During cold and flu season, you can boost your immunity with good health practices. Anybody can do these simple things – but it’s best to check with your health care provider first.

1. Use the neti pot with warm salt-water solution regularly after all public contacts. The neti pot irrigates the nasal passages and removes some of the bacteria and viruses breathed in during the day. This will reduce the viral load with which your immune system has to cope.
2. Maintain adequate vitamin D levels. Most of us are deficient in vitamin D during the winter due to the lack of sunlight exposure on our skin. Ask your health care provider about adequate levels. Current recommendations are much higher than they used to be.
3. Eat a diet adequate in protein (plant or lean animal protein). Avoid sugar, starchy carbohydrates, and omega-6 polyunsaturated vegetable oils from soybeans, corn, and safflower. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
4. Supplement with a high quality ultra-refined fish oil.
5. Get adequate sleep. We require more sleep in the winter when the nights are longer.
6. Get some moderate regular exercise.
7. Take a probiotic to help maintain a favorable internal microbial balance.
8. Wash your hands before eating.

Photo by David Lat

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 11:27 am and is filed under Articles - Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.