Immune System Boosters for Your Overall Body But Specifically for Singers
It’s that time of year again; school is about to begin, and that means colds, flu, viruses, and all the “fun” that goes along with it. I apologize for not posting this sooner but if you jump on this stuff, your family’s health should greatly benefit from the application of some of these ideas. The first ideas are “behavioral” suggestions. The other suggestions are “herbal or food-related”. Check these out and start strengthening your family’s immune systems.
1. GET CONSISTENT, SUFFICIENT SLEEP - I always say sleep is when God does His best work because we’re not around to try to “help Him out”. In truth, your body needs the time while it sleeps to handle all the maintenance your body needs, not simply to maintain, but to grow, replenish, and renew. Without sufficient sleep, the hormone Cortisol is released in elevated amounts, which will ultimately suppress the body’s immune system. You, not only, start to look tired but you start to look “old”, and “gray” (your skin and hair lose their normal “glow”; you get “crankier”; your body develops odd aches and pains; you generally “drag”). When I first went away to college, I NEVER got sleep at final exam time and boy, could you tell. I looked like I’d been “rode hard and put away wet”, which as you can imagine was frightening for other people to see; I felt exhausted and terrible; and it took several extra days for me to even enjoy being out of school because I was so tired and disoriented that I had to “recover” from losing all that sleep. Do yourself a favor; plan things out ahead of time, and get consistent sleep. EVERYBODY rests easier!
2. MINIMIZE STRESS - In these crazy days, stress seems to be a “normal” part of life but it is truly TERRIBLE for our health! I mean it can literally kill you! Here are just a few of the side effects of stress on your body’s systems: on your Central Nervous System - irritability, anxiety, and depression; on your Cardiovascular System - stress makes your heart overwork, which raises the risk of high blood pressure and other issues with your heart; on your Digestive System - stress can cause nausea, vomiting, or general stomach discomfort, as well as affecting the processing of food, which causes an imbalance and leads to either diarrhea or constipation; in your Muscular System - your muscles never get a chance to relax or rejuvenate, which can lead to headaches, general body aches, and even back and shoulder pain; in your Reproductive System - stress can lead to the lowering of a man’s testosterone levels, and even erectile dysfunction or challenges to sperm production, as well as making certain areas more prone to infection, such as the prostate, testes, and urethra; in the Immune System - stress, in the beginning seems to be helpful, because it helps heal wounds and fight infection, but over a period of time, the hormone Cortisol is released in elevated amounts into the bloodstream, and this restricts histamine secretion and the responsiveness of the Immune System to “invaders”, such as infection or viruses, making those people under incessant stress less resistant to viruses such as flus or the common cold, as well as increasing the time necessary for healing and recuperation from injuries or sickness. Stress is REALLY bad for us!
3. NO, NO, NO, I MEAN NEVER!!!!! SMOKE OR EVEN BE AROUND SMOKE - Honestly, it’s been proven that “Second-hand” smoke can be even worse for you than if you smoked yourself. Smoking is POISON for your body; it totally and completely sabotages the body’s Immune System AND significantly elevates our risk for Respiratory ailments such as Bronchitis or Pneumonia, as well as Middle Ear infections in children, not to mention that you’re playing “Russian Roulette” with Cancer every time you breathe it in. I KNOW there are singers who smoke; there have even been “successful” singers who’ve smoked. However, PLEASE find some other way to calm your nerves, to look “cool”. It is SO dangerous…Mouth Cancer, Tongue Cancer, Throat Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pneumonia, DOUBLE Pneumonia, and on and on…BAD STUFF! Bad stuff! Thank you for NOT smoking!
4. LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION - Honestly, this is not a moral, ethical, or spiritual condemnation; EXCESSIVE alcohol intake (EXCESSIVE, not moderate intake) definitely disrupts the Immune System, and can actually also increase our susceptibility to lung infections. Remember, we’re primarily dealing with overall body health, but ESPECIALLY a SINGER’S body’s health.
5. GET A LITTLE SUNSHINE - First of all, remember I said a LITTLE sunshine. Think moderation here. Sunlight encourages our body’s production of Vitamin D in our exposed skin, and Vitamin D is essential to our body’s ability to effectively create, as well as fight off, many things, including: Vitamin D helps the body fight diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, flu, and heart disease; it helps fight depression; it boosts weight loss ability; it helps us build stronger bones by stimulating the deposit of Calcium into them; it promotes better muscle function; it decreases our risk for Type 2 Diabetes; it helps lower blood pressure and keeps our arterial walls elastic; and it is a very potent cancer-cell inhibitor. I’m not much of a “sun worshipper” myself but a little sunshine will help our bodies go a long way!
6. OKAY, YOU HAD TO KNOW IT WAS COMING…EAT PLENTY OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS AND SEED… EAT HEALTHY! - You probably heard all about the “Food Pyramid” growing up. I always thought you were supposed to eat like 30 green vegetables a day. As long as the food tasted like freshly mown grass or WORSE, it was good for you, and therefore, you were to eat LOTS of it every day, and just “grim and bear it!” Amazingly, and thankfully, in today’s age of the “The Food Network”, Bobby Flay, and even Gordon Ramsay, there is no such thing as an inedible veggie dish, and we REALLY do to need lots of good vegetables in our daily diet. To be exact, The Food Pyramid says we need 3 to 5 servings of vegetables daily; 2 to 4 fruits daily; 2 to 3 servings of milk, cheese, and yogurt; 2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts daily; and 6 to 11 servings of bread, cereal, rice, and pasta daily. Whoa! HOW exactly are we suppose to lose weight? You also want to hold down your Sodium intake (that’s salt, folks!) as much as possible, and limit sweets, oils, and fats as much as possible, as well. It’s really best to change up and vary your diet with lots of different foods and choices for a strong, healthy diet. It is also very wise to make sure you include exercise, especially aerobic exercise in your daily routine (http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/sites/default/files/archived_projects/FGPPamphlet.pdf).
7. GARLIC - Garlic is such a natural antimicrobial conveyor and serious Immune System booster but heat, or cooking the garlic, can kill its wonderful, inherent characteristics. Therefore, make sure you add chopped or crushed garlic at the end of the cooking process, just before it’s ready to serve. I had an old friend from Greece who used to wear an entire HEAD of Garlic around his neck anytime he thought he was getting sick or if people around him were sick. He WORKED until his mid-nineties, and lived into his 110s. He was amazing and was essentially NEVER sick. Up your garlic intake!
8. MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS - You might think all mushrooms are alike but that just isn’t true. Here are the “Medicinal” mushroom, which help build Immune System resilience, fight infection, and help us process different vitamins: Reishi mushrooms; Shiitake mushrooms; Lactorkus Salmonicolor; Coriolis Versicolor ; and Morel mushrooms (http://www.alternet.org/personal-health/5-types-medicinal-mushrooms-and-surprising-ways-they-can-boost-your-health). Concentrated tinctures of Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to produce enhanced Immune System responses for women who struggle with Breast Cancer.
9. PROBIOTICS - Most of us have had to take ANTIbiotics for some kind of infection but PRObiotics are really good for us. They allow us to replenish our body’s supplies of healthy intestinal flora or intestinal microbiota. Especially where children are concerned, I highly recommend a Probiotic called Bio-K (https://www.biokplus.com/en_ca); I have used it myself. It comes in a number of different flavors, which are all tasty. The important thing to look for in Probiotic treatments is to always buy “live” cultures, which means only buy Probiotics that have to be refrigerated. Any other forms of Acidophilus or Bifidus, those not refrigerated, do NOT contain Live cultures, regardless of what a clerk may tell you. Live cultures are what you want.
10. GINGER - Ginger is a root that can be purchased at most any grocery store. It is sold in “fingers” in the Produce Department. Ginger reduces inflammation (such as in the respiratory tract), helps reduce blood clots and cardiovascular challenges, and helps lower Cholesterol. It warms tissues, breaks down toxins, especially in the lungs and sinuses, and it serves to cleanse the Lymph System. Check out my favorite personal tea using fresh ginger root in the earlier post on “Teas”.
11. ECHINACEA - Echinacea was what a LOT of people used to treat all kinds of medical problems before the discovery of Penicillin in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Echinacea STILL works wonderfully and NATURALLY AGAINST all kinds viruses and infections like the common cold, the flu, and many other upper respiratory infections. However, other infections and ailments can also be effectively treated including: ear infections; vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs); HIV/AIDS; Septicemia; Tonsillitis; Strep Throat; Warts; Anxiety disorders; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Migraine headaches, dizziness; some snake bites; and even Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Additionally, Echinacea can be used TOPICALLY for treating: boils, abscesses, ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, Herpes Simplex, bee and mosquito bites or stings; wounds on skin; damage on skin caused by the sun, such as Sunburn; gum disease; and hemorrhoids (http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-981-echinacea.aspx?activeingredientid=981&). Combining Echinacea with another herb called Goldenseal (a member of the Daisy family) will help PREVENT colds and upper respiratory infections.
12. IMMUNE-SUPPORTING HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS - Here are a few great herbs for building up the Immune System: 1 - Ginseng (there are a number of different varieties but the best for your Immune System is Panax or Korean Ginseng. Its primary element of Ginsenosides has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and there are even studies that show that, not only does Ginseng help improve Immune System function, but it is effective for psychological issues, as well as Diabetes). 2 - Turmeric (This contains Curcumin, which is known for its antioxidant properties. However, Turmeric is also known for its antibacterial and stomach-comforting qualities because it triggers the Adrenal Glands so that they produce more of the hormone that reduces inflammation in the body, and aid digestion by exciting bile flow). 3 - Gingko Biloba (Gingko Biloba is actually the oldest known living tree species. Pretty amazing, huh? Its leaves are where the incredible nutritive value is held. They contain both flavonoids and terpenoids, which serve as antioxidants. Our bodies carry substances called “Free Radicals”, which accrue during our lifetimes, and are thought to significantly contribute to cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. The antioxidants in Gingko Biloba combat the Free Radicals, and prohibit them from impairing or injuring cells and DNA. Taken orally, Gingko Biloba supplements memory, blood circulation, and may contribute to improving eye and vein health, as well as dementia, including Alzheimer’s). 4 - Astragalus (This herb from China invigorates the Immune System; strengthens Adrenal function; aids the body in fighting off the flu and common cold; helps with digestion by lowering stomach acidity levels; works to elevate your body’s metabolic rate; and improves waste removal, as well as acting as a diuretic. This all occurs because Astragalus contains polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids). 5 - Cat’s Claw - (Used frequently for stomach/digestive challenges, this herb comes from Peru. It is now recognized as a remarkable stimulator for the Immune System, helping your body combat infections, as well as degenerative diseases. Cat’s Claw contains oxindole alkaloids, which augment and strengthen your Immune System’s ability to envelop and annihilate pathogens within your body. (http://www.naturalnews.com/035530_immune_system_herbs_spices.html)
Thank you for reading this post! I hope you’ve found it helpful, and that you will post questions, comments, and suggestions for future blog post topics below. I greatly appreciate your participation in my blog, and look forward to hearing from each of you. For questions about me or my Music Lessons, please check out my website at www.SingitForward.net. Sing it Forward!
1. GET CONSISTENT, SUFFICIENT SLEEP - I always say sleep is when God does His best work because we’re not around to try to “help Him out”. In truth, your body needs the time while it sleeps to handle all the maintenance your body needs, not simply to maintain, but to grow, replenish, and renew. Without sufficient sleep, the hormone Cortisol is released in elevated amounts, which will ultimately suppress the body’s immune system. You, not only, start to look tired but you start to look “old”, and “gray” (your skin and hair lose their normal “glow”; you get “crankier”; your body develops odd aches and pains; you generally “drag”). When I first went away to college, I NEVER got sleep at final exam time and boy, could you tell. I looked like I’d been “rode hard and put away wet”, which as you can imagine was frightening for other people to see; I felt exhausted and terrible; and it took several extra days for me to even enjoy being out of school because I was so tired and disoriented that I had to “recover” from losing all that sleep. Do yourself a favor; plan things out ahead of time, and get consistent sleep. EVERYBODY rests easier!
2. MINIMIZE STRESS - In these crazy days, stress seems to be a “normal” part of life but it is truly TERRIBLE for our health! I mean it can literally kill you! Here are just a few of the side effects of stress on your body’s systems: on your Central Nervous System - irritability, anxiety, and depression; on your Cardiovascular System - stress makes your heart overwork, which raises the risk of high blood pressure and other issues with your heart; on your Digestive System - stress can cause nausea, vomiting, or general stomach discomfort, as well as affecting the processing of food, which causes an imbalance and leads to either diarrhea or constipation; in your Muscular System - your muscles never get a chance to relax or rejuvenate, which can lead to headaches, general body aches, and even back and shoulder pain; in your Reproductive System - stress can lead to the lowering of a man’s testosterone levels, and even erectile dysfunction or challenges to sperm production, as well as making certain areas more prone to infection, such as the prostate, testes, and urethra; in the Immune System - stress, in the beginning seems to be helpful, because it helps heal wounds and fight infection, but over a period of time, the hormone Cortisol is released in elevated amounts into the bloodstream, and this restricts histamine secretion and the responsiveness of the Immune System to “invaders”, such as infection or viruses, making those people under incessant stress less resistant to viruses such as flus or the common cold, as well as increasing the time necessary for healing and recuperation from injuries or sickness. Stress is REALLY bad for us!
3. NO, NO, NO, I MEAN NEVER!!!!! SMOKE OR EVEN BE AROUND SMOKE - Honestly, it’s been proven that “Second-hand” smoke can be even worse for you than if you smoked yourself. Smoking is POISON for your body; it totally and completely sabotages the body’s Immune System AND significantly elevates our risk for Respiratory ailments such as Bronchitis or Pneumonia, as well as Middle Ear infections in children, not to mention that you’re playing “Russian Roulette” with Cancer every time you breathe it in. I KNOW there are singers who smoke; there have even been “successful” singers who’ve smoked. However, PLEASE find some other way to calm your nerves, to look “cool”. It is SO dangerous…Mouth Cancer, Tongue Cancer, Throat Cancer, Lung Cancer, Pneumonia, DOUBLE Pneumonia, and on and on…BAD STUFF! Bad stuff! Thank you for NOT smoking!
4. LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION - Honestly, this is not a moral, ethical, or spiritual condemnation; EXCESSIVE alcohol intake (EXCESSIVE, not moderate intake) definitely disrupts the Immune System, and can actually also increase our susceptibility to lung infections. Remember, we’re primarily dealing with overall body health, but ESPECIALLY a SINGER’S body’s health.
5. GET A LITTLE SUNSHINE - First of all, remember I said a LITTLE sunshine. Think moderation here. Sunlight encourages our body’s production of Vitamin D in our exposed skin, and Vitamin D is essential to our body’s ability to effectively create, as well as fight off, many things, including: Vitamin D helps the body fight diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, flu, and heart disease; it helps fight depression; it boosts weight loss ability; it helps us build stronger bones by stimulating the deposit of Calcium into them; it promotes better muscle function; it decreases our risk for Type 2 Diabetes; it helps lower blood pressure and keeps our arterial walls elastic; and it is a very potent cancer-cell inhibitor. I’m not much of a “sun worshipper” myself but a little sunshine will help our bodies go a long way!
6. OKAY, YOU HAD TO KNOW IT WAS COMING…EAT PLENTY OF FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS AND SEED… EAT HEALTHY! - You probably heard all about the “Food Pyramid” growing up. I always thought you were supposed to eat like 30 green vegetables a day. As long as the food tasted like freshly mown grass or WORSE, it was good for you, and therefore, you were to eat LOTS of it every day, and just “grim and bear it!” Amazingly, and thankfully, in today’s age of the “The Food Network”, Bobby Flay, and even Gordon Ramsay, there is no such thing as an inedible veggie dish, and we REALLY do to need lots of good vegetables in our daily diet. To be exact, The Food Pyramid says we need 3 to 5 servings of vegetables daily; 2 to 4 fruits daily; 2 to 3 servings of milk, cheese, and yogurt; 2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts daily; and 6 to 11 servings of bread, cereal, rice, and pasta daily. Whoa! HOW exactly are we suppose to lose weight? You also want to hold down your Sodium intake (that’s salt, folks!) as much as possible, and limit sweets, oils, and fats as much as possible, as well. It’s really best to change up and vary your diet with lots of different foods and choices for a strong, healthy diet. It is also very wise to make sure you include exercise, especially aerobic exercise in your daily routine (http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/sites/default/files/archived_projects/FGPPamphlet.pdf).
7. GARLIC - Garlic is such a natural antimicrobial conveyor and serious Immune System booster but heat, or cooking the garlic, can kill its wonderful, inherent characteristics. Therefore, make sure you add chopped or crushed garlic at the end of the cooking process, just before it’s ready to serve. I had an old friend from Greece who used to wear an entire HEAD of Garlic around his neck anytime he thought he was getting sick or if people around him were sick. He WORKED until his mid-nineties, and lived into his 110s. He was amazing and was essentially NEVER sick. Up your garlic intake!
8. MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS - You might think all mushrooms are alike but that just isn’t true. Here are the “Medicinal” mushroom, which help build Immune System resilience, fight infection, and help us process different vitamins: Reishi mushrooms; Shiitake mushrooms; Lactorkus Salmonicolor; Coriolis Versicolor ; and Morel mushrooms (http://www.alternet.org/personal-health/5-types-medicinal-mushrooms-and-surprising-ways-they-can-boost-your-health). Concentrated tinctures of Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to produce enhanced Immune System responses for women who struggle with Breast Cancer.
9. PROBIOTICS - Most of us have had to take ANTIbiotics for some kind of infection but PRObiotics are really good for us. They allow us to replenish our body’s supplies of healthy intestinal flora or intestinal microbiota. Especially where children are concerned, I highly recommend a Probiotic called Bio-K (https://www.biokplus.com/en_ca); I have used it myself. It comes in a number of different flavors, which are all tasty. The important thing to look for in Probiotic treatments is to always buy “live” cultures, which means only buy Probiotics that have to be refrigerated. Any other forms of Acidophilus or Bifidus, those not refrigerated, do NOT contain Live cultures, regardless of what a clerk may tell you. Live cultures are what you want.
10. GINGER - Ginger is a root that can be purchased at most any grocery store. It is sold in “fingers” in the Produce Department. Ginger reduces inflammation (such as in the respiratory tract), helps reduce blood clots and cardiovascular challenges, and helps lower Cholesterol. It warms tissues, breaks down toxins, especially in the lungs and sinuses, and it serves to cleanse the Lymph System. Check out my favorite personal tea using fresh ginger root in the earlier post on “Teas”.
11. ECHINACEA - Echinacea was what a LOT of people used to treat all kinds of medical problems before the discovery of Penicillin in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Echinacea STILL works wonderfully and NATURALLY AGAINST all kinds viruses and infections like the common cold, the flu, and many other upper respiratory infections. However, other infections and ailments can also be effectively treated including: ear infections; vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs); HIV/AIDS; Septicemia; Tonsillitis; Strep Throat; Warts; Anxiety disorders; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Migraine headaches, dizziness; some snake bites; and even Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Additionally, Echinacea can be used TOPICALLY for treating: boils, abscesses, ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, Herpes Simplex, bee and mosquito bites or stings; wounds on skin; damage on skin caused by the sun, such as Sunburn; gum disease; and hemorrhoids (http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-981-echinacea.aspx?activeingredientid=981&). Combining Echinacea with another herb called Goldenseal (a member of the Daisy family) will help PREVENT colds and upper respiratory infections.
12. IMMUNE-SUPPORTING HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS - Here are a few great herbs for building up the Immune System: 1 - Ginseng (there are a number of different varieties but the best for your Immune System is Panax or Korean Ginseng. Its primary element of Ginsenosides has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and there are even studies that show that, not only does Ginseng help improve Immune System function, but it is effective for psychological issues, as well as Diabetes). 2 - Turmeric (This contains Curcumin, which is known for its antioxidant properties. However, Turmeric is also known for its antibacterial and stomach-comforting qualities because it triggers the Adrenal Glands so that they produce more of the hormone that reduces inflammation in the body, and aid digestion by exciting bile flow). 3 - Gingko Biloba (Gingko Biloba is actually the oldest known living tree species. Pretty amazing, huh? Its leaves are where the incredible nutritive value is held. They contain both flavonoids and terpenoids, which serve as antioxidants. Our bodies carry substances called “Free Radicals”, which accrue during our lifetimes, and are thought to significantly contribute to cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. The antioxidants in Gingko Biloba combat the Free Radicals, and prohibit them from impairing or injuring cells and DNA. Taken orally, Gingko Biloba supplements memory, blood circulation, and may contribute to improving eye and vein health, as well as dementia, including Alzheimer’s). 4 - Astragalus (This herb from China invigorates the Immune System; strengthens Adrenal function; aids the body in fighting off the flu and common cold; helps with digestion by lowering stomach acidity levels; works to elevate your body’s metabolic rate; and improves waste removal, as well as acting as a diuretic. This all occurs because Astragalus contains polysaccharides, saponins and flavonoids). 5 - Cat’s Claw - (Used frequently for stomach/digestive challenges, this herb comes from Peru. It is now recognized as a remarkable stimulator for the Immune System, helping your body combat infections, as well as degenerative diseases. Cat’s Claw contains oxindole alkaloids, which augment and strengthen your Immune System’s ability to envelop and annihilate pathogens within your body. (http://www.naturalnews.com/035530_immune_system_herbs_spices.html)
Thank you for reading this post! I hope you’ve found it helpful, and that you will post questions, comments, and suggestions for future blog post topics below. I greatly appreciate your participation in my blog, and look forward to hearing from each of you. For questions about me or my Music Lessons, please check out my website at www.SingitForward.net. Sing it Forward!
Comments
Post a Comment