4 Summer Natural Health Tips

During the summer, we are less likely to catch the flu or a common cold, however, there are a few things that still challenge our immune system.  Here are 4 natural health tips to stay well in the summer heat. 
1. Use only organic sunscreens.  In this post I wrote early, you can read a more in depth discussion about the safety of sunscreens, but in general, they are more toxic to our skin.  The best sunscreens to use are organic products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the primary ingredients. 
2. Make a natural paste to soothe bee stings.  Bee stings trigger our immune system to release histamine and cause inflammation by releasing an acid into our skin. To neutralize this acid, make a paste of baking soda, a dab of vinegar, and water. Apply this to the sting for 30 minutes. 
3. If you do happen to get a sun burn, make a soothing tonic of mint and green tea.  The mint is cooling and the tea contains tannins and theobromine, which help heal the burn.  Place several tea bags and fresh mint leaves in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Let it cool, then apply it to the burn.  The cooler it is, the more effective it will be. 
4. Lastly, staying hydrated is no surprise, but sometimes water just doesn't do the trick.  Sports drinks are not the best option because they are full of sweeteners and artificial colorings.  However, you can make your own hydration drink.  Fresh squeeze a lemon or lime into water; add sea salt to taste.  If you need a bit of sweetener, use raw honey or raw maple syrup. Generally, 1 lemon in 3 cups of water with 2-3 pinches of sea salt tastes great, but adjust to your own taste buds. 
And of course, keeping your immune system strong starts with all the healthy fruits and vegetables that you put in your body! 
For more information about Dr. Stephanie Gilfoy, naturopathic physician, please visit her website at: http://madisonctnaturopath.com/