I was a wild woman during this holiday season. I entertained 2 major parties and one smaller one. Sit-down dinners, food not usually consumed, people connecting emotionally, excitement, weirdness (always happens with families), great things too. It's crazy at holiday time, no matter what you've celebrated (or even if you didn't). The season change and the colder weather compounds the holiday issues. Stressors abound from Thanksgiving and after New Year's and this is rough on three major body organ systems: the immune, stress (adrenal), and digestive systems.

At the Southern California Institute of Clinical Nutrition, we've been receiving phone calls this Winter from our patients, clients, and customers - what can I do for: my upset stomach, or my son's fever and runny nose, or my utter exhaustion - mentally and physically. The good news is that once you have your Natural Medicine Cabinet set up at home, you can handle these issues before they get worse. But if you don't have that set up yet, here are "pick yourself and your family up" suggestions - for getting " and staying ", immune-wise, digestive-wise, and energetically.

1) Immune system - So many people get "sick" during November, December, and January. It is predictable, although I wish I didn't have to say that. When patients ask me if I'm going away for the holidays, I usually say, "No, we are very busy at that time because people "catch" colds and flues and stomach viruses - and we need to be accessible." But you know what? Much of the care taking can be done by you - on your own. Keeping the immune system strong is what prevents some people from getting sick. We even get phone calls from entire families who are ecstatic that no one got sick this year. It can be done. And then, I hear all the time - a patient exclaims: "I am the only one in my family that didn't have the flu, or catch the cold. I am so amazed. It feels good to be stronger." By balancing their blood sugar, their metabolism, their hormones, their blood pressure, their digestive function - and the chain reaction goes on - people become stronger and more vital - and create better immunity.

To prevent illness by 1) strengthening the immune organs and 2) increasing activity of the white blood cells that fight bacteria and viruses, we recommend these supplements:

• IM Encap - natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial with specific support for the thymus gland, the spleen and the lymph system
• Infectostat or Core Olive Leaf Extract - powerful anti-viral, anti-parasitic and yeast eradicator
• Flu Max - influenza prevention spray - great for adults and children
• Gripia Pro - powerful cold prevention spray - great for adults and children

Keep these products in your Natural Medicine Cabinet. Major good investment.

2) Digestive system - Yikes! The cookies, the candy, the gravy, the wine, the champagne, the party food. One on the top of the other = major stress on your gall bladder, liver, stomach, and intestinal tract. We pay. But do we have to? Here are my recommendations for digestive support and intestinal healing:

• Digestive enzymes - A must. Take with or right before your meals to improve your body's ability to break down the fats, carbs, proteins, and sugars.
• Probiotics (good bacteria) - The good bacteria, such as acidophilus, help us assimilate nutrients from our food and also assist in populating the intestinal tract with its internal army. These spunky critters actually make their own antibiotics. Don't ever under-estimate the importance of your internal army.
• Intestinal Repair - This is my favorite intestinal healing and soothing powder.
  
  

3) Adrenal-Stress System - Oh so critical are these organs during holiday time - when we deal with our body clock during travel, sleep deprivation, family issues, old memories, weather changes, and a lot of people. Keep in mind that great times can be stressful too. No, we're not wimps. But excitement engages the adrenal glands and adrenal hormones adrenaline and cortisol. So whether it's good or bad stress the adrenals need support for energy enhancement, emotional balance, regenerative sleep and stress reduction. Here are my suggestions:

• B Nanoplex or Ultimate B - supplies all the B vitamins in their most natural form for brain and muscular energy.
• Glysen for blood sugar and weight balance, relieving depression and anxiety.
• Brainstorm acts as a natural anti-depressant and supports memory and focus.
• RelaxTone for anti-anxiety and calmness.

You can use these supplements therapeutically (as above) to reduce Winter and holiday stressors - food, "germs", emotions, and weather. Most importantly, your nutritional supplements can enhance the fun and enjoyment of the holidays by preventing the repercussions that often occur later, doing the repair work that needs to be done. Keep your Natural Medicine Cabinet supplied!

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.