Now back over to winning the battle of the bugs:
Immune system is intertwined with digestive, nervous, and musculoskeletal system.
So that's how we gonna approach this beast.
1. Musculoskeletal system is close to my heart (pun intended!), and makes a great starting point.
You may have noticed that persistent pain makes you more prone to colds and flu's. Now why is that?
A) of course, pain wears you down and changes the central nervous system, but also B) when you are in pain, you move less and / or move
differently.
Lymph flow (lymph to your immune system is what blood is to your cardiovascular system) is completely dependent on muscle contractions, correct muscle length, and optimal range of motion in the joints. Any limitation in movement creates adverse affect on lymphatic flow, thus lowering your immunity.
Tight musculature also negatively affects your breathing and digestion, destabilizing your immune
system even further.
Steps to take:
~ move, stretch and walk every day. Beware of habitual unhealthy patterns of movement (shallow breathing, shuffling gate, using shoulder action in place of hand movement). Join a yoga class or work with a therapist who is able to help you gain body awareness and healthier range of
motion.
~ hydrate aggressively - without proper hydration your tissues begin to resemble over-dried jerky. That's really not a nice way to be!
2. Digestive system is closely interconnected with musculoskeletal system: tight muscles lead to sad digestion and plugged up
elimination (amongst other things).
Follow these steps to improve the state of your digestion and elimination:
~ avoid ice cold drinks with your meals (and ever, unless you are in the desert)
~ relax your belly - sucking the belly in (for any reason) leads to pressure problems
such as hernias and constipation
~ slow down, chew well and breathe well when you are eating.
Take immune helping supplements (this is not my realm of expertise, so I asked my friend Angie who is the boss lady at Homesteader Health for advice):
Immune 7
Probiotics (look for enteric coated ones)
Greens ( avoid ones with too many fillers like pectin etc.)
Vitamin
D
Healthy Oils
Take these at the first onset of symptoms:
Colloidal Silver
Zinc
Elderberry
Ayurvedic thoughts:
~ reduce or eliminate raw leafy greens ( cook your greens)
~ eat warm, moist, soft foods whenever you are feeling unwell
~ reduce or eliminate dairy, bananas, and soft bread if you have a mucus-y condition.
~ I also really like
ginger elixir - it is easy enough to make and it sure packs a punch!
3. Finally, take care of your nervous system. It surely is easier said than done in our crazed, information - addicted society. Here
are some ideas:
~ get outside and move / walking is best
~ meditate or practice body scans
~ get enough sleep
~ spend time with people you love
~ get hugged - touch is like food to our nervous system
~ I also take Bacopa supplement (did you know that Ghandi took Bacopa every single day?) for mental clarity and better
memory.
That's probably plenty info for one day, hey?
Lots of digi-hugs, and enjoy the
sunshine!
Julia