Meditation or Exercise: A recent study known as MEPARI (Meditation or Exercise for Preventing Acute Respiratory Illness) demonstrated that meditation or exercise were both effective at reducing frequency of colds and flu.
Gentle yoga postures: Yoga
and spinal twists first thing in the morning realign the body and can be invigorating.
Balance in wake/ sleep cycles: Best sleep occurs between 10 pm and 6 am keeping the body in sync with nature's rhythms. One study even showed an association between nap taking and increased life span.
Hydration: Before coffee in the morning, hydrate the body with a
glass of warm water with lemon.
Hydrating foods include cucumbers, celery, watermelon.
Look on the Bright Side: Negativity can put undue stress on the immune system. By some estimates, the rate of complaining in American conversations is 70-84%. Studies have shown that positivity and joy boost both innate and adaptive arms of the immune system.
Vitamins D3 & C: Vitamin D3 assists the immune cells. Low levels of vitamin D3
have been linked with increased susceptibility to a number of infections. The Public Heath and Medical societies of U.S. and Canada recommend 600 - 2000 IU per day. Vitamin C also contributes to immune defense. However large doses can increase risk of kidney stones.
Olive Leaf Extract: A potent virus, bacterial and fungus killer. Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may reduce rates of upper respiratory infections. (Over-the-counter supplement).
Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Obesity contributes to increased inflammation and compromise of the immune system. A normal BMI (body mass index) is between 18.5 - 24.9 . Google: "How to calculate body mass index" . A BMI over 25.0 is considered overweight.
Healthy Diet: Some sources say your body absorbs and uses vitamins and nutrients better when they come from a dietary source rather than supplements. A Mediterranean diet or diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables is considered optimum.
According to Qigong Master Chunyi Lin, certain foods are also beneficial to the body's subtle energy systems.
- An apple in the morning detoxifies the body, strengthens the lung energy and is good for elimination.
- 1/2 tsp of vinegar daily helps protect lungs and skin. (Organic, unfiltered apple cider is best).
- 1 Tbl honey in late afternoon helps protect the liver.
Master Lin also suggests tapping or bumping the inside of both wrists together firmly for 3 - 4 min. daily or several times a day. This enhances the body's vitality by increasing kidney energy.
Best foods in winter months:
- slow cooked hot soup
- stir fry
- mushrooms twice a week (helps cleanse the intestines)
Most importantly! Always listen to your doctor and your body's own intelligence in order to determine what's best for you.
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