Here is more of the wonderful 8 Step Self-Care Program that is specifically designed for enhancing your body's immune system. Continued from last week's blog:
3. Avoid junk food and too many carbohydrates. A poor digestive system with too much processed food and not enough healthy protein, roughage, and fruits and vegetables is a big cause of a weakened immune system. Here is why.
When you eat a meal that is too high in concentrated carbs - starches and processed flour - your blood sugar level rises. Your body then produces insulin to bring down the sugar level. However, in 50 % of all people, the blood sugar level drops too far below normal. Consequently, the body releases cortisone, which is a hormone, to bring the blood sugar back to an acceptable level.
The problem in this cause and effect reaction is that cortisone suppresses your immune system. It encourages the wrong type of bacteria to grow in your gut. This bacteria produces organic acids that weaken the wall of the gut, allowing impurities to pass through. This condition is known as ‘leaky gut’. Eventually, it will provoke an ‘overwhelm’ in the immune system making it difficult for the system to function properly. The way to prevent leaky gut is to follow a healthy diet that works for your body type.
4. Use immune-enhancing herbs. If you feel a cold coming on, there are natural immune-enhancing stimulants that help build up your immune cells. These include such herbs as Echinacea, garlic, golden seal root, chamomile, and the Chinese herb astragulus.
5. Get assistance from holistic health practitioners. Such practices as applied kinesiology, chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, and massage are all very helpful in getting and keeping the body in balance.
6. Find time to relax. Research has shown that chronic tension reduces the effectiveness of your immune system. So don’t be a workaholic! Take time to have fun. Enjoy yourself. Laughter and a happy heart are the best natural medicines that there are.
7. Take in emotional support. Countless studies have shown a strong link between negative emotions and lowered immunity, so it’s important to build a support network of people who care about you.
8. Find meaning and purpose in your life. When people become bord or when they develop a lack of purpose, they have a hard time fighting off disease. Consequently, if life is tiresome and unchallenging, it makes good sense to take matters in hand, rather than remaining at the effect of circumstances.
Eating and exercising right and keeping a good attitude may sound like obvious and uninspired advice, but they are as correct today in the 21st century as they were in the 10th century. Don’t discount the old wisdom.
Dr. Larry Gertler, M.Ed. D.C., is a nationally known holistic chiropractor and teacher. He is available for in-office visits and telephone consultations (for California residents only). For more information, please call (510) 652-2302 or visit his website at www.drgertler.org.When you eat a meal that is too high in concentrated carbs - starches and processed flour - your blood sugar level rises. Your body then produces insulin to bring down the sugar level. However, in 50 % of all people, the blood sugar level drops too far below normal. Consequently, the body releases cortisone, which is a hormone, to bring the blood sugar back to an acceptable level.
The problem in this cause and effect reaction is that cortisone suppresses your immune system. It encourages the wrong type of bacteria to grow in your gut. This bacteria produces organic acids that weaken the wall of the gut, allowing impurities to pass through. This condition is known as ‘leaky gut’. Eventually, it will provoke an ‘overwhelm’ in the immune system making it difficult for the system to function properly. The way to prevent leaky gut is to follow a healthy diet that works for your body type.
4. Use immune-enhancing herbs. If you feel a cold coming on, there are natural immune-enhancing stimulants that help build up your immune cells. These include such herbs as Echinacea, garlic, golden seal root, chamomile, and the Chinese herb astragulus.
5. Get assistance from holistic health practitioners. Such practices as applied kinesiology, chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy, and massage are all very helpful in getting and keeping the body in balance.
6. Find time to relax. Research has shown that chronic tension reduces the effectiveness of your immune system. So don’t be a workaholic! Take time to have fun. Enjoy yourself. Laughter and a happy heart are the best natural medicines that there are.
7. Take in emotional support. Countless studies have shown a strong link between negative emotions and lowered immunity, so it’s important to build a support network of people who care about you.
8. Find meaning and purpose in your life. When people become bord or when they develop a lack of purpose, they have a hard time fighting off disease. Consequently, if life is tiresome and unchallenging, it makes good sense to take matters in hand, rather than remaining at the effect of circumstances.
Eating and exercising right and keeping a good attitude may sound like obvious and uninspired advice, but they are as correct today in the 21st century as they were in the 10th century. Don’t discount the old wisdom.
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