As temperatures rise outside, so do my expectations of the foods I will be able to grow in my garden. Each year I plan to out-do what I’ve done the year before and this summer is no exception. In spending so much time in the sun and soil, I’d like to share some healthy tips for anyone who plans to do the same. From hitchhikers in your vegetable garden to heat exhaustion and even repelling the pests—we’ve got some great tips for a healthy summer here!

Say No to Parasites for a Healthy Summer

Have a healthy summer with a cleanse! Keep parasites flushed from your system with Hanna's Wormwood Kit!

Parasitic activity is more common than you may think but isn’t a topic many people feel comfortable talking about. In an earlier post we outlined what the Wormwood Kit is and how it can be effective in ridding our bodies of parasites but being proactive is also an important step. Wearing the proper shoes to avoid entry of parasites into your body through the soles of your feet and gloves to protect your hands from being an entry point as well are sure bets for keeping intruders from your system. Fingernail beds and exposed skin are popular spots where parasites can find their way into your system so wear the proper clothing and be sure to scrub your hands once you’ve completed your tasks in the garden. The Wormwood Kit is popular year round but especially in the warmer months when we (and parasites) are the most active. The bitter elements and anti-parasitic herbs in the kit help to flush your system and get you back to good health without chemicals or unnatural substances.

Another important way to protect your body from the introduction of parasites is to wash your food properly. Whether it comes from your own garden or from your local market, washing your food is necessary. Aside from cleansing your produce from any traces of herbicides or pesticides that may be present, you are also decreasing the chances of allowing a hitchhiker to make its way into your system and reducing the risk of food-borne illness. Follow these directions for cleaning off your produce and keeping your body safe, naturally!

A simple solution of 3 cups water and 1 cup white vinegar is all you need to properly clean your produce. For smooth-skinned fruits and veggies, spray enough to coat the surface then rinse clean. For leafy greens or veggies with harder to reach surfaces (like broccoli), try submerging them in a vinegar and water solution before rinsing clean. Learn more about which produce should be purchased organic whenever possible to avoid the highest contamination here.

Additional Tips for a Healthy Summer

Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sunburn, and dehydration are very real threats when spending a good amount of time in your yard or garden. There are simple steps you can take to keep your body safe and avoid illness or injury from the sun this summer.

• Water is first step to a healthy and happy day outside so hydrate and skip sugary or alcoholic drinks which actually work against your body as it attempts to stay hydrated. With an increase in heat and your body’s production of sweat, we quickly lose our stores of water in our system so
  

  Check out our additional healthy summer tips here!

  drink up and drink often.

• A shady spot to rest is a good idea when you’re spending an extended amount of time outdoors. Taking a break and getting out of the sun for a few minutes every hour will give your body time to naturally cool as well as providing an opportunity to hydrate and reapply sunscreen.
• Speaking of sunscreen, that’s another important step! Whether its overcast or a sunny day, we all need to protect our skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Take a look at the list of ingredients and choose a non-toxic sunscreen to apply to your body. Don’t forget commonly overlooked spots like your ears, scalp/hairline, or even the back of your legs. When you’re outside, your entire body is exposed to the sun so protect it! Choosing pants and long-sleeved shirts in light fabrics and a wide-brimmed hat are great ways to protect yourself even further and help your body stay cool.
• Avoid the bites and stings of insects with all natural repellents. Take a look at our DIY recipes here using essential oils that are safe for the entire family.  Though contracting a disease from an insect may not be something you are concerned about, keep in mind that the risk is there. The more time you spend outdoors and the deeper into the woods you go, the greater the risk. Aside from using a repellent, be sure to check your body and clothing following a hike or time spent outdoors. Ticks are notorious for hiding out in hair or in hard-to-reach places so take the time to give your body a look to be sure you’re clear of any insects looking to take a free ride. Don’t forget pets that are outside with you; check in and behind ears, on their stomachs, in their hair, etc.

Paying attention to the cues of your body is important during the warmer months of the year. If you’re feeling dizzy, stop pushing yourself and take a break. Experiencing the tenderness and heat of sunburn? Go inside and call it a day to avoid further damage to your skin. Other tips to consider: wait until the hottest part of the day has passed before you set out to spend several hours in the sun, wear light colors to deflect the sun’s rays from your body, and consider keeping a small spray bottle of water with you to spray your face or neck periodically to keep cool! Following these simple tips will help you have a happy and healthy summer!