HEALTH
calling all immune boosters
As we hear more and more information in the
media about the H1N1 virus better known as
the "swine flu". It can be difficult to not fill with
panic about the possibility of this being the worst
flu season in decades. If you yourself are not
afraid, trust me, your grandparents, friends who
are pregnant, or those who have small children
probably are. You can take comfort in knowing
that you do have some control over the likelihood
of becoming ill from the flu. Let's talk about why.
Disease is the end result of a body unable to
resist the stressors from its environment. This
means that even though in many ways it is
difficult to control our exposure we can greatly
control our body's resistance. Maintaining the
health of our nervous system (communicator),
immune system (identifier), and digestive system
(eliminator) is like preparing the body to identify,
attack, and eliminate foreign invaders just as a
precision military tactic. Not only that but as we
give the systems an opportunity to work the body
will remember each past battle and can learn
from the experience to help protect from future
illness.
Here are some tips for boosting your body's own
immunity. First, you can avoid things that are
known to suppress the immune system which
include excessive sugar, stress, and body fat
stores. Sounds easy right? Well, if these have
become part of your everyday life it might be a
tough place to start, but the great news is all three
of these you have to power to control. Secondly,
you can minimize the use of medications when
possible. Many common prescription and
over the counter drugs will deplete the body of
essential nutrients. For example, NSAIDs (non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen
are associated with depleting folic acid, vitamin
C, and iron. Antibiotics are associated with
depleting some of the B vitamins, Vitamin C, E,
K, Potassium and Zinc. Don't forget although
many women don't consider oral contraceptives
as medication, they are associated with
depleting the B vitamins including B12, Vitamin
C, Folic Acid, Magnesium, and Zinc. Third,
you should begin to incorporate more healthy
habits including: uninterrupted sleep essential
for healing, adding more fruits and vegetables
into your diet, a probiotic which are healthy
bacteria that live in the digestive tract (the most
concentrated form you can buy as a liquid,
powder, or capsule), and consider some of the
herbal alternatives as well that are recommended
by the Centers for Disease Control and the World
Health Organization. Don't forget the simple
things too. Sage, rosemary, thyme, onions,
ginger, garlic, and turmeric are not only amazing
to enhance the flavor of your cooking, but anti-
viral in nature and have been used to boost our
immunity throughout the ages.
dr. Jennifer mccleary is a nationally board certified
chiropractic sports physician and acupuncturist with a
private wellness based practice in the st. louis area.
illustration by BROOkLYN kiNgSBORO
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"SOO-EE!"