August 10, 2021 | 48 minutes, 32 seconds
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Podcast Show Notes
In this episode of the Ayurveda Meets Modern Science podcast, host John Douillard, DC, CAP, discusses immunity tips for back to school.
Fall/Winter Immunity Tips
Humidifiers and Nasya Oil are great remedies for preventing dryness during the transition into fall and winter, which in turn support healthy immune response. Ear oil can help with cervical lymphatic drainage and preventing common colds. Soluble fiber, such as slippery elm, marshmallow root, and chia seeds are all vata-balancing for the transition of seasons as well.
One of the most common issues kids come home from school with are stomach aches. While these can be immune responses, they are more often the result of dehydration and constipation, which can lead to congestion of the liver. So how do you decongest your liver? ABC juice, which is made of apples, beets, and celery can help, So can LifeSpa Elim 1 and Slippery Elm. In order to combat dehydration give your child water 30 minutes before each meal.
See also Digestive Troubleshooting Guide
Better Sleep, Eating Habits, and Exercise
Sleep, diet, and physical activity can all play into how robust your immune system is.
A lack of melatonin from staying up late and circadian imbalances has been linked to anxiety. A few of the ways to get ahead of the curve are to get screens out of the bedroom, go to bed earlier, and try Low-Dose Melatonin. When kids are connected to their screens, try blue-light-blocking glasses.
When it comes to diet, avoid sugary snacks and try meal prepping healthy options for you and your kids.
And make sure your kids are getting enough exercise, as a way to mitigate stress. Stress can cause kids to breathe more shallowly, keeping the body in constant fight or flight mode.
Read John Douillard’s book Body, Mind, & Sport for tips on accessible workouts and beneficial ways to breathe.
How to Combat College Sickness
College is full of late nights, germs, stress, unhealthy food options, and partying, which can all lead to weakened immunity. A few easy fixes are prepping healthy foods, getting cat naps, taking Ashwagandha for better sleep and mood stability, and taking Amalaki for immunity boost benefits.
See John Douillard’s 3-Season Diet Guide for healthy recipes.
Additional Resources for Longevity Strategies
- Benefits of Using a Humidifier, Medical News Today
- Mullein Garlic Herbal Oil
- Pandemic Screen Time: Will Blue Light Glasses Help?, WebMD
- Breath by James Nestor
- Sleep Wrecked Kids by Sharon Moore
Really enjoy the podcasts. I have learned so much and Dr. Douillard speaks so clearly and simply to make it super easy to implement. Thank you so much!