Archive for November, 2013

Fight off Colds & Flu this Winter by Building your Immune System Now

Posted on November 7, 2013. Filed under: Acupuncture Information, Exercise, Health | Tags: acupuncture, Allen, alternative, build immunity, CA Clinic Acupuncture & Chiropractic, chiropractic, diet, Dr. Greg Steiner, Dr. Gregory Steiner, exercise, health, Immune system, inflammation |

~By Dr. Gregory Steiner
CA Acupuncture & Chiropractic Clinic

Chinese medicine believes that in our natural state, people are healthy and made to be self-repairing.  This theory states, “You should already be healthy unless you’ve done something to diminish that health”.  You can actually create health not by boosting your immune system, but by eliminating irritation to it.  But because today’s culture focuses on buzzwords such as “building immunity”, let’s talk about just how we can do that.  For example, white sugar is a backdrop to poor health.  It can suppress immune response.  Studies have shown that 1 teaspoon of sugar can lower immunity in the body within 30 minutes.  This opens a gateway for bugs like the flu or common cold to enter.  Peanuts, dairy or gluten (wheat products) are other foods which can promote inflammation and trigger “allergic responses” in the body.  Elimination of these foods for certain individuals can provide a marked improvement in their ability to fight off colds and infections.

Here are some more tips to help build your immune system to better fight off illness in the colder months:

• Sleep Well:  Restful sleep enhances the immune system function by leading to better hormone level balance.  During good sleep, the body can rest & repair itself.  Sleep deprivation actually suppresses the immune function and activates stress.
• Eat more “Rabbit Food”: Increase your intake of fruits & veggies.  Stay away from the unhealthy foods that contain a lot of grease, fat, preservatives, and sugar.  These foods can have a very negative effect on your overall health.
• Drink Water:  Water helps flush toxins and hydrates your body.  Drink 10-12 glasses daily as an average.  If water gets “too boring”, add in some green tea or fresh juice.  Be wary of the sugar content and try to stay away from all sodas.
• Stop the Stress:  A little bit of stress can boost the immune system; it’s like exercise for it.  Long term and unrelenting stress (i.e. work & relationship issues) can wreak havoc on it.  When stress hits, counterbalance it by relieving the tension through meditation, listening to relaxing music, or taking a walk.
• Move your Body:  Exercising on a regular basis will boost circulation and keep you in better shape mentally as well as physically.  Whether its jogging, walking or sports, try to get at least 30 minutes of fitness in daily.
• Consider Acupuncture:  Many studies have shown that acupuncture can boost the immune system.  Not only can acupuncture be beneficial in helping you overcome your cold or flu quicker, but it can also be used for prevention.  It’s a great way to fill in any missing gaps in your immune system.  Acupuncture can balance your energies to get them working in harmony and optimize your system, providing protection from illness.