The birds and the bees are out once again, welcoming a new season: SPRING is upon us. It’s comforting to hear the bees buzzing around new blossoms. It’s reassuring to see new growth on trees and bushes and daffodils braving the cold temperatures and the snow we’re still seeing in our beautiful valley.
The days are getting longer, and it feels like we’re slowly but surely coming out of hibernation; some of us have been fortifying our immune system even through the cold months by doing crazy things like cold plunges. What’s crazy about this? 3 minutes in 45 degree water with the outside temperature in the 30s, 4-5 times a week, yep, pretty crazy AND invigorating.
Cold plunges:
- Are a great way to reduce inflammation
- Speed up physical recovery
- Increase stress management skills and energy levels
- Improve sleep
- Help burn fat
- Improve insulin sensitivity
- Build resilience by boosting the immune system
4 Ways to Make This a Successful and Memorable Endeavor
- Set a timer but don’t look at the clock
- Listen to uplifting music
- Immerse yourself in cold water all the way, without hesitation
- Focus on slowing your breathing down; some find the Wim Hof breathing technique very helpful
Regardless of how long you last during your first try, do it again the next day! Let us know if you’d like to take a plunge. Our providers will support you and also help determine whether there may be any contraindications for you. When you’re done, please share your successes with us!
If this is too much for you, try this “cold plunge for beginners”: After your shower, rinse off with cold water, staying in it as long as you can. Or switch between hot and cold a few times, which activates autophagy. Even though this is not as effective as a cold plunge, this still help to strengthen your immune system.
Allergy Relief
This practice may even help with soothing seasonal allergies, a common problem that affects millions of people around the world this time of year. Symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. While medication is often used to manage allergies, natural supplements can also be effective in reducing symptoms – see this article on natural allergy relief. Here are a few more remedies that can help alleviate allergies.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and help support immune function. Studies have shown that probiotics can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, especially in children. Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, and they are also available in supplement form.
Honey is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat allergies. Consuming local honey can help your body develop a tolerance to the pollen in the air. However, honey should not be given to infants under one year old.
Essential oils can be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms. Peppermint oil can help open up airways, while eucalyptus oil can help reduce inflammation in the airways. Lavender oil can also be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms, as it has natural antihistamine properties. Essential oils can be diffused, applied topically, or added to a bath.
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that can help reduce inflammation in the airways. It is found in foods such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, but it is also available in supplement form.
Consult Your Doctor First
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new remedies or crazy cold plunge practices, especially if you are taking medication or have a medical condition. As always, our team at Siskiyou Vital Medicine is committed to formulating the right plan for you!