I recently attended an incredibly informative lecture hosted by SHIFT Mind Body Soul, one of the rising stars in programming in the holistic health and wellness space. With Coronavirus weighing heavy on everyone’s minds, I wanted to share some valuable take-aways I learned so that you can use these extra measures to stay healthy during this stressful time!
The educational lecture took place in Beverly Hills at Spring Place and featured renowned functional medicine expert and GOOP Contributor Dr. Lekkos, Founder of Bios Functional Medicine, and was moderated by my friend and holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman. The discussion offered so much timely information regarding wellness and how best to support our immune system.
Below is a list of the wellness supplements that were discussed and some other tips on how to stay healthy and centered. I am currently using all of these, but I’m not a doctor so please do your homework before introducing anything new into your regime; research and talk to your physician if you are unsure of what is best for you.
I wish you continued well-being during this challenging time. Sending healthy vibes your way!
xx Melissa
“Think from your heart, not your head, soak in life and think about why you are here, experience as many things as you can, and above everything else, do YOU all the time.” - Dr. Lekkos
Click directly on supplement titles to order my faves!
IMMUNITY SUPPORT
Monolaurin is a chemical made from lauric acid; used to build the immune system, it is found in coconut milk and breast milk. It’s recommended for preventing and treating viruses such as the common cold, influenza, swine flu, herpes, shingles, and other infections. Dr. Lekkos recommended this as the best supplement to take if you feel a sore throat or virus coming on.
L-Lysine (2000 mg per day)
Elissa Goodman recommended this supplement as a good one to take along with Monolaurin. This gem of a supplement offers immune system and respiratory health support.
NAC (1,500 mg/day and not on an empty stomach)
This important supplement replenishes levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant found throughout the body - our levels decrease as we age. Taken together they can help boost immune function. They also help with chronic respiratory conditions and support brain health.
Glutathione is an important antioxidant that declines with age. It is critical for healthy immune system function and is necessary for proper detoxification. Works well in conjunction with vitamin C.
NAD (Take 500 mg plus)
NAD helps fuel many of the body’s essential functions. It’s important for our cells and it gives us energy and a sense of wellbeing, but NAD levels also diminish with age and stress. Taking this supplement can help elevate our own levels with increased and consistent use. Read my blog here on TRU NIAGEN (a unique form of vitamin B3) to see why I love taking this NAD supplement daily!
Vitamin D (5000i.i. daily)
This familiar vitamin is good for supporting muscle, bone, teeth and immune health. According to ScienceDaily, taking large doses of vitamin D reduces respiratory infections like pneumonia, influenza, and bronchitis. Dr. Lekkos also mentioned to take it in larger doses to cure bronchitis.
Reishi and Other Adaptogenic Mushrooms
Reishi and other mushrooms are important for immune function support and some also act as natural anxiety relievers that may help calm any angst we are experiencing. I like the delicious powders by Four Sigmatic!
Taking a probiotic every day to maintain gut health is great for ongoing immune support and a healthy microbiome. But taking a probiotic that has prebiotics blended into the formula makes them even more beneficial since they do a great job of fertilizing the good bacteria you already have in your gut. I also like to get additional probiotics by starting the day with the Hush & Hush PlantYourDay protein powder. Click HERE to order and use discount code MELISSA during check out to get 20% off.
This herbal supplement is great for reducing inflammation and as an antioxidant. It’s also used for relieving the stiffness and joint pain of arthritis.
Photo credit: Stefanie Marie Photography
SLEEP EASY
Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together. — Thomas Dekker
A combination of Magnesium and L-Threonate, this can be beneficial for helping you fall asleep. It calms the buzzing in the brain, making it easier to relax and drift off into dreamland.
Looking to CBD as a way to calm your nerves and help you get some shut-eye? Charlotte’s Web is one of the most respected brands out there. Whether you prefer a flavored oil or a gummy, they’ve got you covered.
Felix Grey Blue Light Blocking Glasses
These clinically tested blue light blocking glasses can aid in getting your beauty sleep by improving melatonin secretion by 2x. You know what that means? Less chance of dark circles in the morning!
Gwen Dittmar, Breath Work Coach; Nicole Fogel, Founder of SHIFT Mind Body Soul.
Photo Credit: Kelly Fogel Photography.
Elissa Goodman and Dr. Lekkos.
Photo Credit: Kelly Fogel Photography.
MIND OVER MATTER
It’s your perception and your reaction to life so be aware of how you are thinking. - Anonymous
Wellness isn’t just about taking care of our body, it’s also about managing our minds. Here are a few tips to help turn down the noise and get your head in a better space.
Breathing
Taking deep breaths throughout the day can help calm you down. I personally find box breathing super helpful to manage my adrenaline when it gets ramped up. Simply inhale for five seconds, hold for five seconds, exhale for five seconds and repeat. For some more amazing breathing techniques, check out Breathwork Master and Coach Gwen Dittmar and her step-by-step breathwork class on mindbodygreen.
Journaling
Sometimes you’ve got to let it flow! Grab a notebook and pen and just write. It helps to declutter the mind, and things seem to fall into perspective once you read back what you wrote. Keeping a daily gratitude journal is also a great way to shift your thoughts and realize how much you truly have. I believe when you approach life from a place of gratitude there comes even more to be grateful for.
Meditation
By now we all know how powerful a meditation practice can be for brain health. From Calm to Headspace, there is no shortage of apps out there that can guide us in taming our monkey-minds. Dr. Lekkos recommended another cool app called Brain.fm. It is basically a streaming music service that produces a continuous loop of computer-generated music that can help you meditate, focus, or sleep, using a combination of bimodal tones. This scientific approach claims to affect your brain differently than any other music.
“If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.” ~Elbert Hubbard
Photo credit: Stefanie Marie Photography