Father’s Day is quickly approaching, so you might be thinking about ways to recognize the special dad in your life. Fitness-related gifts can be a unique option to the traditional tie or coffee mug. Whether you have $1 or $100 (or more) to spend this year, consider getting dad something that he can enjoy while benefitting his health at the same time!
10 Healthy & Fit Gifts for Father’s Day
This is a great form of stress relief that gives dad an opportunity to unwind. The Spa of Essex offers several massage treatments just for men. Can’t decide which treatment Dad would like? Get him into the Spa with a Spa Gift Card!
Personal Training Session
Whether dad is a gym-regular who needs variety in his workout routine, or he bought a membership he never uses, a few sessions with a personal trainer can make a great gift. A qualified trainer can help him reach specific fitness goals (such as running a 5K or improving his golf game) or can help with motivation to get dad into a regular workout program. Prices for a session vary depending on length of time and where you live. Consider a small group training session to keep the costs down.
GPS-Enabled Watch
If dad likes to run, walk or bike outdoors—and also likes gadgets—this could be the perfect gift for him. Garmin is a popular brand with lots of different models available, ranging in price from $125-$400. They feature GPS technology that accurately tracks distance and pace during exercise. Some models also come with a built-in heart rate monitor.
Activity Tracker
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way for dad to count steps and record workouts an activity tracker is a great option. These small, wearable devices count steps, calories burned and activity all day long.
A simple pedometer (which only counts steps) is an even more economical option to motivate dad to move more throughout the day.
Water Bottle
A BPA-free water bottle is a nice gift to keep dad hydrated during his workouts. Bottles come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They even offer insulated bottles that can be used for dad’s morning coffee.
Workout Headphones
For the gadget-loving fit dad, a new pair of headphones makes a great gift. Also consider an iTunes gift card as a more budget-friendly gift, so he can create a custom playlist for the gym. (Your local grocery store or big-box retailer often sells iTunes gift cards as well.)
Grilling Supplies
Is dad the grilling guru in your house? Grilled fruit and/or vegetable kabobs can be a healthy (and delicious!) addition to any meal. Perhaps dad could use some new grilling tools or an electric grill to make healthier meals in minutes.
Healthy Snack Delivery Service
Companies will deliver a box of healthy snacks to dad’s door once a month, but another option is to create your own healthy gift basket. This could include prepackaged snacks (such as trail mix or granola bars), items you’ve made yourself (healthy breads or muffins) and a water bottle or mug (to encourage him to drink more water throughout the day).
A Favorite Indulgence
Does dad like red wine or dark chocolate? Past research has shown positive impacts on heart disease from resveratrol, a key nutrient found in both. Although recent research calls these benefits into question, it’s still OK for dad to indulge a little from time-to-time on the foods and beverages he enjoys. Everything in moderation!
Quality Time
Often it’s spending time with dad that means the most to him. Consider asking him to go for a walk, joining him at his regular Spinning class or signing up for a 5K together as a way to celebrate the day and recognize everything dad has done for you.
Have a healthy, happy and fit Father’s Day!
Original Article By: Jen Mueller, SparkPeople Blogger
Apr15
April is National Stress Awareness Month! Take time to unwind…It’s healthy to relax. Stress happens. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, at times it’s unbearable. That’s why taking time for yourself is a necessity.
Work demands, financial pressures, family problems, and many other things can cause stress. Luckily, there is a low-cost, fast-acting and highly effective treatment available. It’s called “relaxation,” and the directions are simple: for maximum effectiveness, use as often as needed.
Relax. You deserve it, it’s good for you, and it takes less time than you think.
Make time in your daily routine for you and your relaxation; you only need a few minutes. Can’t book spa treatment or weekend getaway? No problem, try these quick and easy techniques to relieve stress and tension.
1. Meditate
A few minutes of meditation every day can alleviate the anxiety from the days stress triggers. Never meditated before? Not to worry, It’s simple. Sit up straight with both feet on the floor. Close your eyes. Focus your attention on reciting — out loud or silently — a positive mantra such as “I feel at peace” or “I love myself.” Place one hand on your belly to sync the mantra with your breaths. Let any distracting thoughts float by like clouds. No excuses, this can be done at your desk in between responding to emails or before a meeting.
2. Breathe Deeply
Take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing instead of your to-do list. Sit up straight, close your eyes, and place a hand on your belly. Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling the breath start in your abdomen and work its way to the top of your head. Reverse the process as you exhale through your mouth.
3. Be Present
When you spend time in the moment and focus on your senses, you should feel less tense. Slow down. Don’t stress about what you have to do tomorrow or next week, focus on today.
4. Reach Out
Your social network is one of your best tools for handling stress. Talk to others — preferably face to face, or at least on the phone. Share what’s going on. You can get a fresh perspective while keeping your connection strong.
5. Tune in to your body
Mentally scan your body to get a sense of how stress affects it each day. Lie on your back, or sit with your feet on the floor. Start at your toes and work your way up to your scalp, noticing how your body feels. Back and shoulders feeling tight from sitting at the computer all day, consider booking the massage you want and keep putting off.
6. Decompress
Place a warm heat wrap around your neck and shoulders for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and relax your face, neck, upper chest, and back muscles. Remove the wrap, and use a tennis ball or foam roller to massage away tension.
7. Laugh Out Loud
A good belly laugh doesn’t just lighten the load mentally, it lowers cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, and boosts brain chemicals called endorphins, which help your mood. Lighten up by tuning in to your favorite sitcom or video, reading the comics, or chatting with someone who makes you smile.
8. Crank up the tunes
Research shows that listening to soothing music can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. Create a playlist of songs or nature sounds (the ocean, a bubbling brook, birds chirping), and allow your mind to focus on the different melodies, instruments, or singers in the piece. You also can blow off steam by rocking out to more upbeat tunes — or singing at the top of your lungs!
9. Get Moving
You don’t have to run in order to get a runner’s high. All forms of exercise, including yoga and walking, can ease depression and anxiety by helping the brain release feel-good chemicals and by giving your body a chance to practice dealing with stress. You can go for a quick walk around the block, take the stairs up and down a few flights, or do some stretching exercises like head rolls and shoulder shrugs.
10. Be Grateful
Keep a gratitude journal or several (one by your bed, one in your purse, and one at work) to help you remember all the things that are good in your life. When you start feeling stressed, spend a few minutes looking through your notes to remind yourself what really matters.
Sources:
Federal Occupational Health
WebMD.com
Mar23
Saunas and steam rooms are fixtures in gyms, spas, relaxation destinations worldwide and even some homes. In April, you can experience the benefits of a Sauna & Steam Lounge at The Spa of Essex. Follow our Facebook Fan Page for progress updates and special offers.
The benefits of sauna & steam rooms range from relaxation to weight loss and pain management to cleansing. Saunas and steam rooms may provide emotional and physical relaxation benefits. Wet and dry heat simulate sedative effects that generate feelings of calmness and relaxation, and some people who suffer emotional or mood disorder may find relief with regular trips to saunas or steam rooms. When the muscles have been relaxed and blood is circulating optimally, it is easier to sleep at night. Many people who are tense or have poor circulation snore, jerk, toss, and turn while sleeping.
Diet and exercise are certainly important components to pair with sauna and steam room usage for a successful weight loss plan. However, the heat from a sauna produces one effect that is similar to what happens when a person exercises. The heat increases a person’s basal metabolic rate by a considerable amount, which helps the body burn calories better throughout the day.
Heat has a pain relieving effect due to its ability to create more effective blood flow. Painful conditions caused by inflammation such as arthritis and fibromyalgia can be temporarily managed through heat treatments like those found in both saunas and steam rooms.
Saunas and steam rooms promote detoxification and cleansing of the skin and body. One of the ways the body flushes out toxins is by expelling sweat. The heat causes the pores to open up and when sweat starts coming out, it will flush out oil, bacteria, dirt, makeup, or any other residue that has collected in the pores. People who flush out their pores regularly will notice an improved complexion. Another cosmetic health benefit of regular sauna usage is the possibility of reducing cellulite.
In addition to the health benefits, saunas and steam rooms promote overall well being; mind, body and soul. After leaving the sauna and steam lounge and resting, individuals express feeling refreshed and revitalized. People who use heat therapy regularly do not complain of feeling unwell as often as people who do not use them.
It is encouraged to educate yourself regarding the differences between the two heat rooms and evaluate your specific health needs before choosing your experience. Our team members are available for any questions or concerns you have and can assist you in choosing the right heat treatment for your needs.
April is Client Appreciation Month
Every Client who experiences a treatment in April will receive a complimentary 2 hour day pass to the Sauna & Steam Lounge good for use during the month of May. Receive One Pass for you and One Pass for a friend.
Mar23
Just in time for change of seasons, The Spa of Essex is proud to announce the introduction of 21 Drops Essential Oil Therapy to our Treatments and Spa Boutique.
Essential oils are the root of it all, benefiting the mind, body and spirit. These are fragrant and highly concentrated molecules, extracted from various parts of the plant – leaves, fruits, woods, seeds and flowers. Interestingly, essential oils represent a critical part of both the plants immune system and survival mechanisms.
Ask yourself how you are feeling, and there is a blend to cure any situation with 21 Drops.
1. Drained?
For those times when you are feeling drained and devitalized, or just need a little nudge off the couch, keep 01 Invigorate close at hand. Apply this blend early and often throughout the day to stimulate energy, movement and vitality. Try it instead of (or with) your 3:00 PM java fix for an afternoon lift!
2. Hormonal?
We’ve all been there. That time each month when our bodies are being miraculous, yet we suffer side effects that make us feel less than fabulous. Mark your calendar and use 02 PMS Relief blend monthly at first signs of PMS to help relieve some of the symptoms. Easy enough to take with you – discreetly stow our pretty vial in your handbag or top desk drawer.
3. Insecure?
On days when uncertainty or apprehension strikes, keep 03 Strength close by. This blend can help you muster your inner resources for that conversation, presentation, negotiation, interview, or any situation that requires the best of your mettle. 03 Strength is a vial of liquid courage you can safely tuck into your purse or pocket.
4. Overindulged?
We all know what this feels like. And you’ll know when you need this 21 Drops Hangover blend. Just make sure to keep it on hand when you have overindulged – with anything. Use 04 Hangover early and often throughout the day (or night) to help stimulate the expulsion of toxins.
5. Head Ache?
It’s simple: when a headache begins to ruin your day, use 05 Headache blend. Keep it in your medicine cabinet, first aid kit, or desk drawer, alongside your remedies.
6. Listless?
The 06 Passion blend is for any moment you seek to wholly immerse yourself in the intrinsic energy and potential that is your passion. Use this blend to engage the fire within you. It is for you. It is about you.
7. Moody?
Keep 07 Equalize blend with you for use when the mood strikes. No one is on an even keel all the time. Moods are simply part of being human. Equalize can help stabilize your mood when you need it most.
8. Hurting?
08 Pain Relief blend is a natural pain reliever that helps increase circulation while reducing pain, inflammation and stiffness. It can be used regularly to help combat chronic inflammation and to manage or prevent general aches and pains.
9. Distracted?
For those moments when you lose mental focus, feel distracted or just don’t know where to begin. Keep this blend in your desk or by your computer for your best work, or with you on the course or court to sharpen your game. Use the 09 Focus blend any time symptoms of distraction or preoccupation occur.
> Click to Watch 21 Drops Focus Essential Oil… A Man’s Perspective Video
10. Worried?
10 Calm is for those times when you are feeling nervous, anxious, irritable, and out-of-sorts, frustrated by, even angry about, everyday things. This is one to keep close by, and use when the cacophony starts, whether it’s the cell phone incessantly ringing, the baby crying or simply when the day seems overwhelming. Take a moment – to calm down!
11. Overwhelmed?
11 De-Stress blend is specifically formulated for use during those times when you feel plagued by overwhelming external forces. It’s blended to help support you through the hard-core stresses. In other words: life in today’s world. Keep this one close in hand, in a pocket, front and center on your desk, near you in your car…for those inevitable traffic jams!
12. Down?
Feeling low from time to time is a normal part of life. 12 Uplift blend can help ease you through it. This blend is a bit of “honey for the psyche” and is highly effective when used over a sustained period to raise spirits, brighten outlooks and cheer moods!
13. Heavy Heart?
This blend is for the rough times: abrupt change, sudden shock or intense grief. We can’t make the circumstances go away, but a bit of 13 Carry On blend, and a few deep breaths can help you accept and move through these times. It’s intended to support the transformation from endings to new beginnings.
14. Defenseless?
14 Immunity is formulated to fend off that rundown feeling and help keep illness at bay. Immunity excels as a preventative measure during cold and flu season. The moment you feel something coming on, grab our Immunity blend and breathe it in. Perfect for travel, or any of those other times when you need help to fight infection and improve health.
15. Congested?
With 15 Decongest, you breathe easy. You’ll feel it deep in your sinuses and chest. It’s formulated to help loosen mucus build-up, remove respiratory rigidity, ease coughs and promote cooler temperatures. Ditch the candy substitute, and try reaching for our pure 15 Decongest blend.
16. Life Changes?
Change is good. Experiencing the symptoms of it – sometimes not so much. And while Menopause can be ultimately liberating, our system needs support during the liberation. 16 The Change blend is formulated to help mediate stress responses, balance, renew and restore vitality. It can help alleviate mild Menopause induced depression, lethargy and anxiety, while helping to encourage enthusiasm, initiative and assertiveness. It is beautiful, powerful and enduring.
17. Stomach Ache?
The 17 Digest blend is for those times when your digestive system is having a rough time. The oils in this blend are a tonic helping to alleviate nausea and process gas. 17 Digest is formulated to help ease the digestive process, stimulate metabolism, and help act as an antispasmodic and analgesic.
18. Sleepless?
The 18 Sleep blend is formulated to help quiet the cacophony, ease metabolic states, and calm physical responses to emotional disturbances. The oils in this blend work on the nervous system to help hush a racing anxious mind and settle states of restlessness and agitation. 18 Sleep stops the tossing and turning…and you finally surrender, and rest.
19. Unmotivated?
When you simply must summon your will into action, call upon 19 Will Power. It’s for those self-sabotaging moments when you could use a dose of determination and drive.
20. Tempted?
The 20 Abstain blend is formulated from rare fruit and spice oils for fulfillment. The oils in this blend help combat overindulgence by working on the underlying emotions often associated with longing. It helps to trigger olfactory satisfaction and subdue the appetite – regardless of the temptation!
21. Blocked?
Most meaningful inspiration usually comes from within. The 21 Inspire blend is formulated to serve as a tonic for imagination — helping to unblock and unlock the vital energy and insight already inside you. The oils in this blend are transformational and enlivening help to spark productivity and crystallize your vision.
> Click to Watch 21 Drops 10 Calm Video
The creation of 21 Drops harnesses what people have known for thousands of years about the powerful properties of essential oils, combining this with our modern knowledge of health and well being.
21 Drops has pioneered the modern experience in Aromatherapy: time-honored, incredibly effective solutions with 21st Century know-how on our busy, complicated multi-dimensional lifestyles…
April Product Special
Buy ANY Two 21 Drops and Get One FREE
Feb25
SPAtlight on:
Rhonda Allison’s Beta Green Tea Cleanser
With a fresh, clean scent, Rhonda Allison’s BETA GREEN TEA CLEANSER is an all-purpose, foamy wash that gently cleanses and freshens skin. Reducing surface oils and helping to clear problematic skin, this antioxidant/salicylic wash is perfect for sensitive and young acne or rosacea-prone skin.
The balance of salicylic acid and heart of green tea form an effective blend to minimize surface bacteria while the synergy of Beta Green Tea Cleanser provides a deep pore cleanse and healing elements for the skin.
FOCUS INGREDIENTS
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Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) – rich moisturizing benefits.
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Salicylic Acid – surface exfoliant, antioxidant, antiseptic.
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Epigallocatechin Gallate Extract (EGCG or Heart of Green Tea) – high antioxidant value; neutralizes free radicals.
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L-Chlorophyll – mild surfactant and antiseptic that reduces irritation.
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Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract – anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and lightening effects; contains phosphorus and sulfur compounds, vitamins, enzymes, and mild fruit acids.
Since most people under cleanse and over moisturize, here are some tips for good cleansing:
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Pump concentrate into hand and dampen other hand. Blend together and apply to face and neck.
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Work cleanser into skin with fingertips for 2 minutes. Do not put on and immediately rinse off – this is a treatment cleanser, so give it time to really work into the skin for maximum benefits.
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Use a clean “white” cloth to remove cleanser. Keep rinsing until skin is clean and cloth does not show any more residue.
Rhonda Allison Beta Green Tea Cleanser
This all-purpose, foamy wash cleanses and freshens skin thoroughly, reduces surface oils, and gently and therapeutically enhances the cleaning of problematic skin.
Pair with Rhonda Allison Beta Green Tea Lotion.
$32
Rhonda Allison Beta Green Tea Lotion
An ideal all-purpose skin toner to balance oil, provide antioxidant support, and offer purifying benefits for the skin, Beta Green Tea Lotion is an ideal toner to use after any extraction treatment due to its antiseptic benefits.
$36
To find the cleanser best suited to your individual skincare needs, click on the link and take our Skin Assessment Test.
About Rhonda Allison
Rhonda Allison is a definite favorite here at The Spa of Essex! Respected all over the world for her innovative and revolutionary work with acids and chemical peels, Rhonda Allison is a highly respected name in the Beauty Industry. Rhonda has over 30 years of industry experience (though you wouldn’t guess it by looking at her!), and has done the research and development necessary to provide her clients with only pure, fresh, and natural ingredients. Rhonda Allison puts a huge emphasis on natural ingredients, offering amazing quality skin nutrition for those seeking help and maintenance. The Rhonda Allison Company and its affiliates are environmentally aware of the planet and do their best to GO GREEN at every possible opportunity! Refreshing, natural, and effective, you simply CANNOT go wrong with Rhonda Allison!
Feb11
SPAtlight on: Mirabella Beauty La La Lips
We are obsessing over Mirabella’s Spring 2014 collection of lip pencils, La La Lips. These lip pencils are indulgent in both color and velvety texture. They seriously glide on like butter to a perfect satin finish.
Each swipe is saturated with so much pigment. It comes in 6 shades, from baby pink to magenta to red and coral and they’re the most gorgeous shades of each.
Not only are you getting magnificent colors, you’re also getting colors that last for a long time. The proprietary Berryflux Vita Active (a raspberry cultured stem cell extract) in La La Lip Pencils help your lips from drying out.
Your lips will look amazing, and will feel soft and supple. Achieve bold beautiful lips with Mirabella La La Lip Pencils.
Purchase in Spa, by Phone or in the Spa Boutique ($23 each).
Rose Velvet
Mirabella’s La La Lips were recently featured in the Winter Issue of Cosmopolitan for Latinas and W Magazine. 
Feb07
Since your husband, dad, boyfriend or best friend doesn’t want another tie or picture frame, step it up this Valentine’s Day with the gift of grooming. We guarantee any gift on this list will make him even more handsome.
Ladies, give the Man you love the gift of healthier, younger looking skin with RA for Men. Did you know a man’s skin is generally thicker, more sensitive and produces more sebum than a woman’s? Yes it is true, his pH is also more acidic which presents not only cosmetic issues but health ones as well. In addition, studies have shown that male skin cells carry fewer antioxidants and as a result, will form more and deeper facial lines and hyper pigmentation (age spots). The Spa of Essex has the solution with RA for Men.
RA for Men offers the RA Method consisting of 5 critical Skin Laws that are universal. These simple, easy steps, morning and night, will support his skin for maximum results.
RA Method includes:
- Blue Agave Cleanser (120 ml)
- Stone Power Skin Strengthening Toner (120 ml)
- Mineral Freeze Skin Firming Peptide (15 ml)
- Enviroprotect Daytime Cream (15 ml)
- Protect Lip Guard (10 ml)
$104
Help your guy achieve superior results with the RAW Man Facial. The RAW Man Facial is a gentle, yet corrective professional treatment, using cosmeceutical correct ingredients. Men will love the aroma and tingling sensation while cooling and heating applications enhance the RAW Man Facial experience. Men will see an immediate difference in their skin.
$125
Give him the “Greatest Shave Ever” with Grooming Lounge Products. Grooming Lounge is the premier brand of men’s skin care, men’s shaving & men’s hair care products. Grooming Lounge helps guys feel and look more handsome.
Grooming Lounge Trio
- Mug Cleanser Face Wash (5 fl. oz.)
- Beard Destroyer Shave Cream (5 fl. oz.)
- Best for Last Aftershave (5 fl. oz.)
$57.00
Try Me Kit
Mug Cleaner Face Wash (2 oz.)- Beard Master Shave Oil (1 oz.)
- Beard Destroyer Shave Cream (2 oz.)
- Best For Last Aftershave (2 oz.)
Mug Cleaner Face Wash (2 oz.)$25
Splurge for your sweetie with Grooming Lounge full-sized products:
- Mug Cleaner Face Wash – $18
- Beard Destroyer Shave Cream – $18
- Best For Last Aftershave – $21
Men, here’s a tip – no mother, sister, wife, daughter or girl friend will ever turn down a day at the Spa or the chance to pamper herself. Ladies work hard to look good not only for themselves but for you too!
Give your sweetie the ultimate gift with a Sweetheart Facial Gift Card. This delicious luxury treatment will result in glowing skin. It is filled with enticing aromas, delightful hot and cold sensations, and a relaxing facial massage.
Purchase a Sweetheart Facial during the month of February and Receive Love in a Box
How many times have you heard a woman in your life beg for more “me time”? Now you can make it happen for her. Give the gift of the at home facial with a Me Time Kit.
With Rhonda Allison ME TIME Boxed Set Facial System, her skin’s potential will be unmasked. She can pamper herself each week with a moment in time with a soothing, relaxing escape – all the while providing her skin a healthy dose of nutrients to balance, purify, protect, strengthen, and moisturize skin.
Kit Includes:
- Derma Peel (50ml)
- Milk Mask (15ml)
- Chocolate Antioxidant Mask (15ml)
- Cherry Jubilee Enzyme (15ml)
- Grape Seed Hydrating Serum (1.7ml)
$98.50
Forget the diamonds this Valentine’s Day and surprise her with an Opal. The Clarisonic Opal is designed specifically for the eye area, reducing signs of aging on this delicate skin. The unique sonic infusion system allows for better penetration of specialized topical serums from Clarisonic. The system delivers active ingredients deep within the layers of the skin, providing a gentle massaging action.
$185
Give her a “5 minute Face Lift” at Home with a Nuface. The Nuface Trinity is a microcurrent Device designed for home use. What is Microcurrent technology? It is one of the hottest innovations in the anti-aging industry and is used in top spas and medical offices for facial toning, tightening, and firming of aging skin. It’s a safe and effective technology for clients who wish to attain and maintain a healthier, younger looking appearance. The results can be so dramatic that microcurrent treatments are often referred to as the “5 Minute Facial-lift.”
$325
No excuses this Valentine’s Day! Find the perfect gift for her or him at the Spa of Essex. Check out some other Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas in our online store. Make the gift extra special and add on a Gift Card or Reserve An Experience. Don’t forget, give us a call and one of our team member can help you choose the right gift.
Jan29
Annie’s Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips Recipe is “Easy to make, tasty fruit salsa and cinnamon tortilla chips. Great as an appetizer or a snack. Great for anytime!”
Source: allrecipes.com
Jan15
There’s nothing worse than a nagging case of the sniffles, the incessant coughs, the pesky headaches, (or even worse!)—whether they stem from after-holiday rundown, the cold weather, or anything in between. Keeping your immune system healthy is key; defend and support it holistically with these 10 tricks a few spa and wellness experts were happy to share.
Get 8 hours of sleep a night.
“Research shows if you sleep for less than eight hours a night you are more at risk of a weakened immune system, and the less you sleep, the more likely you are to weaken your immune function,” says Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya Koh Samui.
Exercise is essential!
“Research shows that people who exercise are half as likely to catch a cold as those who do not, and even if they do catch a cold, their symptoms tend to be less severe,” Stewart goes on. “Finding the right form of exercise that you enjoy will reduce your stress levels, and as stress impacts your body’s ability to fight infections, you cannot underestimate the importance of regular exercise.”
Be optimistic and enjoy life!
“It is important to enjoy life and have a fun, optimistic outlook,” Stewart advises. “Cell-mediated immunity actually increases with a person’s level of optimism, so try to do enjoyable activities when you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, whether it is treating yourself to a weekly massage, going to a regular yoga class or making time to read a good book—just make sure you give yourself permission to do these things, as this will be beneficial in reducing your stress levels and increasing your immunity in the long-term.”
Eat an abundance of antioxidant-rich foods.
“Glutathione, found in asparagus, avocado, and parsley, has been described as the ‘most important antioxidant’ because it empowers your immune system to exert its full potential by quenching free radicals, recycling vitamins C and E into their biologically active forms, and regulating DNA synthesis and repair, while carotenoids in sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and other orange, red, yellow, and dark green fruits and veggies are said to enhance many aspects of immune function. Selenium, found in foods such as Brazil nuts, tuna, brown rice, and sunflower seeds help prevent cellular damage from free radicals and play a role in your immune system health as well,” Stewart offers.
Lindsay Martin, MS, RD, at Hilton Head Health agrees that diet plays a significant role in boosting immunity and states these tips:
Eat a fresh and varied plant-based diet.
“Your fresh and seasonal non-starchy vegetables and fruits are loaded with nutrients that help neutralize toxins that circulate through your blood,” she says. “Your immune system produces antibodies while your foods produce antioxidants—not a coincidence these terms [go] hand-in-hand.”
Maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system with a high-fiber diet
(and a diet low in added sugar).
Basic foods high in fiber include: oats, bran, quinoa, farro, wheat berries, ground flaxseed, nuts, apples, pears, raspberries, blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, dark leafy greens, beans, legumes, lentils and 100-percent whole-grain products, Martin tells us.
Maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system with a diet rich in probiotics.
“Consuming foods such as yogurt, kefir, unpasteurized sauerkraut, miso, low fat buttermilk, tempeh, and foods with ‘live and active cultures’ help keep your healthy bacteria flourishing—potentially preventing infections and reducing the growth of unhealthy bacteria in your small intestines,” Martin says.
Get quality Vitamin D through sunshine, food, or supplements (Vitamin D3).
“Those deficient in Vitamin D, according [to the] Harvard School of Public Health, may be at increased risk for infection, the common cold, bone-weakening disease, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and cancer,” Martin reveals. Research regarding Vitamin D continues to be funded, she continues, and “the first suggestion is to get your Vitamin D levels checked by your primary doctor, then make any necessary changes in your diet or sun exposure.”
Wash your hands.
“This is not your ‘ah-hah’ trick, but it goes back to the first grade,” Martin says. “Just do it.”
Incorporate virgin coconut oil into your diet.
The Farm at San Benito advises us to take up to 3 ½ tablespoons of virgin coconut oil daily to enjoy its full benefits, which include: helping prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections; aiding body in fighting viruses that cause flu; improving digestion; providing quick energy; and more.
Repost from: http://blog.spafinder.com/10-tricks-boosting-immunity-holistically/
Jun12