Your Health

With the state of alarm over the swine flu it seems everyone is second guessing their strategies on how they truly can keep their bodies strong.  We have all heard the ‘hand-washing’ routine which is VITAL to everyone but there too are other things you can do to to not only strengthen your immune system but cut down on bug exposure.

Here are some common places Germs live that you may not even think of:

1. Grocery Carts - please do take advantage of the sanitizer wipes by the carts as these push carts or the ones you carry.  A study in 2007 reported 2/3 of these carts are packed with fecal bacteria which shockingly hold more bacteria than the average public bathroom.  Not something you want your apples to rest on!
2. Gym Equipment - again REALLY was your hands a few times after you have completed your work out.  Too – get in the habit of not touching your face during your workout as we get in the habit of wiping sweat off our face with our newly dirtied hands.
3. Lemon wedges in your drink – next time you are in a restaurant take a pass on the added lemon in your water.  Not only do these lemons not get washed, but are handled and placed in your drink by dirty waiters and bartenders hands.  70% of lemons contain disease-causing microbes such as E. Coli and fecal bacteria. Mmm… I’m thirsty!
4. Computer Keyboards – these are shown to have 2x more germs that public water fountains.  This means weekly disinfect your keyboard (or piano, or phone etc) with a sprayed wipe with either pure vinegar or some type of disinfectant.

Now after you have cut back your germ exposure it is time to equip yourself on being strong.  Here are some things you want to increase in your daily eatings…..

• Probiotics - I am talking about enteric covered probiotics that assured to make the 40 foot journey. If you cannot get pharmaceutical grade – Probiotic Pearls are my second favourite.
• Garlic - Allicin is the key ingredient that fights infection and bacteria.  It increases both our T-lymphocytes and macrophages which act as our bodies defence against bugs.  2 Cloves each day into some type of cooking has found to do the trick.
• Vitamin C – this increases the amount of white blood cells your body produces (your immune fighting cells)  which help fight off any foreign invader.  It also increases our own production of antibodies that prevent the entry of viruses such as any flu.  Stock up on citrus fruits, peaches, strawberries and capsule Vitamin C.
• Omega 3 Fats (think Fish, Salba, Flax, Walnuts) – these increase our bodies phagocytes which are a form of white blood cells that literally eat up bacteria. They are like the little pacman that chew up our bad bugs that cause our bodies harm.  My tip – get at least one of these daily.

Click here for a great immune boosting shake to start your day.  Consider adding 1 cup of spinach too for an extra health kick!