Fighting Colds & Flus

This time of year there are always a lot of bugs going around. This month I actually had about 10 good days in a row - praise God! Then I got a nasty sore throat/cold that I've been fighting the last few days. 

So I thought I'd share some tips for fighting these bugs:

- lots of rest and plenty of water, of course =)

- extra vitamin C
- eat some fresh organic fruit if you can - oranges, tangerines, apples, or berries, which are full of vitamins, enzymes and anti-oxidants
- avoid sugar (if you aren't already), because it suppresses the immune system

- detox baths (I use a mineral powder, but there are other things you can use as well, depending on what works best for your body - baking soda & epsom salts, essential oils, etc.)

- foot baths (with whatever substance mentioned above that works best for you)

- rub organic coconut oil on your feet, also I've been rubbing it on my throat and sinuses since that's where the pain was

- drinking 1/4 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water often helps settle an upset stomach

- hold an onion in your right hand (if you have a bacterial infection) or a garlic clove (if you have a fungal infection) - for around 5-10 minutes 

- gargle with mild salt-water for a sore throat

- watch a funny movie and at least smile even if you can't laugh =)

- get lots of hugs =)

As far as supplements, there are some helpful ones. Just remember that it's best to only start one new supplement at a time. Always check ingredient labels, and remember that some supplements work better for some people than others. Each body is unique, so find what works for you.

Here are some suggestions:

- Olive leaf extract can help fight infections

- Quercetin is a good antioxidant

- zinc can help the immune system

- sometimes extra B-vitamins can help during an infection

- extra probiotics may also be helpful

Well, I hope some of these ideas are helpful for you. I'm sure there are many other good things to do to fight infections. Please share any additional tips you have in the comments. Thanks! 

And I hope you have a healthy New Year!

Joyful Christmas

I know a few of you have already read this, since I included it in my Christmas letter. But my mom encouraged me to go ahead and post it here anyway.

I know how challenging this time of year can be. I hope and pray these thoughts will encourage you today. 

May you have a truly Joyful Christmas! 

Sorrow & Joy -

I've been thinking about the strange coexistence of sorrow and joy in this life. 

We think of Christmas as a happy time. Yet for many people this Christmas will be anything but happy. And I think we've all experienced Christmases that were less than "merry." Even the first Christmas was not without sadness.

Luke 2:33-35 says, The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about Him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel...And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 

The first Christmas was a joyful time, as angels sang and shepherds worshipped. Mary and Joseph marveled at this special event. 

And yet, Jesus' birth was also greeted with this painful prophesy of His future. The child's life would not be one of ease and comfort. And Mary's own heart would be pierced with grief.

The joy of Christmas was in a sense shadowed by the sorrow of the cross. Yes, the Savior had come, but He came to die. 

At the same time, for those of us who know the whole story, the sorrow of the cross pales in light of Jesus' resurrection! 

After the most painful sorrow, Mary experienced (I believe) the greatest joy! The joy of seeing her son raised to life must have eclipsed even the joy of giving Him birth.

And that same joy is ours today! Regardless of whatever sorrows we experience, the glory of the resurrection is even greater! 

The resurrection tells us that there is more than just this life. 

It reminds us that in the end God's goodness will fully triumph over evil. 

And it assures us that the God who loved us enough to die for us, is WITH us through every moment.

So even if this isn't a very merry Christmas for you, I pray it will be a truly Joyful Christmas!

You Know You're An E.I. at Christmas Time When...

I love Christmas time! Yet I know how challenging this time of year can be for those with E.I. So here's a little humor to (hopefully) bring you some Christmas cheer. =) 

You Know You're An E.I. at Christmas Time When...

*You use red and green cotton T-shirts to make Christmas "art" and "decorate" your house.

*You tape old Christmas cards on the outside of your window so you can see them from the inside.

*You take your neighbors sweet potatoes from your garden instead of Christmas cookies.

*You heat water in a Christmas mug and pretend it's hot chocolate. 

*You make your own Christmas cards using 3x5 notecards, a pencil, and stick-figure art.

*You wrap presents in aluminum foil instead of wrapping paper.

*You watch the same PBS Christmas specials over and over.

*You give your family and friends vitamins, supplements or other healthy products for Christmas.

And, *You know how to celebrate in your heart the real meaning of Christmas - the gift of JESUS!

May you have a joyful Christmas in spite of life's challenges! =)

What would you add to this list? Have fun with it! =)

Tri-salts for Allergies

In 2008 my mom and I went to the Environmental Health Center in Dallas looking for answers. Sadly, it turned out not to be a helpful place for me. However, while there we did learn about one product that has been very useful - Tri-salts.

Tri-Salts is a powdered supplement that you can take to help reduce allergic reactions. Immediately when you feel a reaction starting, you can put some tri-salts in a little water and drink it. (I think the recommended dose is 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of tri-salts, though I usually only need 1/8 - 1/4 tsp) This has worked really well for me in heading off reactions before they get worse. 

Many people, when they feel a reaction coming on, often try to ignore it or hope it goes away. The usual result is that the reaction only gets worse. Instead of waiting, if you take the tri-salts immediately, it can help to stop the reaction in its tracks. (Of course, it also helps if you identify the allergen and remove it.)

Years ago I used the Alka-seltzer Gold product in a similar way. (But I believe it contains corn ingredients, so the tri-salts are better.) Thankfully, once I learned to use tri-salts immediately for a reaction, I didn't have to resort to Benedryl nearly as often. 

Tri-salts are a combination of calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. They help to alkalize the body, which I believe is what helps to stop the reaction. (Because they are alkalizing, it's important to stay within the recommended dose on the label of each specific product, or you can upset your pH balance.)

For me tri-salts are helpful for food reactions as well as reactions to chemicals and other allergens. I always carry some with me so I can take it if I run into something troublesome. 

Here's the brand I use. Depending on your situation (assuming you're not allergic to the ingredients), tri-salts may be a helpful tool for you.

Question: What products have you found helpful for dealing with allergic reactions?