So we are now in what we call “cold and flu season”. Every year it cycles through as the colder weather approaches. We all know that we need to eat right, get the right amount of sleep and exercise in order to stay healthy, but do we know what to do when we actually get sick?
First of all you don’t want to ignore the symptoms. As soon as you feel something is coming on, immediately deal with it. If you are eating more acidic foods move to alkaline foods (fruits and vegetables). What I do is make a drink of 30 alfalfa tablets and that totally alkalines my body right away.
Next make sure you are drinking enough water. It is very important to stay hydrated even when you are not felling like you are getting sick. Warm drinks are good too like herbal teas and warm broths. What I do is take my remedy called Defend and Resist (contains echinacea) and mix it with an electrolyte powder into warm water and have my soothing toddy. It sooths my throat and boosts my immune system.
Speaking of the immune system, it is important to find it the right nutrients so all the cells can do a great job. The phagocytes which I have nicknamed the Phil Brothers in my book called The Immune System Handbook, are your first line of defense. These cells need good nutrition. They need extra Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, B Complex, Carotenoids, Essential Fatty Acids, Vegetable Protein, Alfalfa, Echinacea, and minerals such as Zinc, Selenium, and Copper. I personally get these by taking a protein shake and a strip of vitamins that contain all the nutrients just mentioned. The Alfalfa and Echinacea are separate items that I also take to support my immune system.
All of the above are all extra support to a healthy diet. Make sure you are eating lots of yellow and green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, water washed soybeans, sesame seeds, wheat germ, whole grains, raw nuts, onion, and garlic. All of these foods are high in anti-oxidant nutrients. Even though you may not always feel like eating, it is important to fuel the immune system. Soups and broths are really helpful during this time.
The immune system has various “stations” in the body. One of those stations is in the thymus. Since the thymus is located behind the breastbone, you can do what we call a “thymus thump” on your breastbone. Tap with your fingertips again the breastbone and visualize your immune cells jumping up and going to work.
Exercise is important as the immune system works better when your body is at a higher temperature. What I suggest is brisk walking or rebounding as this helps the circulation which is needed for the blood and lymph vessels (the main pathways for antibodies).
If you are going 120 miles an hour, slow down. Get some extra sleep. Take naps. Your body needs extra energy to fight off the cold or flu. Not getting enough sleep weakens your immune system. Don’t keep up with your regular routine, cancel as much as you can.
Also minimize stress as much as possible. The stress hormones your body makes are very hard on the immune system. These stress hormones also increase inflammation in your body which will only make your symptoms worse. So focusing on things that create relaxation are a priority. Meditation, deep breathing or any activity that relaxes you, will help support your immune system and you’ll be better in no time.
If you would like a free personalized lifestyle and diet report, go to http://www.charleneday.com and click on HealthPrint under the Lifestyle tab.
To your good health!
Charlene Day
