Now That the Flu Season is Upon Us...Time to Power Up Your Immune System

Yes! The flu and cold season is upon us! Red noses, watering eyes, the overall achy feeling to where you are not able to do anything but blow your nose, cough, sneeze, blow your nose, cough, sneeze and can hardly get up enough energy to make in to the next room.

We need more tissues!! My nose hurts...

Feel my head! Am I feverish?

 Dr. Leigh Connealy suggests that you can power up your immune system!  She states, "Healthy immune systems don't just happen. You need to provide an environment in which the various elements can thrive."

Most people are familiar with the term "immune system," but what does that actually mean? Here is Dr. Connealy's quick overview: "The immune system is designed to provide a barrier between you and invaders, like infectious organisms. To do that, our bodies have specialized infection-fighters located in various organs, tissues, special cells and proteins throughout the body, including the lymph system, spleen, bone marrow, thymus gland and digestive tract.
Some of the immune system's specialized cells are tasked with identifying foreign agents, while others produce protective substances known as antibodies designed to shield you against a repeat visitation by the substance. Once you have chicken pox, for example, the antibodies created by your immune system protect you from ever getting that particular illness again."

I have found out that in keeping a healthy immune system or repairing a broken one, we need to keep a few basic guidelines in mind:
    1.  Eat a nutritious diet of whole foods (unprocessed and unrefined foods).
    2.  Drink plenty of filtered water.
    3.  Get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
    4.  Exercise moderately most days of the week.  Dr. Connealy pointed out that "moderately" means just that. In other words, more is not necessarily better. A number of studies have shown that too much exercise can backfire, depleting the immune system instead of reinforcing it. Walking seems to be the better choice; 30 minute walks or three, ten-minute walks during the day.
    5.  Another great important factor to a good immune system....LAUGHTER! A DAILY dose of it!

Everyone of these guidelines are the same as I had pointed out in my earlier postings concerning the adrenal glands. I guess what it comes down to is that these guidelines are certainly for overall better health!!

Immune-Strengthening Supplements
Dr. Connealy has  suggested a few specific supplements; however, she says that to keep in mind that it takes time for herbal remedies to work. Some people see results in two to three weeks, but occasionally it may take a month or more "for blood levels of a specific substance to reach a tipping point where healing can begin." In other words, it will come, but it won't be overnight.

Here is Dr. Connealy's choice of supplements for the flu season:
Astragalus: One of it's strengths is its effect on white blood cells that attack bacteria and viruses. She suggests taking two or three 500 mg capsules daily.
Beta-glucan:  Derived from mushrooms, oats, barley and/or nutritional yeast, this supplement revs up white blood cells to fight off invading microbes. A daily dose of 10mg is recommended for adults.
Echinacea:  Enhances immunity while increasing the production of infection-fighting cells.
(Dr. Connealy states, "Despite conflicting study results, I highly recommend enchinacea for anyone who needs an immune system boost. Whenever one of my children feels a cold or flu coming on, I combine enchinacea with astragalus to pump up his or her immunity.)
Look for a product containing Echinacea pupurea, Echinacea pallida or the roots of Enchinacea angustifolia. Doses in the 300 to 600 mg range three times daily are recommended for adults. Don't take it no more that two weeks. Dr. Connealy suggests two weeks on, two weeks off.
Vitamin C: This vitamin is water-soluble, so it is not stored in the body, so replenish frequently. Dr. Connealy's recommended eight to ten 1,000 mg doses taken throughout the day. She says that even high levels, it is totally safe, but may cause diarrhea or stomach upset in some individuals.

A hearty bowl of chicken soup:  This is an age-old tradition and scientifically proven remedy during that nasty cold and flu season. Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center put homemade chicken soup to the test and concluded that soup does indeed reduce inflammation associated with colds and upper respiratory infections.

Well, here's to your health!!

The Lord heals your diseases, redeems your life from the pit, satisfies you with good, shows compassion to his children, and knows your frame. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 103: 3-14

PS. I am in no way suggesting that anyone should take these remedies/supplements. I am only providing information. If you have questions, please see your physician for your health needs.

Photos provided by Microsoft.