Will You Get Sick This Winter Season?

The easiest way that cold viruses' spread is not actually from someone’s sneezes and coughs in the air, but rather from hand to hand contact.  For example, using someone else’s computer keyboard, a handshake, handrails, or simply touching a doorknob. 

Most of us will come into contact with these viruses’ every single day of our lives.  However, not all of us will catch a cold.  Our body’s very own immune system is our defense against everything.  Including bacterial and viral infections, the flu and all forms of colds.  It is only when our immune system is suppressed that the invading agent will overcome in our bodies.  When the immune system is functioning at its highest levels, it will fight off all threats without you ever getting sick.

Some of the contributing factors that weaken your immune system and the solutions I highly recommend include:

1)   Sugar & Grains- viruses and everything else you don’t want invading your body feeds (thus replicating) on sugar and everything that turns into sugar (grains).

2)   Sleep- your body heals when you rest.  Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep is critical.  Listen to your body when you are tired.

3)   Vitamin C- this can only be acquired through our diet or supplementation.  Oranges and other citrus fruits are well known for their Vit. C levels.  However they are high in sugar and high in acidity.  Try strawberries and red peppers for a lower glycemic, Vit. C packed option.

4)   Vitamin D- emerging research is showing that this potent nutrient is critical in preventing our risk of many diseases.  Many experts now say the average person needs 5000 IU’s per day.  Since us Chicagoans won’t see the sun much this winter, maintaining adequate levels is crucial.  If you are supplementing, make sure it is Vitamin D3, which is the active form you need.

5)   Stress- stress can be the culprit of many health issues.  Most importantly it will alter your hormone levels, raise your blood sugar, and also deplete your nutrient stores thus suppressing your immune system.  There are many ways to combat stress; planning and preparation to limit unexpected events, deep breathing techniques, yoga, naps, and my favorite…

6)   Exercise- not only is it a healthy stress reliever, but it triggers an increase in production of your immune systems cells.  However, if you are already sick, I would recommend not exercising, as this would produce an opposite affect and add stress to your body’s immune system.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at:  drgergovich@yahoo.com

Or check me out on twitter:  @drgergovich