6 Reasons We Get Sick by Jane

Meet Guest Blogger, Jane Barlow Christensen. Jane owns a medicinal herbal company that sells mainly to doctors. "My products and education information gives people the knowledge and tools to become their own health care physician.  It gives them the confidence to take care of every day human health issues."

6 Reasons We Get Sick

What causes some people to get sick every single year while others stay healthy and well?

Some people suffer through the entire year with a low grade cough, sinus problems and an overall feeling of tiredness and lack of energy. If this sounds like you, then read on for some simple tricks to make this stop happening.

Here are a six reasons that we get sick in the first place.

1) Vitamin D deficiency.

It is estimated that 50% of adults are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is not a regular Vitamin, it's actually a steroid hormone that you are supposed to acquire through regular exposure to the sun - not through your diet.

If you are over 50, have darker skin, are obese, have achy bones, feel depressed or have gut trouble...then these are signs that you could be Vitamin D deficient.

The best way to know if you are deficient in Vitamin D and how much you need, is to have a doctor test your levels.

2) Proper hydration.

As a society we are chronically dehydrated. We are drinking way too many things that are not just plain water. Soda, fruit juice, milk, almond milk, coconut milk, sports drinks etc...and the list goes on. Just because we're drinking all these different liquids doesn't mean we're getting the right type of hydration.

We know that we are made up of two-thirds water but did you know that in the terms of the number of molecules, your body actually consists of over 99% water molecules?

How is every system in your body expected to function properly without proper hydration?

YOU NEED WATER. NOT Juice. Not flavored water. Not soda. Not sports drinks.

How can you expect your body to fight off a cold, the flu or any other microbe that comes at you if aren't taking this one simple step?

Unless you live in a third world country where access to clean water is an issue, then this is something you can start making a serious effort on today. Right now.

3) If your diet consists of too much processed sugar, refined foods, junk foods, fast food, fried foods and white carbohydrates...then you are probably someone who gets sick on a fairly regular basis.

Bottom line - if you are eating lots of sugar and processed foods you are not fueling your body for wellness. You are giving it everything it needs to live in a state of imbalance. You probably have low energy, dull skin, puffy eyes, chronic digestive issues, extra body fat and just an overall sense of fatigue and lethargy.

Time to figure out what's holding you back and make some better food choices so that your body gets the nutrition it needs to stay well.

4) Proper sleep.

If you're going to do the sleep thing right...your room needs to be cool (about 65 degrees), dark (even the light from your alarm clock gives off too much light for your body to produce the sleep hormone, Melatonin) and quiet (if you're falling asleep with the TV on...stop it!).

Your body repairs at night, when it's cool, dark and quiet and you owe it to yourself to get a good night’s sleep.

5) Exercise. Movement.

There's no way around it. You’ve got to do it. No excuses if you want to be and stay healthy.

6) And finally...stress.

Let’s be honest, this is a true killer in your health and longevity goals.   I know people who have terrible lifestyle habits, but they know how to manage their stress and are pretty healthy.

Stress is incredibly damaging to your health and can cause all kinds of disease.

So start making some small, healthy changes today. Right now! You get to decide what your life looks like.

In conclusion, here are a couple of my favorite natural remedies and herbs that can help you stay healthy while you are working on the lifestyle factors.

1) High dose Vitamin C every single day. A high dose for an adult is about 5000 mg. Try to find a brand with Rosehips, a great source of Vitamin C.

2) Try a natural anti-microbial like Oil of Oregano, Tea tree oil, Olive leaf extract and Lomatium root. An anti-microbial is something that goes after virus, fungus, yeast and bad bacteria.

3) Start drinking lots of herbal tea. Every day. Especially during cold and flu season. One of my favorites is Peppermint tea. And make sure it's organic. That's super important.

I hope you've got some of this list already dialed in. If not, and you feel overwhelmed, then remember this -

Every single small thing you do adds up to big huge things over time. Just start small. Small things compound.

You can catch up with Jane here ...

YouTube channel - Jane Barlow Christensen and get all of my healthy tips. I post a new video about once a week.
Facebook – Jane Barlow Christensen and Jane Health

Website – www.barlowherbal.com

Instagram - @barlowherbal

Visit my Guest Blogger page to get to know all my blogging friends.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Tips to stay healthy on vacation this summer

Summer is fast approaching and you know what that means. More traveling. Family reunions, summer camps, business seminars and family vacations will take many of us from the comfort and familiarity of our own homes to some fun, but foreign, places. While travel can be fun, it’s a change and change can be stressful. Stress can lower your immune system and offer cold and flu bugs the opportunity for growth. Have you ever been sick on vacation? It isn’t fun.

What can you do to prevent illness from ruining your trip?

1.       Plan ahead. Try to keep your mealtimes and menu as regular as possible. This is easier if you are driving because you can take your food with you. Plan for healthy snacks such as dried fruits and nuts rather than giant bags of chips and prepackaged cookies. If you are flying, take small snacks in your carryon. Pack something with protein and a little friendly fiber to keep you full until you can find an affordable healthy meal.

2.       Hydrate. It can be tempting to avoid rest stops and public restrooms by cutting back on your fluids, but the tradeoffs can lead to fatigue, headaches and sluggishness. Obtain a water bottle that is easy to find and carry. One that attaches to your bag or belt is recommended. If you are traveling by air, take an empty water bottle through security and fill it in a drinking fountain before boarding your plane.

3.       Exercise. That’s right. You are on vacation – not dead. Take an opportunity to explore the beach or mountain trails on foot. Rent a bike and cruise along the local green belt. Go for a swim and work out the kinks you earned in that cramped airplane seat. Visit the workout room in your hotel. Everybody is on vacation – chances are you will have the treadmills and rowing machines all to yourself!

4.       Sleep. Attempt to keep regular sleeping patterns. This can be challenging if you change time zones. While it’s tempting to spend late nights catching up with cousins at the family reunion, too many late nights can lead to fatigue, cause stress and set you up as a target for cold and flu bugs. Have fun but be wise and don’t let too much fun derail your wellness plans.

5.       Maintain hygiene. Yes, it’s elementary, but it’s true. Washing your hands is one of the best ways to avoid illness. Can’t wash? Hand sanitizer is the next best thing and the bottles are small enough to pass airport security. Make it a habit of washing at every opportunity just to be safe.

What if you are injured or become ill while away from home?

1.       Plan ahead. Know what health care options are available in the area you are planning to visit. If you are traveling out of the country, check with your insurance carrier before you go. You’ll want to know how it covers and how to get reimbursed. Take along a personal first aid kit so you have the essentials. It should include hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, bandages, a small ice pack if available, ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen, allergy and cold medicines, as well as any other personal prescriptions. Make certain you have enough prescription meds to last your entire trip.

2.       Hydrate and rest. The same practices that can help you avoid illness will help you feel better once you become ill.

3.       Maintain hygiene. Once you have become infected you will want to do your best to avoid sharing your illness with others. Remember, the same practices that help you avoid illness will help you avoid sharing it. Wash your hands, use tissue rather than handkerchiefs, and even wear a surgical mask if necessary.

4.       Find a physician. If you are staying with family, chances are they will have a family doctor that will be happy to see you. What if you don’t know anyone in the area? How will you find a health care provider with which you can be comfortable? Fortunately, the internet continues to make the world smaller. This new Find a Doctor service by Amino, Inc. will help. You can locate a general practitioner before you go or find a physician quickly once you become ill. It’s fast and easy to use, quickly sorting physicians by experience with your criteria. Give it a try so you will be familiar with it when the need arises.

Don’t let illness steal your summer fun. Be prepared for wellness by taking care of yourself before you travel, preparing to stay healthy along the way, and knowing how to cope with discomforts if and when they arise. If you need help, seek a health care provider so you can be get back to enjoying your travels.

Have a happy vacation, stay healthy, and as always ...

Happy Running!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.