Swine Flu: How to protect your immune system – BodBeat Ep. 6

Here’s big news … if you can get a flu shot … don’t believe you will be immune.  This pandemic is evolving and the strains are hard to predict. So what to do?  The best thing you CAN do … protect your immune system How?  Here’s the Dr. L top 5 tips for boosting your immunities: 1. Fuel up with food … good food Eat a diet high in complete protein, essential fatty acids, complex carbohydrates and lots of fruit and vegetables to help support your immune system. Avoid processed or sugary foods. 2. Wash your hands The easiest way to keep germs at bay is to clean your hands regularly and thoroughly. That involves 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and hot water. Avoid touching your face.  You touch that subway poll or that dirty banister … you want that rubbing against your mouth or face?  Nail biters … take note. 3. Rest up Don't let a busy life get in the way of your health. Get a full night's sleep. 4. De-stress Remember that emotional stress and worry can depress the immune system. 5. Exercise I’m not talking about 3 hours in the gym.  Even 20 minutes of walking and stretching 3 times a week can also boost the immune system with surprising results. If you’re currently sick, take a breather.  Extreme exercises are best minimized if suffering from flu-like symptoms. There are also some fantastic supplements you can take to help boost your immune system. I recommend for my patients to take … Highly Absorbable Zinc and an Active Form of Vitamin D3: Most woman are zinc and vitamin D deficient It promotes a healthy immune system Supports the enzymatic activity associated with energy metabolism, bone mineralization, and tissue synthesis. Unique antioxidant protection Mushroom Extracts: Reishi,  Shitake, Maitake mixed with Cordyceps They provide aggressive support for the immune system. This formula can increase CD4 killer cells that attack foreign invaders in the body.  Let me tell ya … I can't keep this stuff on the shelves in my office. Protein Formulas: Their are biologically active proteins with naturally occurring immunoglobulins (we’re talking antibodies) that promote immune function and keep your White Blood Cell count high. Probiotics: 65-70% of all immune function comes from your gut. So if you don't think that what you eat can make you sick or keep you healthy your wrong, dead wrong These are billions of live organisms that support the health of a broad range of intestinal and immune system functions.  They’re also known as floras. Homeopathics: There are a number of excellent homeopathics that can stimulate nonspecific defense systems in case of viral infections.  Check out bodbeat.com for a good list. I keep my clients healthy.  What about you, are you helping yourself as much as you can to prevent being on your back with colds and flus this season. Dr. L

Comments (3)

1. 

   By Vitamins For Immune System on December 8, 2009

   Excellent advice!

   Could I just add that the fruit and vegetables you eat should be as fresh as possible ie consumed soon after picking, as their nutritional value deteriorates over time.

   Does everyone else agree?