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Staying well during the holidays
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The number one way to avoid getting a cold or flu is pretty obvious- keep your immune system healthy. Here are some suggestions that I’ve gathered from my employer (a physician and natural medicine specialist) and other natural health sources.
Take Vitamin D3. During the winter months, most people get less exposure to sun, even in the warmer states. Medical officials have discovered people are often critically low in vitamin D when the immune system is found to be low, such as when they have cancer or the flu. Many physicians in the natural health realm are reporting they themselves take as much as 10,000 IU of Vitamin D3 a day. I recommend you get your levels checked before taking that much, but do take at least 2000-5000 IU per day as recommended by Life Extension Foundation research. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many diseases at this point, since most all disease is related to immune system function. It is also related to bone health.
Wash your hands. This is important all the time, but especially during an outbreak of contagious disease. I don’t like the hand sanitizer you can buy commercially because isopropyl alcohol is a known carcinogen, but stabilized chlorine dioxide is a safe and very effective way to disinfect your mouth, hands, and even will refresh your dog’s breath. If you need a source, contact me. However, hand washing alone will not protect you from H1N1, or the Swine Flu.
Stay away from crowds. The H1N1 virus is spread more by coughing and droplets than hand to face contact. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and instruct your children to do the same. It is hard to tell strangers this, so just avoid crowds or wear a mask yourself if you must be around a large number of people in close proximity.
Stay home if you are sick. Your friends and coworkers do not want your illness. Believe me, they want you to stay home even if they have to do more work. You are likely to continue to be contagious for about 24 hours after your fever is gone. Even if you just have a mild cold, your immune function is down at that point and you have a greater chance of picking up something more serious.
Keep your body alkaline. This is accomplished by eating 5 or more servings of vegetables a day, eating less red meat, little or no dairy foods, and avoiding sugar and refined flour. If you struggle with this, let me know and I can help you. In general, eat well and don’t party too hardy!
Get regular exercise. Your body functions at a higher level when you are fit. Exercise also reduces stress, another way your immune system becomes compromised.
Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is the universal healer. Actual sleep needs vary, but if the alarm is needed every morning to get you out of bed, you aren’t getting enough sleep. On average, most people need 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep.
Maintain a positive attitude. I believe everything happens for a reason. There are warnings, and just plain old consequences. Try to evaluate everything you see as negative from a different perspective. That old “silver lining” mentality is very healthy.
