After washing my hands in the restroom today, I reached for the paper towel to dry my hands. Instead of throwing it in the trashcan, I used it to grab the door handle and pull it open.
I'm a germaphobic. I hate germs and stay away from them at all costs.
Why?
I avoid germs because when I get sick, I REALLY GET SICK.
That's what happened yesterday. I must have picked up a twenty-four hour germ that made me feel like King Kong was ripping out my intestines and stomach. So today, my usual disdain for germs was heightened even more since I'm still sore from the agony suffered over the weekend.
What is the secret to staying healthy?
Maybe you rode in the elevator today and tonight you have the sniffles which will turn into a full blown cold by tomorrow. Your friend who stood beside you was exposed to the same germs and will still be totally healthy when the sun rises. What makes the difference? Is there a secret to staying healthy?
The immune system either fends off the germs or lets them bring us down. When the immune system is already low functioning and is then compromised, it will collapse. This secret weapon can become a huge gap for the enemy - germs. Just think of the immune system as the James Bond of the body. It finds the bad guys and kills them.
What keeps the immune system healthy?
In order to stay healthy, extra attention needs to be spent on the immune system. There are some things we can do to keep it in balance and better able to fight the germs that are on everything.
- Reduce stress
- Get plenty of sleep to allow cells to repair
- Participate in consistent sex. Isn't it great that something so fun is also so great for you? Yes, it can be very exciting.
- Overall workout - walking will really do more for reducing stress and overall mobility than you can imagine.
- Listen to music often (a lot of studies on this one proves that it reduces stress and increases the creative parts of the brain which leads to a boost in immunity)
- Cut out refined and processed foods (alcohol, sugar, flour products) because it prevents the proper absorption of vitamin C.
- Ensure you are getting a balance of minerals and vitamins - It is worth the research to ensure that you are giving your body just exactly what it needs.
What you can do to when you catch a cold?
Besides the usual medications that can ease the symptoms of a cold, there are many other things you can do to help strengthen your body during the fight. Remember, James Bond needs the strongest gadgets!
- Add extra vitamin C - Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, tangerine, papaya, mango, kiwi, tomato, broccoli, potato, dark leafy greens and bell peppers to name a few.
- Elderberry - Research is saying that it blocks the flu virus, hastens recovery, reduces inflammation and is full of antioxidants.
- Zinc - Foods high in zinc include nuts, lean red meat, poultry, beans and fortified cereal.
- Echinacea - Strengthens the body and gives the immune system a boost.
- Chicken noodle soup or broths with plenty of garlic, ginger and spicy heat to not only help the body feel more comfortable, but also to promote healing
- Mushrooms - White button mushrooms boost the white blood cells which fight germs, but Shitake and Reishi are high in beta-glucans which have the ability to modulate the immune system.
- Vaporize - Healing fragrances can help sooth inflamed tissues and help to prevent drying soft tissues. A mixture of eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme, lemon, ginger, lavender, rosemary and the standard mint.
- Warmth - Keep the body warm while outside by using gloves, scarves, coats and socks. While at home, take a hot bath and stay toasty under blankets. The heat prevents viral replication which is why low grade fevers are a good thing!
- Gargle - Salt is such a great mineral. Not only is it great tasting, but if added to warm water for a gargle, it can fight germs and ease symptom once you are sick.
Orange you glad that I shared all these tips with you today?
You knew I couldn't resist that play on words.
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