Trying To Keep You Healthy

Good Friday Morning....Dan Wells writing I hope this note finds you well and not SICK. My girls are sick...so this blog is for all of sneezing, sniffling, coughing cold- and flu-sufferers: As miserable as you are, at least you're not alone.

Just a few weeks into the fall season, and it seems like everyone around you is already coughing and sneezing. Are you next? Well...not if you become proactive now and use preventative measures to help ensure that your immune system is working the best way it can.

So what can you do to maintain the optimal health necessary to help your body fight off those nasty bugs that cause respiratory infections and cold and flu woes?

First-line defenses include simple yet effective hand washing and proper hygiene, as well as maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Reducing stress (I know you're probably saying yeah right) can keep the body strong and more resilient against micro-organisms too.

Here are some of the scientifically backed, immune-boosting ingredients (according to my Dr. friends). I just thought I’d pass it along…check it out and let me know if it works….dwells@fox19.com.

•Vitamin D has been a hot research topic for the past few years. Recent findings support the use of vitamin D for the prevention of common respiratory infections, including cold and flu. There is some indication that vitamin D deficiency, commonly occurring in the winter months due to lack of sunshine, may be linked to the increase of these conditions. Because vitamin D is not abundant in our food sources, supplementation may be required.

•Elderberry is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat fever, colds and flu. Black elderberry is rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins that appear to have an antiviral effect and support the body's immune system.

•Echinacea is one of the better known herbs that help boost the immune system. Echinacea is traditionally used to help fight off infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract, while relieving associated symptoms and shortening the duration of illness.

•Probiotics, or good bacteria, elicit a number of positive health effects, particularly in supporting a health immune system. Research shows that probiotics may be useful for preventing respiratory infections in adults and children.

So as we continue to move into the winter months, it makes good sense to protect ourselves with healthy habits and maybe some supplementation to stay cold- and flu-free throughout the upcoming season....Just an idea!

Good Luck and
Dan Wells