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Dear Doctor,
As fall and the 2006-2007 school year approach, can you give me
some tips on simple immune boosters?
M.C., Miles
City
Contrary to popular
belief, there is little evidence that immune function declines with
age. However, as we age our bodies
accumulate more toxic substances and nutrient deficiencies which interfere
with good immune system recognition and communication. Boosting immune function means
strengthening defenses, reducing exposures to toxins, and improving
elimination.
Beneficial methods to strengthen
immune defenses include lifestyle factors which includes
wise food and supplement choices, reducing and managing stress, improving
sleep, and increasing movement.
Certain supplements
support the skin and mucous membranes which are part of our first-line
defenses.
- Probiotics
(friendly gut bacteria) help “crowd out” other unfriendly
organisms in the GI tract
- Vitamin A supports tissue integrity
and function
- Omega-3 fatty acids primarily found in
fish oil, reduce inflammation and provide necessary building blocks
for cell membranes
Drinking sufficient
pure water, choosing whole foods, and reducing sugar, caffeine, and food
additives/preservatives/dyes will create fewer toxins in the body. Organic foods contain no
herbicides and pesticides which also act as poisons inside the human
body.
Refined sugars (including
white flour and juice) have the direct effect of weakening the immune
system by reducing the number of white blood cells. Food additives and synthetic chemicals
act as “unrecognizable” foreign substances in the body. They interfere with immune system
function and cell-to-cell communication, energy production, and
elimination.
Stress increases
the level of cortisol in the body. If sustained at high levels, this “fight
or flight” hormone may weaken the immune system by binding with cell
proteins and altering cell expression and communication. Conventional treatments often use
corticosteroids to suppress inflammation and immune function. B-vitamins support the body while
under chronic stress.
Although our immune
systems are always active, they are most active while we are asleep. Therefore, sufficient sleep is vital to
maintain optimal health. Castor
oil packs on the abdomen before bed stimulates the vast amount
(approximately 80%) of lymphoid tissue located within our abdominal
cavity. Dry skin brushing
also stimulates lymph channels so toxins can be more easily eliminated
while asleep.
.
Yellowstone Naturopathic
Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655
ync@180com.net
Dispensary
406·254·9682
dispensary@yncnaturally.com
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