Fighting back against swine flu, how to boost your immune system and keep the H1N1 an arm's reach, that's today on Bod Beat.
I'm Doctor Loretta. Welcome to Bod beat. Last episode, I explained the myths and the realities of swine flu. The big news, if you can get a flu shot, don't believe that it's a magic bullet of immunity. This pandemic is evolving and the strains are hard to predict. So what do you do? The best thing you can do to protect your immune system. Here is my five top tips to boost your immune system.
1. Fuel up with food, good food. Eat a diet high in complete protein, essential fatty acids, complex carbohydrates and lots and lots of fruits and vegetables to help support your immune system. Avoid processed or sugary food.
2. Wash your hands. The easiest way to keep germs at bay is to clean your hands on a regular daily basis. That involves 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and hot water. Avoid touching your face. You touch that subway poll, you walked down hanging onto the banister, don't be touching your face after that. Nail biters, take note. Okay.
3. Rest up. Don't let a busy life get in the way of your health. Get a full night's sleep.
4. De-stress. Remember that emotional stress and worry can depress your immune system.
5. Exercise. I'm not talking about 3 hours a day at the gym. I'm talking about 20 minutes of walking and stretching three times a week can boost your immune system with surprising results. If you're currently sick take a breather. Extreme exercises are best minimized, if suffering from flu-like symptoms.
There are also some fantastic supplements that you can take to help boost your immune system. I recommend these for my clients.
Highly absorbable Zincs and active forms of Vitamin D. Most women in this country are zinc and vitamin D deficient. They both promote a healthy immune system, support the enzymatic activity associated with energy metabolism, bone mineralization and tissue synthesis. There are also a unique antioxidant protection.
Mushroom extracts, Reishi and Shitake and Maitake mixed with Cordyceps, they provide aggressive support for the immune system. This formula can increase CD4 killer cells that attack foreign invaders in the body. Let me tell you. I can't keep this stuff on the shelves in my office.
There are also protein formulas. There are biologically active proteins with naturally occurring immunoglobulin. We're talking antibodies that promote immune function and keep your white blood cell count high.
There is also probiotics. 65-70% of all immune function comes from your gut. So if you think that what you eat can make, can't make you sick or keep you healthy, you're wrong. You're dead wrong. These are billions of live organisms that support the health of a broad range of intestinal and immune system functions. They're also known as floras and there is homeopathics. There are a number of excellent homeopathics that can stimulate nonspecific defense systems in case of viral infection.
Check out BodBeat.com for good list. I keep my clients healthy. What about you? What're you doing to keep yourself healthy? What're you doing to prevent being on your back with cold and flus this season. Thanks for watching. I'm Doctor Loretta. I'll see you next week.
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