a priority, getting a good night of sleep while sick should be considered mandatory.  Your body uses downtime to flush out toxins and repair itself. Poor or inadequate rest will slow your recovery time.  Hit the bed, phone and blue-light free tonight! Listen to your body - it will tell you when you need to slow down.

2. IV Therapy

Nutritional IV Therapy is a great option for most people. IV Therapy delivers high doses of vitamins directly to your body while bypassing the digestive tract. No need to worry about malabsorption - with IV Therapy the body gets all that it needs, and fast! 

3. Epsom Salt Bath

If you don't have a fever, an Epsom salt bath is a great choice. The steam of the bath will relieve any sinus pressure you may be feeling, while the magnesium in the Epsom salt will relax your muscles. Add a bit of lavender oil for a nice transition from bath to relaxation!

4. Bone Broth

Continue to fill your body with nutrients! Bone broth is great for soothing and healing the gut. Bone broth is packed with nutrients and the perfect thing to sip on when you start feeling under the weather.

5. Avoid Sugars and Processed Foods

It takes your body quite a bit of energy to properly digest and break down these foods. Redirecting energy from immune support to digesting sugar and processed foods can slow the healing process. Not to mention, these foods offer very little in regards to nutrient value.

6. Hydrate

Hydration, like sleep, is always important. Fighting an illness puts you at higher risk for dehydration. Make sure you keep a water bottle close. You can track your hydration by watching your frequency and color of urine. If you notice anything darker than a pale shade of yellow, you'll need to boost your water intake. 

7. Begin a Habit of Healthy Living 

The best defense is a great offense. Keeping the body functioning at optimal levels is the best thing you can do to avoid illness. Don't wait until you get sick to start drinking adequate amounts of water or considering your body's vitamin levels. Be proactive! Talk to your Vitality Provider at your next visit about how you can make sure you're living at optimal wellness. 

What Weakens Your Immune System

Many people think getting sick is just bad timing, but there are usually underlying factors. Poor sleep, ongoing stress, and low nutrient intake can all make it easier for illness to take hold.

Research from Mayo Clinic shows that lack of sleep can lower your body’s ability to fight infections. Over time, these small habits add up and can leave your immune system struggling to keep up.

Pay Attention to Your Gut Health

Your gut has a big impact on how your immune system works. Since much of your immune system is linked to your digestive system, keeping your gut healthy can affect how often you catch illnesses.

Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that gut bacteria help control immune function and inflammation. Taking care of your gut, even when you’re not feeling well, can help your body respond better.

Take Control of Your Health

If you find yourself getting sick often or struggling to recover quickly, it may be time to take a closer look at your overall health.

At Vitality Natural Wellness, we help patients build a strong foundation so their bodies can function at their best. Reach out today to schedule your consultation and stay ahead of illness.