A Cold- and Flu-Free Winter? Is This Possible?

As Christmas approaches, so does the chill descend on North America. And, with the chill, cold and flu season...

Can you imagine making it through this winter without a cold? If it's too late for that already, I have good news for you.

You can start making a few changes today, that will strengthen your immune system for the coming year (and next winter)...

We have become indoctrinated into a philosophy that suggests that, when we want to correct a malady of the body, we must use drugs.

Well, let's back up a bit... first let's admit that drugs are amazing science. But before we resort to drugs, we have the natural means to strengthen our immune system, to keep it from becoming depleted in the first place.

And that starts with our lifestyle and, of course, my personal favorite topic - our nutrition!

Eat as many natural, unadulterated foods in your daily diet as you can! This means fresh vegetables, free-range eggs and meats, and whole grains (brown rice is awesome!).

My favorite foods for nourishing the immune system include yams, beets, carrots, garlic, medicinal mushrooms, seaweeds, and dark leafy greens.

Carotenes strengthen and activate all parts of the immune system, especially the thymus (the "master gland of immunity"). A cup of greens, a small baked yam, or two large cooked carrots or beets is a "dose;" but ten times that much can be consumed safely. Repeated doses provide a cumulative effect starting about a week after you begin.

Selenium is a trace mineral with special abilities for building a healthy immune system. Best sources are organic garlic, medicinal mushrooms, and astragalus.

Zinc helps build energetic white blood cells (which eliminate bacterial infections). Best sources are Echinacea, nettles, and seaweed.

The B-vitamin complex, especially B6 (pyridoxine), is critical to immune system health. Best sources are potato skins, broccoli, prunes, and lentils.

Protein

Your body needs protein to produce antibodies because they help fight infection. Look for protein sources in meats, legumes and soy.

A whey protein supplement is an especially effective way to strengthen your immune system, as it is more readily absorbed by the body.

Daily Dose – Blend whey powder with berries, yogurt, and ice cold water into a smoothie. It is a simple and delicious way to add more protein into your diet.

Candace Pert (of The Secret), visiting professor of neuroscience at Rutgers University, has proven that every cell of the body participates in the immune system through an integrated network of chemical, electrical, and hormonal signals. The immune system is a network, she says, which resonates with the vibrations that surround it. It is as affected by emotions as by bacteria, as impacted by thoughts as by drugs.

With a strengthened immune system you will not only enjoy better health, but you will be less likely to be susceptible to infection and possible death from bacterial and/or viral invasions.

Faith in your body's ability to protect itself will continue to bolster and reinforce the immune system as your mental well-being improves. Enjoy the upward spiral of health.

And last, but not least, let me share a few words from Jay Robb...
How To Overeat At Special Occasions And Holiday Dinners and Not Get Fat

If you know you will be consuming a large meal in the evening, such as a dinner engagement, wedding, special holiday occasion or even a pizza blow-out, you must prepare for the dinner by consuming very low carbohydrate foods for the entire day.

Your carbohydrate intake should not exceed 20 grams for the day leading up to your evening meal, then try to eat your evening meal in 60 minutes or less to reduce the insulin response.

By limiting your carbohydrate intake during the day you will be depleting your glycogen levels, thus providing room for the excess of carbs at your evening meal to convert to glycogen (muscle starch) instead of fat.

And when you want to remove the nutritional question mark from your plate, you absolutely must supplement your diet. This is not in place of eating well.

But high-quality nutritional supplements work with your good dietary choices. If you'll start to incorporate more natural foods into your daily diet, and supplement with Body Wise Nutraceuticals, you will be well on your way to a healthy, cold- and flu-free winter next year.

For more information and your free sample of Body Wise products, send me an e-mail at naturalnutrition@live.ca .

Live healthy, happy and long! Billie

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.