Talk about the flu is rampant.  Flu season is in full force, which thus far has been mostly H1N1.  I encourage you to take a proactive approach to maintain good health throughout the winter.  Here are several suggestions for you and your family that will increase your chances of staying healthy the whole year through.  These enforce the principle of prevention, one of the six principles of Naturopathic Medicine.  Take action now to ensure your immune system will be fully quipped to attack any virus or bacteria that comes its way.

Getting Proper Rest. With the holidays coming up this can be the busiest time of the year.  Make it a priority to get a quality night sleep.  This is usually 6- 8 hours each night.  This will allow a proper circadian rhythm which is regulated by melatonin.  Melatonin plays a key role in immunoregulation. 

Stay Hydrated. Not only does this fight fatigue, it ensures all of your body systems are working optimally. This includes the immune system.  I do recommend clean water sources, spring or filtered water.  When you are well hydrated the lymphoid tissue releases the immunocytes so they are in the bloodstream. 

Probiotics.  There are many ways probiotics strengthen the immune system.  They are the proper flora for the intestinal tract.  They have peyer’s patches adjacent to the intestines.  These peyer’s patches are important in fortifying and regulating the immune system.  Keeping a proper flora helps

Black Elderberries.  Studies show the effectiveness matches that of Tamiflu that was designed for the avian flu.  Black elderberry binds to certain receptors on the viruses, preventing them from replicating.  Best of all this tastes delicious

Limit Sugary Snacks. It’s no coincidence people may come down with an illness following Halloween or after a stretch of sugary meals.  Having high sugars renders the neutrophills which usually fight off bacteria as paralyzed.  Therefore, any infectious organism can proliferate.  A diet full of fruits, vegetables whole grains and lean meats will provide is encouraged.  Take a pass on candy, cakes, cookies and other sweets.

Vitamin D.  Has powerful immune-boosting properties, upregulating genes for vital antimicrobial peptides that can kill influenza viruses as soon as they land in our airways.  Get your levels checked at least once a year (preferably twice a year) to be sure you are reaching optimal levels to support your immune system.

Food for the Soul. Nothing beats a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Immune System Soup is warming (ginger, garlic, cayenne) and grounding (due to the root vegetables).  Feel free to substitute seasonings and vegetables depending on availability. Use well washed, high quality, organic ingredients whenever possible.

FirstHealth encourages you to take these positive steps for building your immune system.  Taking a responsibility in one’s health care is essential.  Whether it is skiing down the slopes or curled up by the fire reading a good book, we hope you are able to engage in these endeavors sniffle, ache and fever free.  Please call the office with any questions.

- Dr. Tara Greaves, ND