“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
– Benjamin Franklin
Here are some of the best {all-natural} ways to get you there:
EAT A CLEAN DIET
A clean diet is one that consists of (fresh and organic) fruits, vegetables, sprouted whole grains, nuts, and seeds. With this diet you will receive all the nutrients and minerals you need to thrive at your highest level (and it’s really simple!). This does not included any processed items, food additives, canned goods, dairy of any kind (it’s highly mucus forming and inflammatory), or deep fried foods. If you choose to eat a lot of refined sugars, grains and processed foods, you’re giving your body more toxic elements to overcome, rather than giving it the fuel it needs to function optimally.
If meat is a part of your diet, make sure it is of the free-range and organic quality- but if you can do without it, that’s even better. Be sure to substitute table salt with Sea salt or Himalayan salt and use Extra Virgin Olive Oil {raw only} or Coconut Oil – eliminate all Canola oil, Soybean oil, and Sunflower oil which are inflammatory to the body. Last, always drink plenty of purified water throughout the day.
And, if you REALLY want to amp up your immunity this season, start with the 3-Day Juice Cleanse by Dr. John Christopher and proceed with the clean diet recommendations above.
WASH YOUR HANDS!
The most obvious, but easily forgotten. Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly, especially when you’ve been out shaking others’ hands, touching dirty door handles, and frequenting public places in general. It’s also a great idea to wipe down objects that you carry around daily (like your cell phone), which tends to get very dirty! Always be sure to use a non-toxic soap, anything else is too harsh and unnecessary. Do NOT use hand sanitizer, as it strips away all of the beneficial bacteria and oils on your hands. Last, NEVER use an “anti-bacterial soap” – it does more harm than good by actually increasing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS
Stress is a powerful inhibitor of the immune system, actually influencing the epigenetic of our health, by shutting down genes that would otherwise by health protective. Being in contact with ‘negative people’ also seem to greatly depress the immune system, while ‘positive people’ and an emotionally uplifting environment work to the opposite effect.
In the words of Dr. Schulze: Negative people, argumentative people, dysfunctional people, emotionally and spiritually unwell people will give a negative blast to your immune system as effectively as junk food, sugar, and tobacco. {adapted from “Colds & Flu: A Clinical Doctor/Patient Manual}
So, learn to incorporate various methods of stress reduction: exercise, meditation, adequate SLEEP (just lack of sleep itself can double your chances of getting a viral infection), listening to music, breathing exercises, yoga, and SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE!
TAKE ADAPTOGENS
Adaptogens are herbs that modulate the immune system to function optimally, helping to strengthen the body against physical, emotional, and environmental stressors. They support adrenal function, providing your body with access to more natural energy (NOT the short bursts that caffeine robs from your adrenal glands, causing you to burn out over time). They also aid the body in utilizing oxygen more effectively, help cells to eliminate toxic by-products more effectively, normalize body imbalances, and counteract the adverse effects of stress overall.
Taking them BEFORE you start to get sick is ideal, since you can enhance your immune function enough to avoid illness completely.
Ginseng with Royal Jelly
Panax ginseng quinquefolium has been demonstrated to have highly adaptogenic properties, ‘while also acting as a tonic that enhances physical performance (including sexual), promoting vitality and increasing resistance to stress and aging’ (Nocerino et al, 2000). In various controlled trials, it has not only been shown to reduce the incidence of getting a cold or flu, but also reduce their severity and duration if contracted (Roxas, 2007). Combined with Royal Jelly (a superfood for the Queen Bee!), this natural treasure has been used since ancient times to promote longevity, stimulate libido, restore strength and vitality, improve endurance, and restore hormonal imbalances.
Other effective adaptogens include:
- Eleutherococcus (used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for muscle spasms, joint pain, insomnia, and fatigue especially)
- Ashwagandha (has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, to promote vitality, energy, endurance, stamina, longevity, and strengthen the immune system)
- Rhodiola rosea (to help balance cortisol levels, improve memory, and support cellular energy metabolism).
→ Purchase my bottle of Ginseng with Royal Jelly
DISCLAIMER: This article does not replace the advice or care of a medical health professional. Consult your Naturopathic Doctor to set up an individualized wellness protocol.
References Nocerino, Emilia, Marianna Amato, and Angelo A. Izzo. “The Aphrodisiac and Adaptogenic Properties of Ginseng.” Fitoterapia 71 (2000): n. pag. Web. Mario Roxas, Nd And Julie Jurenka, Mt (Ascp). Colds and Influenza: A Review of Diagnosis and Conventional, Botanical, and Nutritional Considerations (n.d.): n. pag. Http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/12/1/25.pdf. Web.