> Health and Disease > Colds, Infections, and Viruses

We’re only one month away from the beginning of flu season. Like any household with lots of kids running in and out, my home is not spared from cold and flu viruses. However, my family is rarely waylaid by viral infections when flu season comes around. That’s not because we’ve all taken the annual "shot in the arm" from a flu vaccine. No, we just practise preventive medicine by eating right, getting enough sleep, following good personal hygiene and taking immune-boosting supplements. You too can avoid falling under the weather during the coming flu season. Here’s how.

Clean Up Your Diet–And Your Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle will go a long way towards enhancing your immunity and increasing your resistance to infection. Start by eating a low-fat diet with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts. Some of the best foods for boosting immunity are beta-carotene-rich carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy greens, and vitamin C-rich citrus fruits, broccoli and cantaloupe. Get adequate protein and reduce your intake of sugar, which impairs the ability of your white blood cells to destroy micro-organisms.

Sleep is the one physiological need that many people ignore. Big mistake–your immune system kicks into overdrive during sleep, and studies show that one sleepless night–or several nights in a row of inadequate sleep–can significantly impair immune function. Make sure you get the amount of sleep that’s right for you, whether that means six hours or eight.

Finally, do what you can to manage stress. Stress impairs white blood cell function and causes shrinkage of the thymus, the major gland of your immune system. Take time every day to put yourself in a relaxed state of mind, and look for opportunities to laugh. Studies show that laughter decreases levels of stress hormones and enhances immune function.

Practise Improved Hygiene

Over 150 years ago, a Hungarian obstetrician named Ignaz Semmelweis created an uproar when he physically blocked the door of the maternity ward, demanding that physicians wash their hands before assisting women in labour. He had discovered that "childbirth fever," which was killing almost a quarter of the women giving birth in hospitals, was transferred to women from the hands of the physicians. For his efforts to improve hygiene, he was harassed and ridiculed.

Today, of course, we know how important hygiene is–and we know how to practise it. Or do we? Good hygiene isn’t about using industrial-strength cleaning agents and antibacterial products in your home. It’s actually very simple. Wash your hands often with ordinary soap and warm water, and avoid touching your eyes or nose. Change towels often, and use disposable tissues rather than handkerchiefs. Don’t share towels, glasses and the like.

For extra protection, you might want to perform facial dips throughout cold and flu season. Simply immersing your face for a few seconds in a bowl of warm water will help rinse viruses from the mucous membranes of your eyes and nose.

Fortify Your Body With Immune-Boosting Nutrients

Julian Whitaker, MD, is the founder of the Whitaker Wellness Institute Medical Clinic in Newport Beach, Calif., and the editor of the monthly newsletter, Health and Healing. Dr. Whitaker has written eight books, including Reversing Hypertension, Reversing Diabetes and Reversing Heart Disease (Warner Books). For more information, visit drwhitaker.com or call 1-800-539-8219.

Source: alive #238, August 2002

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