Sickness got you Down? Not anymore!

Are you secretly envious of your co-workers and friends who, like superheroes, never seem to get sick? You know, the ones glowing with good health while everyone around them is sneezing, sniffling, and coughing like villains. I’ll be honest, I certainly do find myself a tad bit envious. I suffer from an extremely aggressive immune response to allergens. My upper respiratory system is seized when spring and summer hits and my exercise and nutrition suffers because of it. Allergies may be a different beast from a virus or a bacterium, but the immune response is similar and without a strong immune system your body weakens. I’ve learned that I can’t hate the healthy people. Instead, I can steal the secrets of people who manage to stay above the sickroom fray and take steps to boost my body's immunity and maintain my fitness and nutrition. I share the belief that the holistic approach to exercise calms the mind and relieves stress. The cardio, strengthening, and conditioning help boost the immune system. Followed up with adequate rest and morning sinus rinses, I find that no allergen can keep me down, oh no, I’m gonna keep moving! As you start to train, you start to change your habits, either drastically or with baby steps, the change still takes place. :) You clean up your diet and train more. You will find that you look better, and you’re stronger than you ever have been. One bout of Tabata training, Circuit training or Tactix training with Brenda or Michelle can increase circulation. Whenever circulation is increased, you get far more white blood cells that check for foreign germs and are far more apt to be able to gobble them up. I have a few tips you can make a habit and help your body out that much more. This may not occur to you without being made aware of it, but Pay Attention to Your Mouth. The gums have many blood vessels which provides direct access to your blood stream. Germs get in! It’s been shown that gargling regularly with an antiseptic mouthwash has helped improve dental health and may help fend off other illnesses. Remember this, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Guess what? An Apple a Day Really Works. A natural antioxidant called quercetin, found in red apples as well as broccoli and green tea, may give an immunity boost to individuals under stress. This next tip requires a bit more practice for me… Don't Worry, Conquer Stress! Stop worrying. The fear and expectation of having something adverse happen actually lowers immunity. When people are worried all the time they literally scare themselves to death. To sum it up…stress causes cortisol levels to rise--high cortisol levels weaken the body’s overall immunity--the immune system plummets--you get sick. I’m always preaching to Up Your Vitamin Intake. We have a worldwide epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. Everybody needs vitamin D and having an appropriate amount of vitamin C from fruits and vegetables can boost immunity. The brain is a powerful ally, so Mind over Body. Every thought is accompanied by a chain of biochemical reactions in your body. So a positive attitude can increase levels of nitric oxide, which help to balance neurotransmitters, improve immunity, and increase circulation. Fun fact…Whenever nitric oxide levels are high -- from anything ranging from positive thought to exercise -- you're actually improving your resistance to disease. Those of you that were able to attend the Eat Right for Your Type seminar know how I feel about hand sanitizer, but for those of you who weren’t able to attend I will tell you this—-Only use hand Sanitizer when soap and water are not immediately available. Soap is a detergent. The detergent works to break down the capsule of most viruses and bacteria hand cuffing them in a matter of speaking and hauling them away when rinsed with water. Antibacterial hand sanitizer is NOT 100 percent effective in removing bacteria, most viruses are unlikely to be touched. The bacteria that is left behind will continue to multiply and is likely to become a more powerful pathogen. Wash Your Hands - Over and Over. In order to prevent illness, it's important to wash your hands with soap many times during the day because you're in contact with all kinds of pathogens -- door knobs, stair railings, and other people. You really want to have clean hands. Lastly, I’ve said this already, but Get Your ZZZs. Sleep is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Sleep efficiency is the key, so be sure to practice the sleep hygiene tips I gave you a couple blogs back. :) A good night's sleep will restore the immune system. Always keep in mind the importance of exercise and nutrition. Commandeer the secrets to successful immunity and be sure to listen to your body, it gives you signs. When you start to get stuffy or wheezy, REST so that you can continue your workout regimen and help your body out. If you allow the illness to “set up camp” you will not be able to continue your healthy steps and your body will falter leaving you weaker and making it harder for you to get back on track with your fitness and nutrition. That’s all I’ve got for today. Live well and let others know of your success by inviting them to a complimentary training session with Brenda or Michelle! The gift of health is one size fits all! Talk to you soon. Melissa