How to Combat the Crud
By Dr. Jon Thomas D.C PSc .
At Vibrant Life we believe that
one of the best ways to stay healthy is to take positive steps to avoid getting
sick. In my previous blog post, I suggested several things people can do to
avoid catching the flu or a cold, which I referred to as “the crud.” Since
there are more steps people can take to avoid the crud, I’m writing a second
post about it. This post will explain several methods for boosting the immune
system so that your body will function at its highest level.
Vitamin C from Natural Sources
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| PublicDomanPictures.net |
In the 1600s, sailors in the
British Navy had a problem with scurvy, a condition which caused people to lose
their teeth, to bleed easily, and to lose bone strength. (Some sailors even
died from scurvy.) The British Navy used citrus fruit to fight scurvy and it
was very effective. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, was the ingredient in the citrus
fruits which boosted the immune systems of the British sailors.
Although vitamin C is now
available as a dietary supplement, the ideal way to get it is by eating fresh
fruits and vegetables. Why is that so much better than taking a supplement?
Vitamin C is somewhat unstable and it is prone to damage by heat, oxygen, and
storage. The vitamin C content of food starts to decline as soon as it is
picked. The decline can be slowed down by keeping the food in its whole form
and by keeping it cool. However, the longer foods high in vitamin C are stored,
the less potent the vitamin C becomes.
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| U.S. Dept. of Agriculture |
Most people are aware that
vitamin C is an essential nutrient and most people know that citrus fruits are
a good source of it. Other good sources of vitamin C are papaya, strawberries,
pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, and raspberries. Vitamin C is also in cranberries,
blueberries, watermelons, apples, pears, and bananas. Broccoli, kale, and other
leafy green vegetables are also good sources of vitamin C.
It’s very easy to find fresh
citrus fruit in Florida. Take advantage of that and give your immune system a
boost by eating a piece of citrus fruit or drinking a glass of fresh citrus
juice every day.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D also boosts the immune
system and helps to prevent colds and flu. Direct sunlight on the skin produces
vitamin D. So, getting out in the sun is one of the easiest ways to increase
your vitamin D level. However, when the weather gets cold, people tend to spend
less time in the sun and that leads to decreased levels of vitamin D.
Another way to get vitamin D is
by eating eggs, meat, and oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines.
Dairy products also contain vitamin D. If you’re a vegetarian and you don’t get
out in the sun very much, you can get some vitamin D by drinking orange juice
that’s fortified with it. If you’re still not getting enough vitamin D, you
should look into taking a supplement.
Echinacea
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| Wikimedia Commons |
Echinacea is a flowering plant
that grows in the U.S. and Canada. According to an article in Medical News Today,
Echinacea was used by Native Americans for hundreds of years before the arrival
of European explorers, settlers and colonizers. By the early 1800s Echinacea
became a popular herbal remedy among those who had settled in the USA. It also
became popular in Europe.
Echinacea strengthens the immune
system and it also reduces many of the symptoms of colds and flu. It’s a very
popular ingredient in supplements to boost the immune system. Echinacea is
available over the counter at pharmacies, health shops and supermarkets as
teas, liquid extracts, a dried herb, and as capsules or tablets.
Rest and the Immune System
Getting adequate rest is one of
the keys to keeping the immune system functioning as it should. In an article
for WebMD, Denise Mann wrote, “Sleep deprivation suppresses immune system
function. The more all-nighters you pull, the more likely you are to decrease
your body’s ability to respond to colds or bacterial infections.”
If you’re feeling tired, try to
get some more sleep. Your immune system will thank you for it.
Chiropractic Adjustment
When you have high levels of
stress, it makes you more vulnerable to colds and the flu. According to a white
paper published by the American Chiropractic
Association on Preventing Colds and Flu, stress
reduction can play a big role in reducing the risk of catching colds or the
flu.
“Chronic stress, such as
unemployment or interpersonal difficulties with family and friends that last a
month or longer, may substantially increase the risk of catching cold and
flu. Many chiropractors have noticed that adjustments have helped prevent
or reduce the duration of their patients’ colds. Some evidence shows that
chiropractic manipulation may increase immunoglobulin levels and that it
decreases the levels of glucocorticoid cortisol, a major component of stress.”
Regular adjustments by a skilled
chiropractor will reduce your stress levels and enable your immune system to do
its job effectively.
Nucleo-Immune Dietary Supplement
Nucleo-Immune is a dietary
supplement which promotes rapid cellular rejuvenation and healing of wounds. It
also increases vitality and strength. Nucleo-Immune supports the thymus, the
intestinal and immune systems, and is especially effective as a preventative
booster during the cold and winter season. Nucleo-Immune is available through
the Vibrant Life Health Center. Give yourself a boost for the season and get
some today!
In this article, I have discussed
some of the things people can do to reduce their chances of getting the flu or
catching a cold. I’ve also made several suggestions on what to do after you
have symptoms. Zinc, elderberry extract, and mucilage of oats can all be very
helpful. Nucleo-Immune, a dietary supplement which helps in the production of
nucleotides, can also be very helpful.
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At Vibrant Life, we address all
of the key elements to add vibrance and vitality to your life. This includes
nutrition, chiropractic care, and fitness. If you need to consult with a
chiropractor about your neck, back, or any other health concern, please contact
our office to set up an appointment. If you’d like to try Nucleo-Immune
to prevent or treat the flu or a cold, please contact us.
Dr. Jon Thomas is a Board
Certified Chiropractic Physician. His practice, The Vibrant Life Health Center,
is located in the Mandarin section of Jacksonville. His interest in health and
fitness started early, and his athletic pursuits have included BMX
racing, Professional Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Baseball, Weight Lifting, and
Martial Arts. After studying and learning from some of the top health experts
throughout the world, Dr. Thomas dedicated his life to helping people of all
ages to transform their lives. The objective for each patient is to initiate
the body’s healing and to work progressively toward a body that functions
optimally. Dr. Thomas is seen regularly on TV on First Coast Living,
where he discusses the transformations of his patients. He also speaks at
events throughout the community and writes informative articles to improve the
health of residents throughout Jacksonville.
