From Just for Health


Summary: Seasonal changes are notoriously the time when it is easiest to get sick, to "catch a bug". There are some easy ways to protect yourself and your family. The mind-body connection, dealing with stress, food basics, supplements and others can contribute to stronger immune systems and a sniffle free fall and winter.

Seasonal changes are notoriously the time when it is easiest to get sick, "catch a bug". Summer into fall, especially with the kids back at school, is a particularly susceptible time for us all . However, a little prevention and consciousness of the pitfalls can protect us from the usual assortment of cold and flu viruses.

The Mind Body Connection: The work of Norman Cousins, Depock Chopra and others have taught us that the chemicals and hormones sent into the bloodstream under different emotional states have a tremendous affect on our health. A sense of humor and looking at the cup half full actually boost antibodies and white blood cells which favorably help the immune system. Feeling good and fulfilled about ourselves can prevent illness. Relaxation, a sense of humor, purpose in life, sense of community and service, touching and being touched and a spiritual perspective all keep us well.

The Physical Body Connection: Here's some your mother always said. Eat wisely, exercise regularly, get enough rest, restrict drugs and alcohol. All good advice for helping immunity. Here are some others. Sunlight: Sun in moderation is our friend. Full spectrum lighting in our houses are best. Health food stores sell these kind of bulbs. Florescent lights are the worst. They deplete vitamins. High Frequency wires: Living or working near or by high power lines weaken immunity.

Relaxation: Have you ever noticed that when you are the most stressed out you tend to get sick easier? Herbert Benson documented the "Relaxation Response" in the 1950's. When we calm down and stress less, the body responds with a lower blood pressure, slower heart rate and other changes. These relaxation responses increase immune cell production. Factors such not enough rest and exercise, unhealthy diet and polluted air tend to stress out the body as well. This all leads to weaker immunity.

Nutrients: Here's some minimum suggestions to boost immunity. It's hard to get it all from our diets, even if we did have 8 helpings of veges a day. Good daily multivitamin with minerals -This is the number one insurance policy to good health and immune strength as reported in recent studies. Zinc piccinolate or lozenge up to 30 mg a day Vitamin C 500 mg 3 x day Garlic in tablets and eaten in food Acidophilis (keeps yeast in check in the gut)

The above suggestions are the basics of having an illness-free fall and winter. There are also a whole group of herbal remedies which help us fight stress and increase immunity. These will be forthcoming in another article.

In the mean time, get started and stay well this fall!

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