HOLISTIC HEALTH NOTEBOOK

We are quickly headed into the cold and flu season. When I hear coughing and sneezing around me, I feel like covering my nose and mouth so I don't inhale someone else's germs. But we cannot avoid exposure. Germs are everywhere, especially our hands. Don't shake hands!

Not really. We should not be so afraid of catching something that we squirrel ourselves away like little nuts in the winter. We should enjoy the company of those around us but at the same time, how do we build our immune system so we don't catch every bug that floats around?

My personal anti-flu program has worked well for several decades. It will probably work well for you, too but you need to start now.

Here are the elements of a strong immune system:

NO SUGAR! You have heard that before, haven't you? Did you know that sugar renders the immune system powerless for several hours after indulgence? Sugar feeds pathogenic bacteria, which you do not want to do. Stay away the white stuff, even during the upcoming holiday season.

Get plenty of rest. I am fanatical about getting eight hours of sleep each night. Sleeping well gives your body the chance to rebuild and repair. Your body can more easily fight incoming invaders if it is well rested. My kids know not to call me after 10 p.m. unless their house is on fire and they can't reach the fire department because I am in bed, asleep.

I take nutrients that help support my own immune system because my own internal fighting force (immune system) is my best ally against illness. Pharmaceuticals have their place, no question about it, but nutrients feed my body. One of my favorite nutrient blends provides lots of vitamin C, zinc, and a potpourri of Asian mushrooms that are known to support the immune system. Reishi, shiitake, fu-ling, turkey tail, oyster, cordyceps, and maitake are "kingly" herbs from Asia that are highly revered for their immune supportive properties.

I'm taking it to prevent. One tablet per day will (hopefully) keep the bad guys away.

— Carol is a certified lifestyle educator at the offices of Dr. Alan Gruning in Fort Myers, 939-3303. She owns the Island Nutrition Center on Sanibel, 472-4499.