an ounce of prevention...

I consider Flu season is real. In total, there have been at least 9.7 million cases of the flu, at least 87,000 flu-related hospitalization, and up to 12,000 deaths, according to the CDC.  And the season isn't over. In fact, some models predict, the peak is yet to come in February.

Whether we are travelling on airplanes, working out at the gym or pushing a grocery carts, we are constantly exposed to those little bugs that can throw us flat on our backs quicker than a black belt. Many people are getting a flu shot but still come down with a fever and body aches. Partially that's because the flu shot might not contain the strain of viruses that actually arrives in our area and flu strains mutate and change each year, so it’s impossible for the vaccine to successfully target every flu variation.

What can we do to boost our own immune system so that it can effectively fight a possible flu attack? Here are my best 7 tips!

1. Frequent hand washing. I am using soap (any soap works but I put a few drops of Doterra's On Guard essential oil in mine to boost the germ fighting ability. We have a strict hand washing rule in our house. When you enter, first thing: wash your hands and take your shoes off.) And hum the  "Happy Birthday" song twice. That's about 20 seconds, the time it takes to kill germs on your hands. Then I put lotion on my hands to keep them from cracking, paying special interest to my cuticles.

2. Salt water nose rinses. I use my neti pot daily to keep my nostrils clean and hydrated. If the nostrils dry out and crack, viruses can enter more easily. I use regular sea salt, a teaspoon for 1 cup of lukewarm water. You have to tuck and tilt your head to let the water flow into one and out the other nostril. Obviously, you'll have to breathe through your mouth while you do it. Then gently blow your nose and feel immediately hydrated.

3. Dry brushing. Before I shower I use a stiff bristled brush to brush my skin from the perifery towards the heart in long, repetitive strokes to not only exfoliate, but mainly to stimulate the lymph system which transports white blood cells, the fighter cells. In addition, I end every shower with a cold rinse to invigorate my lymphatic system. 

4. Go for a walk. Spending time outside, even when I have to bundle up, helps me feel invigorated and the clean outside air flushes out my lungs. Forest air has been proven to support and anti-stress response.

5. Get enough sleep. The body needs rest to do its detox. Even the brain gets flushed at night. You might have found it works better on 7-8 hours of sleep than on a mere 5 or 6. 

6. Support digestive system. I take daily probiotics that keep my microbiome happy. 80 percent of our immune system is in our gut, so what we eat and drink makes a difference.

7. Boost the immune system. Aside from eating lots of vegetable with every meal, I trust the Arbonne Antioxidant & Immunity Booster. These yummy superfruit juices are infused with powerful antioxidant,
immunity and energy ingredients to support immune health and provide a gentle botanical energy boost. Blueberry, pomegranate, amla and açai are part of a 3-tier system featuring clinically studied nutrients and botanicals that support immune health and have antioxidants to fight free radicals. A unique, natural, fermentation ingredient has been shown in clinical studies to help support the immune system
and white blood cells. Milk thistle supports the liver, green tea leaf extract, guarana seed extract, yerba mate, and ginseng, provide a gentle, effective energy boost.

​This is my absolute go-to when I travel or feel a little something in my throat. I consider it my flu shot in a pouch. If you want to get some, let me know and I'll give you a discount.


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.