I am always asked what tools and resources I recommend to help you reach YOUR health goals. Although these products ARE NOT NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS, I find them very helpful. Here is the ever-growing, always updated list for you.
Tools for COVID-19 Prevention
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free. Get the vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/
N95 Masks
While COVID-19 cases continue to soar, better masks will help protect against transmission. The CDC says a NIOSH-approved N95 provides the most protection. Well-fitting surgical masks and KN95 masks offer the next best protection, followed by cloth masks with multiple layers. I recommend this Face Mask NIOSH N95 w/o Valve.
Hand Sanitizer
CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. I recommend TriDerma Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer.
Face Shield
Choose a face shield that wraps around the sides of your face and extends below your chin or a hooded face shield. This is based on the limited available data that suggest these types of face shields are better at preventing spray of respiratory droplets. I recommend Shield U PPE Headgear and Face Shield.
Pulse Oximeter
An oximeter may be useful for monitoring oxygen levels if a person has a light case of COVID-19 and is treating it at home.
Tools for Diabetes Prevention and Monitoring
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Monitoring your blood sugar level provides you and your doctors with important knowledge about how food, activity, medication, stress, and other elements might affect your blood sugar levels. This data will assist you and your doctor in developing a therapy plan that is suited to your demands.
There are several types of blood glucose meters, lancets, and test strips to choose from. I often recommend this glucometer, lancets, and test strips.
Tools to Improve Gut Health
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is very effective in detoxing the body. It is especially helpful when preventing die-off while going through my Total Gut Rehab Experience program. I recommend taking Organic Activated Charcoal supplement.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is well-known to be healing and restorative. It not only improves immunity, but it improves leaky gut by helping to tighten the gap junctions in the gut, thereby preventing food particles from escaping the digestive system and into the blood. When food particles enter the blood stream, the immune system is activated by these “invaders” and in turn, the immune system creates antibodies to attack these foreign invaders. The “foreign invader”, called the “antigen”, now has antibodies created against it. Unfortunately, oftentimes these new antigen/antibody complexes can attack our bodies’ cells, thinking that they should not be there. This is called “molecular mimicry” and often leads to allergic reactions and autoimmune disease. I recommend Kettle and Fire Bone Broth in all of my Gut Health programs.
Liquid Hope Meal replacement
When going through my Total Gut Rehab Experience, I often recommend a short period of meal supplementation with Liquid Hope. The formula is organic, vegan, and all natural. It is the most complete, healthy meal substitute, without all of the artificial ingredients, flavors, and preservatives found in many meal substitute and supplementation formulas.
Soil-Based Probiotic
A soil-based probiotic formulated to combat SIBO is often prescribed by health professionals. MegasporeBiotic Probiotic Supplement has 99.99% survivability through the digestive tract. The Bacillus spore life cycle allows them to remain dormant in harsh environments. Once inside the large intestine, dormant spores can change into their active forms and begin colonizing in the gut.
Tools to Improve Heart Health
Blood Pressure Monitoring
I often recommend an automatic upper arm blood pressure cuff, but a wrist blood pressure monitor is also acceptable. Here is the BP cuff that I recommend:
7 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
Tools for Motivation and Mindset
Meditating
Although you don’t need a cushion to meditate, you may want to consider using one at some point. You could meditate in a chair, or simply sit on the floor if you want. You can also use pillows or cushions from your furnishings to try out. Cushion, chair, bench, floor – it’s all good. Eventually, though, if you’re not sitting upright on a chair, you’ll probably do well to buy a dedicated meditation cushion. The cushion will support your sitting posture and help you create an appealing mindfulness corner that will encourage you to practice every day. I recommend this meditation cushion and mat bundle:
Journaling
If you struggle with stress, depression, or anxiety, keeping a journal can be a great idea. Even if you don’t have these conditions, journaling can enhance your life in many ways. Having difficulty processing your thoughts and emotions? Journaling can help clear that mental clutter and move towards a positive mindset. Research suggests that keeping a journal can have positive impacts on both mental and physical health. So, to start you on your journey, I recommend this self care journal:
Tools For Pain Management
Tens Unit
A Tens Unit can provide drug-free pain relief for sore or aching muscles of the lower back, shoulder, arm, leg and more. This electrotherapy device is widely used for rehabilitation after injury and for the treatment of acute and chronic pain.
TENS Electrotherapy at Omron Healthcare
Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy is often used for pain management. This gel pack provides a moist therapeutic heat when heated, while soothing cold feeling when used cold. It is also designed to prevent trauma to the skin or nerves.
Tools for Weight Loss
Weight Monitoring
Since weight management is very important in combatting chronic diseases, I recommend that you be mindful of your weight and its fluctuations, and that you monitor your weight AT LEAST on a weekly basis. I recommend a scale that includes a body composition monitor. Here is the scale I recommend (*this scale cannot be used with a pacemaker or other implanted devices):
Body Composition Monitor And Scale With Seven Fitness Indicators
Physical Activity
Physical activity (or exercise) can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several chronic diseases like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, just to name a few. Physical activity actually improves insulin sensitivity. Physical activity can improve your mood, boost your immune system, and even help you maintain a healthy weight.
I often recommend yoga and resistance training for physical activity, but as you are aware, there are plenty of forms of “movement” that you can do! But for the basics, especially if you’re just getting started, yoga and resistance training are where I would start.
Yoga can be a great way to improve your strength and flexibility, manage your stress, improve your heart health, and lose weight! I recommend using a grounded yoga mat to connect yourself with the earth and reduce inflammation:
Resistance training is the mainstay for overall health. It not only has beneficial effects on reducing body fat, it also increases muscle size and strength. Here are some basic dumbbells/free weights that I recommend to everyone:
Another alternative for dumbbells/free weights are resistance bands. They are great for physical therapy, yoga, strength training, and excellent for traveling:
I hope you enjoy these tools as much as I do.
Stay healthy,
Dr. Nicolle
Dr. Nicolle Martin
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Last updated on April 4th, 2023 at 11:30 am