What our bodies defend against and heal from is incredible.  Colds, flues, bacterial and viral infections are caused by invaders, but can do no harm or “take over” unless our defense system is weak.  Getting sick is not normal; it is common, but not normal.  

Simply put, your best defense is having a good offense.  Pathogenic bacteria and viruses are always around you.  The trick is to build your internal army.  Choose from foods, lifestyle, and nutritional supplementation to strengthen your body:

1. Eat Organic Dairy, Meats, Fruits, Vegetables: avoid xenohormones & pesticides 
2. Eat Foods Containing Phytochemicals: 

         1. Phytonutrients - broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale, onions, garlic,              tomatoes, hot peppers, citrus fruits, buckwheat,
         2. ORAC foods raise antioxidant levels of human blood 10-25% protecting from degeneration
             of tissue: raisins, prunes, berries, red grapes.
         3. Phytonutrients in supplements – blue green algae, barley grass, alfalfa

3. Watch for food allergies/sensitivities – they deplete immune function.  Problem foods are dairy (casein-containing foods), wheat and gluten-containing foods,  corn, peanuts, soy, sugar, chocolate, caffeine, oranges.
4. Avoid sugar as it feeds bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungus.
5. Eliminate processed food with long ingredient lists: frozen, packaged foods. Read labels and avoid: BHT, BHA, TBHQ, sodium benzoate, nitrates, sulfites, food colorings, artificial sweeteners, and artificial flavors. These chemicals weaken the body’s liver and kidney filtering systems, thus putting a strain on the immune system.     
6. Stay hydrated with pure water as your main beverage.  Eliminate milk, sodas, coffee, tea.  Cells detoxify better and toxins move out better when hydrated.  Stagnation breeds illness!  Hydration prevents it.

Support Your Digestive System: The Largest Immune Organ

Groups of white blood cells housed in our intestinal linings directly relate to the brain and nervous system.  They manufacture antibodies – our artillery against foreign invaders.  

1 Consume friendly bacteria supplements, such as acidophilus and bifidus.  
2. Eat naturally fermented (homemade) yogurt, kefir, kim chee, and sauerkraut. (For recipes, see Smart Food, Smart Families, by Dr. Laura Thompson.)
3. Take digestive enzyme supplements to enhance nutrient absorption to help move food residues through your body and create better alkaline pH levels.
4. Eat fiber for digestive health and to eliminate harmful estrogens and toxins.
 
         1. Fruits and vegetables for bowel health and nutrients for friendly bacteria
         2. Beans and seeds – good for fiber and for lowering cholesterol
         3. Psyllium, rice bran or tocotriene, prune fiber and apple pectin are other forms of fiber:              bulking agents for better bowel health.

1. Support adrenal function; reduce stress.  Easier said than done, but do-able.  Take time to relax and enjoy your life.  Breathe and move.  Stagnation breeds illness.

2. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth often.  

3. Avoid vaccines and flu shots.  Chemical soup.  Future effects unknown.  If you vaccinate, prepare ahead with immune system support, to guard against ill-effects.

4. Increase, build, and strengthen your and your children’s immune systems by keeping your “natural medicine cabinet” stocked.

5. Be active.  Exercise in some way, most days – according to what you can handle. Exercise helps increase oxygen levels in our blood, tissues, and brain.  

6. Strengthen your lymphatic system with activity/exercise to keep lymph fluid circulating – nourish the cells and carry away waste. Lymph has no pump, just our muscles.  Massage is a good lymphatic stimulant. So are dry skin brushing and trampolining. Get a mini-trampoline for your home.   

7. Sleep well – and enough. Rest in a quiet space for 15 minutes during the day.    Check adrenal hormone levels through the saliva.

8. Relax, breathe, relieve stress. They help improve self-esteem and self-expression.

9. Create a team with your practitioner.  Discuss your health goals.

10. Check your metabolic and nutrient levels through appropriate testing.  This can help you determine what your body is deficient in (vitamin C, calcium, antioxidant, etc.) Customize your nutritional program according to the results.

Dr. Laura Thompson, Family Nutritionist and Naturopathic Endocrinologist has a nationwide practice by phone, and locally in Carlsbad, California. Call for in-home testing info, 800-608-5602.  

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products suggested, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please check with your health care practitioner for your best health options.