Kalen Garr, ND, LMT, Cura Natural Medicine & Massage Therapy

04/09/2020

The importance of maintaining optimal body temperature (for when you’re feeling healthy!): the link between body temperature and immune strength

By Kalen Garr, ND, LMT

We all know that our body temperature is supposed to stay around 98.6 degrees F, and that when we get sick with a virus or bacterial infection, the temperature goes up. Safely it can raise to 100, 102, even up to 105. The fever is there to combat the bugs, which do not generally survive very well in the increased heat. Unless a person is in danger from a too-high fever, we want to let a fever do its thing and not try to reduce it with something such as Tylenol.

But what I want to talk about today is your body temperature on a day-to-day basis. Many people do not have an optimal basal body temperature of 98.6. It’s not uncommon for people to have their temperature of 98.2, 97.8, even as low as 97.1. These lower body temperatures don’t often get the attention of PCPs, but when it comes to our immune health, which is currently on the world stage, I believe it’s a very important component to consider.

Optimal body temperature of 98.6 keeps a lot of things running well. It’s the optimal temperature for organ function, which means that a less than optimal temperature can lead to less than optimal digestion, mood, sleep, adrenal, thyroid and other hormonal dysfunctions. It can also lead to decreased immune strength. If your body temperature has stayed on the too-low side for a while, you may have number of sluggish biological processes.

When we are exposed to a virus or bacteria, we want a strong fast immune response so that the bug or virus in question cannot silently take hold in the body. If we have a sluggish immune response (due to low body temperature), then the problem can take hold in the body before the system starts recognizing the issue and kicks in.

So what can you do to increase your temperature? First, if you are feeling well and haven’t taken your temperature in a while, take it a few times throughout the next few days, at different times of day. You’ll see it changes depending on food, exercise, outside temperature, etc. If it’s consistently below 98.6, you may want to try some of the following suggestions to boost it! Regular exercise and hydration are basics to keep it optimal, here are some additional ideas.

1) Deep breathing. Spend at least 10 minutes intentionally breathing, expanding your chest and your belly.
2) Take a 10 minute brisk walk
3) Do 5 minutes of jumping jacks or take a 5 minute dance break to a favorite song, a few times per day
4) Take an Epson salt bath (also detoxifying)
5) Sit in a sauna for 20-30 minutes
6) Eat extra garlic, ginger, coconut oil, cayenne and other warming foods. These are also good for your immune system
7) Intermittent fasting and fasting states between meals: make sure there are around 14 hours between your last meal in the evening and your first meal in the morning.
8) Avoid allergens and toxic foods. Eating gluten, dairy, chemicals, dyes, and other toxins can also impact your body temperature and can trigger an unnecessary immune response.

It’s normal to have a some range in your temperature, but keeping the average at 98.6 degrees F will lead to a stronger, faster immune response as well as healthier, more efficient organ function.

Here's to staying healthy, happy, empowered and strong!

03/15/2020

How to boost your immunity!

None of us have ever been through this before. There is a lot of fear and speculation, and we don't know how this is going to play out.

But maybe this doesn't have to be all bad. a time of isolation can be a great time for self care! So in addition to the obvious hand washing and personal hygiene and social distancing recommendations, here are some more ideas to strengthen and revitalize your immune system!

There is no known treatment for coronavirus, so a robust immune system is your best defense.

• Plenty of Vitamin D and Vitamin C. 2000-5000 IU Daily of Vitamin D and 1000mg up to 3000 mg daily of C (you may need to work up to this as it can create loose bowels. Or if you happen to have lipospheric Vitamin C (fat-soluble), you can take it without having to worry about that part.
• Mushroom Blends: there are many mushrooms that boost your immune function (for example cordyceps, reishi, and ganoderma). Can take daily or every other day.
• Zinc 10-15mg daily
• Elderberry (Sambucas nigra) one teaspoon syrup daily OR Oregon grape tincture, 2 dropperfuls daily
• Resveratrol 500mg
• B-Complex. Vitamin Bs are needed to process stress as well as for nearly every metabolic function in the body. Consider methylated folate for increased absorption.
• Adrenal support!! We are all stressed anyway, let alone figuring out how to manage an emerging epidemic. The adrenal glands manage our stress hormones. Ashwaganda, Licorice, Turmeric, and Rhodiola are examples. Magnesium is also highly utilized in the stress response and nearly everyone is somewhat deficient and most of us can use a lot more than we are currently getting.
• Tissue Support: keeping the tissues healthy and hydrated is very important. Fish oil or some other sort of EFA is helpful. Glutamine is the body's most abundant amino acid and is needed to rebuild tissue. Hydration is of course crucial for healthy tissues. You can add a tiny pinch of pink himalayan salt to your water. This changes this osmosis and allow for easier absorption into your cells.
• Diffuse essential oils into the air in your home. Oregano, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Clove, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Lavender, and many others are VERY anti-microbial and will cleanse your air in your house. OnGuard by doTerra is another very very good option and I personally take 2 drops per day of this one right now (yes, I drink it in water)
• Get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of water and warm teas and broths.
• Probiotics help your body absorb nutrients and assist gut health.
• If you have safe access to an infrared sauna, this is very good for lungs and immune system.
• Take lots of deep breaths
• Remember to laugh! If you are choosing to social distance, take this time to paint or play music or read, or whatever else you've been trying to find time for.
• Before going to sleep, thank you body for it's very healthy lungs and strong immune system. In the morning, do the same! Stay connected to your body, stay grounded and stay connected to others!

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but I hope it gives some ideas! Wishing you lots of love and a strong and healthy immune system!!

05/10/2018

This is the super informative article about some of the reasons why some people have such a hard time losing weight. I don’t know any thing about the probiotic they are advertising at the end, but all the research in the article is worth reading.

Startling new research shows that millions of people may actually be...

03/29/2018

Aluminum foil is not the seemingly benign kitchen staple we've thought it to be. I stopped using it much a long time ago; read this article to see the reasons why you should too.

Doctors Warn: If You Use Aluminum Foil, Stop It Right Now And This is The Reason Why

02/01/2018

TONIGHT! Join us at Cinema 21 for HEAL, an award winning documentary, followed by a Q&A panel featuring multiple local healing practitioners from Evolution Healthcare and Fitness as well as myself. Film is at 7. Get your tickets ahead of time at: http://cinema21.com. See you this evening!

03/23/2017

The Bates Method offers some ways to bring more energy back into your eyes. How you see depends on much more than just your eyes' ability to focus. I'm going to try some of these to see the impact on my near vision.

Bates Method Techniques: Sunning, described with the use of artificial light.

12/12/2016

Working on continuing education regarding this important topic.

L-Methylfolate (5-MTHF) has emerged as a popular alternative to folic acid. This article covers what you need to know, but explained in human terms.