Immunity 101
Life is W E I R D.
I don’t even want to type the words “pandemic” or “COVID-19,” but one of the most important tools to becoming a stronger human is accepting our wounds and moving forward… right? So let’s do it - PANDEMIC. COVID-19. They are real! And freaky! And what is going on in the world? A mass kick in the butt and order to STAY HOME and focus on YOU. Truly though, I am sending love and hugs to each and every one of you and honestly am meditating every day on the health and safety of all friends and family.
First and foremost, can we learn how to breathe?
Belly Breathing
Did you know that breathing through our bellies activates the part of our nervous systems connected to rest and recovery? An age-old trick to calm anxiety and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol is Belly Breathing. Find yourself sitting comfortably, close your eyes, place your right hand over heart and left hand on lower belly, breathe and exhale through your nostrils while feeling the breath fill up and leave your belly. If your chest is filling up this is connected to the stress response. Re-calibrate by actively focusing on activating your breath through your belly for the calming effect you desire.
Andrew Weil’s 4-7-8 Breathing
Dr. Weil is my go-to, trusted resource for nearly anything regarding health, wellness, and plant medicine. For 4-7-8 Breathing, inhale through the nostrils for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, and exhale through the mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat 4 times to experience calming effects. Practice a few times a day, and eventually work up to 8 cycles.
*I’ve actually found both of these techniques useful in the moment I put on a mask to walk to the grocery store. Those first few times were rough, realizing how hot and unbreathable your own breath is in a mask. After I initiated these breathing techniques to coincide with mask-wearing, it made it way more tolerable.
Tips for modulating immunity
These are just a few, simple bits I have picked up through my studies and continued reading via medical professionals who I admire. Pretty much every medical professional, nutritionist, and hippie mom across the board, regardless of their beliefs, agrees on what is listed below, and I’ve included further resources and tips. These are things I have done to improve my own health as well; they are tried and true.
Eat more veggies! Like a lot, way more than you think.
Cut back on sugar. There is lots of hidden sugar in processed foods. Check the labels. For example, yogurt and fruit juice — look at “Total Sugars” and “Added Sugars” on the labels.
Cut back on processed foods. Think about plants that are grown from the ground versus food made in chemical plants.
Drink lots of water and sleep as much as possible.
Exercise, move, stretch, breathe, go outside.
Cut back on alcohol
Garlic, ginger, citrus, greens, yum…
Supplements you can use to modulate your immunity that I always keep on hand:
VITAMIN C: You can get this in pill or liquid form. I just got a nice spray, which is extremely easy to spray and swallow.
OREGANO OIL: Drop in water once a day, or multiple times a day if you can stand it. Also comes in pill form. One of my forever favs.
MUSHROOMS: I like these products. They’re accessible to all.
COLLOIDAL SILVER: GREAT health store secret for modulating immunity, don't be scared!
You should be able to pick any of these up at your local grocery store or order on Amazon, but since times are totally weird right now, a lot may be sold out.
These are a few of my go-to resources:
And HERE.
Most importantly, accept love and project it back out during this insane time, and always. I’m with you on this journey and feel free to reach out anytime with questions, needing resources, or just to chat.
xoxo, Gina
P.S. Have a tried and true immunity tip that wasn’t shared here? Please comment below and let me know!
