Health is Wealth: Health Alert

by Nobel Laureate in Medicine Dr. Louis Ignarro andNaturopathic Physician Dr. Andrew Myers

Natural Solutions for Cold and Flu Season
Let’s face it. Whether it is suffering with a sore throat and constant sniffles of a cold or the nausea and body aches of the flu, getting sick is a real drag! The good news is that with a few simple steps you can support your immune system naturally and avoid getting sick from many of the nasty “bugs” that cycle through our offices, schools and homes.

The immune system, which is made of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs, defends us against germs and microorganisms every day. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade our bodies and cause illness. White blood cells are the key to this defense system, and these “soldier cells” seek out and destroy the organisms or substances that cause colds and flu.

What most of us don’t realize is that the biggest factor affecting the health of our immune systems is our lifestyle. Too little sleep, not enough water intake, too much sugar and not enough fruits and vegetables are all lifestyle choices that compromise our immune health. Research has shown that when we are under stress our immune system is immediately impacted. In fact, chronic stress causes the release of chemicals in our bodies (primarily cortisol) that impairs our immune function over time. So, if you are someone who catches every bug that comes through the office or comes home with your kids from school, try the following simple steps.

1. Focus on getting adequate sleep. During sleep, our body releases chemicals that help support and improve our immune function.
2. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration compromises immune function.
3. Avoid high sugar foods. Sugar intake depresses immune system function and leaves you open to infection.
4. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit.
5. Supplement your daily diet with the following nutrients and herbals:

• Antioxidant nutrition – Vitamin C (1,000 mg), Vitamin E (400 IU) and CoQ10 (200 to 400 mg) should be taken on a daily basis. Antioxidant nutrients like C, E and CoQ10 have been shown to bolster immune function.
• General nutrition – A daily multivitamin provides important nutrients like Zinc, Selenium and Beta-Carotene/Vitamin A, which help support a healthy immune function. Choose a multivitamin that matches your age and gender specific needs.
• Vitamin D (2,000 IU soft gel per day) – Vitamin D has recently been recognized as one of the most important nutrients for immune support. White blood cells have receptors for Vitamin D that may be involved in activating the cells to fight infection.
• Herbal support – Two immune supportive herbals with a long history of use should round out your program – Garlic and Green Tea. Garlic has anti-microbial properties and is a recognized immune booster. Green tea is rich in antioxidant nutrients that support immune cell activity in defense against bacteria and viruses.
• For the junior members of your family, chewable Vitamin C and a children’s chewable multivitamin are important in keeping your kids healthy throughout the cold and flu season.

Please remember, our immune competency is a direct result of our lifestyle and with a few simple, supportive habits, you and your family can stay healthy throughout the cold and flu season.

Low Vitamin D Levels May Mean More Colds and Flu
Vitamin D is emerging as a true super-nutrient as research confirms its role in promoting heart health, supporting long-term immune health, strengthening bones and encouraging healthy metabolic function. New research indicates that Vitamin D may play a major role in keeping us from catching colds and flu.

Researchers found that among 19,000 men and women (age 12 and up), those with low levels of vitamin D were nearly 40 percent more likely to have had a respiratory infection than those with healthy levels of vitamin D. The impact of Vitamin D was consistent across all races and ages. The researchers from Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital Boston reported their findings in the Archives of Internal Medicine (Ginde, et al, 2009).

This research makes logical sense, since our natural ability to produce Vitamin D is reduced in winter months as shorter days and warm clothes reduce our skin’s exposure to sunlight. The most effective way to maintain your Vitamin D levels throughout cold and flu season is through daily supplementation (2,000 IU soft gel/day).