As the weather starts to change and we return to our autumn routines, we ideally should be preparing our bodies for a healthy winter. First, I'd like to address a common perception. It is fine to occasionally get sick! I know that many people see this as a problem, disease, sign of weakness, or whatever, but an occasional illness does not mean that you have a poor immune system. It might just be an indicator that life is out of balance. A responsive, well-functioning system will sometimes respond, and we need to accept this as a normal consequence sometimes. A mild illness may be bothersome but is not always the worst thing.
That said, most of us do need strengthen our immune systems, and there are some great ways to do that through naturopathic medicine. With an optimal system, we are much less likely to get ill in the first place and much less likely to get a serious illness if we do.
Another common misconception is that immunity is created in our head (as in our ears, nose, & throat), and if we protect those areas that is sufficient. Actually, how well the immune system works is reflective of how well our whole body is working. And in order to improve one area, we may need to address multiple aspects, such as the GI, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.
So with the goal in mind of a strong immune system, there are 2 ways to do this:
-
Remove burdens.
-
Extra immune burdens such as food allergies, intestinal dysbiosis, environmental allergies, skin infections, and dental infections. For specific guidance in this area, consult a naturopathic physician.
-
Reduce stress. Stress is harmful in multiple ways directly, plus it may lead to other immune-destroying habits.
-
Provide proper nutrients
-
Rest and motion: Adequate & restful sleep to allow repair & immune regeneration, exercise to stimulate circulation, boost immune function, and reduce stress.
-
Add supportive nutrients. Most important to directly stimulate immune function and allow the body to properly eliminate is a diet low in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and junk foods; moderate in proteins and beneficial fats; and high in pure water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Secondary is the use of specific nutrients like:
¨ Vitamin C: From fruits like citrus, kiwis, berries, and melons, peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, tomato
¨ Vitamin A: From liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, with vitamin D in cod liver oil, spirulina
¨ Zinc: In pumpkin and sunflower seeds, oysters, wheat germ, cheese, oats, some leafy greens and beans
¨ Probiotics: From probiotic capsules or naturally fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut
For optimal effect, make sure you start doing these things early (starting in September or October is ideal) and often (practice every day). It's also a good idea to involve your family, friends, co-workers, etc, not only for support, but to create a healthier environement for all. While you might not see the effects immediately, with continued use you should get results. If you are not, consider consulting a naturopathic physician to rule out underlying conditions &/or obtain more specific guidance. There are many other treatments that may be helpful, but most (like hydrotherapy, homeopathy, herbal medicines) work best in consultation with an expert.
Happy Harvest!
|