I see the complaints on social media all the time.
The sickness runs ‘round a family, seemingly over and over again.
Constant illness. Especially this time of year.
Strep again.
Fever again.
Colds again.
Allergies again.
Does it seem like you’re always battling illness?
It doesn’t have to be this way.
As a mom, I want my family to be as healthy as possible. And I certainly don’t want to get sick because then, it all falls apart.
Five questions to ask yourself if you’re sick all the time:
1. What kind of toothpaste do you use?
Have you read the labels on your toothpaste?
Do you see where it says to call poison control if ingested? And you want to continue putting that in your mouth?! You want your kids using that in their mouths?
Try switching to a natural toothpaste and see if that makes a difference. We’ve switched to natural dental care for about a year now and our mouths have never been healthier!
Is it time to get new toothbrushes? Lots of bacteria live on those!
If you have recurring strep, for instance, throw out your toothbrushes and get new ones! The bathroom counter is probably one of the most unsanitary places to store toothbrushes anyway.
Also? Run toothbrushes through the dishwasher or rinse with rubbing alcohol at least weekly.
This is an easy and frugal fix.
2. Do you get enough sleep?
Sleep is so important, but it seems to be the first thing to go when we’re stressed or busy.
Many families run ragged with activities and that makes it difficult to get enough rest. I know that’s our season this month!
Getting up early for work and school, then rushing to classes and lessons, hurrying through dinner, struggling to complete homework, late to bed. Then insomnia from stress and a hectic lifestyle.
It’s a vicious cycle.
It’s much healthier limiting activities and slowing down. Make sure the kids get enough sleep. Early to bed and early to rise and all that.
Institute a rest time midday when all activity must be silent – no screens or movement.
Downtime is good. Boredom is good. Constant activity is not good.
Our bodies need rest. Kids who are growing need rest.
Stress also weakens the immune system.
3. What kind of household cleaners do you use?
Many respiratory illnesses and allergies are exacerbated by common commercial household cleaners.
Look in your cabinets and read the labels. Can you pronounce any of the ingredients? Do you know what the ingredients are? Do you know if they’re making you sick?
We exclusively use cleaners with essential oils, vinegar, and baking soda. Simple. Frugal. And if I wanted to? I could eat it. It’s that safe.
Also, the chemicals in many laundry products are highly allergenic. We switched to all-natural laundry soap and often make our own and we’re much happier and healthier with the results.
Open the windows (even in the cold for a few minutes) and get some houseplants to freshen your indoor air.
Diffuse essential oils. Those chemical air fresheners and candles irritate mucous membranes and might be extending your illness and making allergies worse.
4. What do you eat?
Margarine? Canola oil? Try switching to real butter and olive oil or coconut oil.
Sugar isn’t good for you. Fake sugar is even worse.
Processed foods? Try cutting down and eating more real food.
Do you eat out a lot? It’s often hard to know the ingredients in restaurant food. I usually feel bloated and sick when I eat out.
Calories aren’t the same. Eat for nutrition and not to just feel full.
Try cooking simple homemade. It’s really not that difficult to add in a home cooked meal a few times a week instead of takeout or processed. It saves us money too! This way, I can maintain my anti inflammatory lifestyle.
Add probiotics like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut into your diet.
Make sure to drink enough water!
We like the real food menus from eMeals.com to get started.
5. Is your home {or life} too sterile?
We’re told to wash our hands constantly and hand sanitizer is available everywhere.
Did you know hand sanitizer is essentially worthless? Is it even really necessary?
We build up immunity when we’re exposed to germs. And hand sanitizer is helping to create superbugs.
I encourage my kids to play in the dirt and go barefoot outside where it’s safe.
Our kids don’t take baths every night. {gasp!} We make sure to wash hands and faces with probiotic soap, but bodies and hair need our natural oils to keep our skin healthy and help fight infection.
Antibiotics often don’t work well. And many illnesses would be better left alone. We can treat symptoms naturally with home remedies and food.
If you use antibiotics for any reason, you’re removing all the bacteria – good and bad. Make sure you replenish with probiotics – yogurt, kefir, kombucha.
Staying healthy is important so we don’t miss school, work, and other important events.
You can make some simple lifestyle changes to ward off illness.
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