The shorter autumn months can be a great time for football games, festivals and a welcome change of weather from the long, hot summer months. However, the seasonal change can also come with new challenges.
Here are 4 natural health essentials you will want to keep in mind this fall.
1) Protect your lips
As the weather turns cooler and the humidity drops, chapped (cracked) lips caused by wind, cold and sun exposure, can become a nuisance. At times, the lips may also peel and become reddish when inflammation is present. This condition is known as cheilitis simplex1. One of the treatments for cheilitis is good old-fashioned lip balm2.
Unfortunately, all lip balms are not created equal. We recommend a natural lip balm that contains no petrolatum, the main ingredient in petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is derived from the remnants of oil refining. Some of the most popular brand name lip balms contain this ingredient. There are dermatologists that agree petroleum jelly may seal in moisture, but these same dermatologists also state it can stop the lips from breathing as well as trapping any bacteria that may be on the lips in the first place3.
There is cause for concern because petroleum jelly is highly susceptible to contamination of polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs can be absorbed through the skin, and some PAHs are considered to be human carcinogens4. Lip balms are perfect for preventing mild cases of chapped lips. However, before you reach for a name brand lip balm at the store counter, take a minute and read the ingredients. Here are 10 natural lip balms to consider.
2) Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet
Inflammation is a vital part of the body’s immune response. It’s the body’s attempt to heal itself after an injury or defend itself against invading viruses and bacteria. In many situations, inflammation can serve to keep us healthy and protect our cells and tissues5. On the flip side, when inflammation goes unchecked, it can result in disorders such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, and diabetes, among others6. Certain foods, like refined carbohydrates, fried foods, soda and red meat can cause inflammation in the body7.
However, other foods may help reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods include fruits and vegetables, walnuts and fish oil supplements (for omega-3 fatty acids), whole grains, lean proteins and spices like ginger and curry8. Fall can also bring on a variety of allergens that can result in sniffles and sneezing. Seasonal foods high in quercetin, such as apples and onions, help block the release of histamines, which can cause allergic reactions9.
It just so happens that these foods are beneficial to your overall health as well. So, change your diet to anti-inflammatory foods and you’ll most likely feel better in the long run.
3) Exercise early
Summer allows us to spend more time outdoors, so it can be easier to get the exercise your body needs. When the autumn months arrive, and the days get shorter, we can experience a loss of energy as our body produces less serotonin and more melatonin (a sleepy hormone)10. When the days start to shorten, try exercising early in the morning. When you get in a routine every morning, it gets easier, even for us sleepyheads.
A morning workout helps improve your physical and mental energy, enhances your metabolism and will even help you sleep better at night11. For more information on morning habits that could change your health forever, please read this article.
4) Give your immune system support* for fall
A lot goes on in the fall. The nights are longer, seasonal health challenges begin and many of us start stressing out about the upcoming holidays. All of this can run us down when we need our immune system to be at its peak. The immune system is made up of organs, cells and tissues in our body to protect us from invading pathogens, like bacteria, parasites or fungi12.
A great way to support your immune system in the fall months is through Sovereign Silver’s Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol™ *. It’s a safe, pure and effective way to add immune support to your daily routine*.
Autumn marks the transition from summer to winter. It represents the changing nature of life and the harvest of all the year’s work. It can be a wondrous time of the year as well. Make the most of the season by enjoying all it has to offer and make sure you are in the best possible shape you can be so you don’t miss any of the fun or time with family.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. /four-natural-health-essentials-you-need-this-fall/
References:
https://www.medicinenet.com/chapped_lips_cheilitis/symptoms.htm
https://www.livestrong.com/article/193045-what-are-the-treatments-for-cheilitis/
https://theecologist.org/2012/apr/25/tried-and-tested-lip-balm
https://www.naturallivingideas.com/petroleum-jelly-dangers/
https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20898778,00.html?
https://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vanderbiltmedicine/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-inflammation/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-benefits-of-an-anti-inflammatory-diet/
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/best-natural-antihistamines#1
https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/why-have-i-been-so-tired-lately
https://makeyourbodywork.com/benefits-of-morning-exercise/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0025680/
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