If you are wondering if you should get a flu shot or swine flu vaccine, you're not alone. Even if you wanted to get one they are hard to come by. So, what else can we do?  Below is a list of helpful immune boosting tips to help you stay healthy and beat the dreaded bugs out there. 

2. Get plenty of sleep.
Chronic mild sleep deprivation can lead to a whole host of health disorders not to mention rob your immune system's strength.  5-9 hrs is the typical range that should leave you feeling rested when you wake and alert throughout the day. If you are not, you may have an underlying sleep disorder that we need to address.
 
3. Colostrum and Probiotics. 

Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins or anti-bodies and has several anti-microbial properties. Colostrum also contains high concentrations of leukocytes, protective white cells which can destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Today, colostrum from bovine sources (cows) is available in natural food stores as a immune system booster because of its superior disease fighting qualities. 
Pro-Biotics In this age of antisepsis, it seems ironic that each of our intestinal tracts harbors tens of trillions of bacteria. This number, by some estimates, exceeds the total number of cells making up the human body. Most of these bacteria are beneficial but will get over run by the disease causing type when we abuse our internal environment with caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol, chlorine etc... Probiotics are "life enhancing" organisms within the intestinal tract that perform such a wide variety of physiological functions that they have been likened to an accessory organ.  One recent study  supplemented children ages 5-7yrs for 6mo. and found an 84% reduction in antibiotic use and 76% fewer colds compared to the control group durring that period. The benefits work for us adults too! (see me for details)

4. Supplement with Herbs and Vitamins.  There are thousands of cold prevention/cure concoctions and general health Multiple Vitamins on the market.  Unfortunately, most are marketing driven and have little health benefit (ie. almost anything from Walgreen's Costco, Safeway and GNC).  Ideally, we get the bulk of our vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and veggies.  Unfortunately, our food is becoming less nutritious due to synthetic fertilizers genetic modification, and modern farming techniques. This and the fact that most of us don't eat well enough anyway, means that a comprehensive multi vitamin and mineral supplement, omega 3 supplement and an good antioxidant are vital additions to our modern diets.  I have done the research for you and can recommend many natural, effective products to help optimize your health on many levels. Feel free to give me a call or email for recommendations that fit your particular needs.

6. Avoid coffee and alcohol.  These will rob your body of minerals and vitamins, and dehydrate you. If you drink coffee, make sure you add an additional two glasses to your daily water intake per cup of coffee. Ok, coffee and red wine have antioxidants and in moderation can be part of a healthy diet but remember, moderation is the key word. A mineral supplement can help to offset caffeine's damage.  Often the afternoon fatigue you may feel is dehydration not caffeine deficiency. So, try some H20 first!

7. Fill up on Raw Fruits, Veggies, Nuts and Seeds. The nutritional content that you receive from raw fruits and veggies is unparalleled. Cooking or roasting reduces the amount of vitamin and digestive enzyme content.  However, some veggies, like tomatoes, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cabbage, peppers and many others, have more Antioxidants and are easier to digest when lightly cooked (steamed). Dark-colored produce (berries, kale, broccoli) tends to be higher in flavonoids, polyphenols and other antioxidants. The perfect source of minerals is seaweed, which is sold dried, but can often be found "raw" (dried at low temperatures to maintain most of the enzymes and nutrients) in health food stores.