Tips for a healthy immune system:
- Diet – minimize sweets which always create a sluggish immune system, and make sure everyone is getting plenty of veggies in the diet, as well as staying well hydrated with WATER throughout the day.
- Probiotics! A high quality probiotic can be very helpful to support a robust immune system response. For sore throats, a powder form of probiotic can be mixed with water, gargled and then swallowed. Probiotics are also an important part of a plan to prevent the flu this fall. naturalnews.com
- Vitamin D supplementation is very important, and can be a potent modulator of the immune system. Your doctor can run a test to determine if you are getting enough– the majority of folks who are not supplementing Vit D are deficient. oregonstate.edu
- Hydrotherapy: Alternating hot and cold compresses will improve circulation to an area, and thereby improve immune system locally. For example, alt. hot/cold washcloths over a sore throat will help the body clear it up faster. For a cough, alt. hot/cold over chest and back will improve immune system around lungs and help with decongestion. General rule-of-thumb: 3 min hot / 30 sec. cold, repeat 3 times, ending on cold.
- Meditation: A meditation practice will create a more balanced nervous system and thereby improve immune system function. mentalhealth.about.com
Tips for Cardiovascular Health:
- Fish Oil: Studies show that supplementing with Essential Fatty Acids in fish oil decreases inflammation and supports a healthy heart. heartdisease.about.com
- Vitamin D: People with low blood levels of vitamin D are more likely to have a heart attack. Studies also indicate seasonal shifts of heart attack incidence, correlating to sun exposure and vitamin D levels. Get your vitamin D blood levels checked at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center! www.lef.org
- Just as negative emotions such as depression, anger, and hostility are risk factors for heart attack and stroke, happiness and wellness seems to protect the heart.