Tag Archives: colds

11.01.21
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Natural Ways to Help Boost Your Immune System – Stave off Covid, Common Colds, and the Flu

Contrary to the news and commercial sponsors who constantly run “Flu season” ads, it is not  normal to get sick on a regular basis. If you are catching colds and viruses easily it means your body is run down and your immune system could use your help.

What your immune system does

Your immune system is an internal network of proteins and cells that have the sole job of fighting off foreign invaders (antigens). Your immune system builds up defenses more and more as it comes in contact with new germs, bacteria, and viral matter. Immunoglobulins are created to fight of the antigens.

Your immune system is comprised of mucous membranes, your tonsils, the spleen, all of your lymph nodes, the thymus gland, and your bone marrow. While tonsils for years were believed to be non-necessary it is known now that having your tonsils is helpful as they act as a filter for toxins. When very ill you may even produce what are known as tonsil stones (white globs of collected bacteria that can be removed carefully with a qtip from the tonsils in the back of your throat). When broken open you can clearly smell how foul the matter collected is and see why your body is trying to get rid of it.

Your immune system does weaken as you age, but most of the deterioration doesn’t begin till about age 60 unless other factors play into your health.

In a healthy person your immune system allows you to be in the presence of germs, viruses, and bacteria and not get sick from them. It is only when your defenses are down that your body ends up becoming ill.

How to boost your immune system the natural way with no side effects

While there is much debate right now as to whether or not vaccinations are good or bad, do or do not work, and even if they are dangerous to your health and wellbeing, the fact is that these natural immunity boosters do work with no worry of side effects.

WALKING DAILY – Those who walk at least 20 minutes per day 5 days a week had 43% fewer sick days than those who only walked 1 or 2 days per week.

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS – Chiropractic spinal adjustments support the nervous system and as a result all organs. This in turn boosts your natural immunity. So, get adjusted regularly and preventatively.

GET ADEQUATE SLEEP – Sleep is the time your body uses to restore itself. Without enough sleep we become tired, worn out, slower in thought, and sick more easily. So, if you are burning the candle at both ends – cool it and get some rest.

sleep is vital for health kaster chiropractic fort myers, florida

EAT HEALTHY FATS – Omega-3’s, Salmon, Chia seeds, avocados, olive oil, these all boost your body’s response to pathogens and help suppress inflammation and pain.

EAT WHOLE PLANT FOODS – Vegetables, seeds, nuts, fruits, and beans all have antioxidants that help decrease inflammation and restore gut health. Fruits and vegetables also help to shorten the length of the common cold!

 

EAT PROBIOTICS (OR FERMENTED FOODS) – Sauerkraut, yogurt, pickles, and kefir are great sources. You can also take a probiotic supplement if you don’t really love these food selections.

REMOVE ADDED SUGARS from your diet as much as possible. Sugar leads to obesity and obesity is a major factor in sickness. Your body is simply having to work too hard to carry the extra weight. Keep sugar to 5% or under of your daily caloric value.

EXERCISE – moderate exercise enhances immunity. So, get out there and move. Pick an activity you enjoy and do it regularly.

HYDRATE – Dehydration can negatively affect your health. It can make you more prone to illness and disease so drink lots of pure clean water and non-carbonated herbal teas and in moderation fresh juices. Steer clear of coffee, soda, and energy drinks as well as caffeinated teas – they are all dehydrating.

hydration and spinal health chiropractic fort myers dr kaster

FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE – Your body needs sunlight. It helps to produce Vitamin D naturally. Go spend time outside every single day no matter the weather.

SUPPLEMENTS TO BOOST IMMUNITY – Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Elderberry, Echinacea, Garlic. This powerhouse combination can help keep your guard up and your body healthy.

These lifestyle and diet choices can majorly impact your body’s ability to fight back against potential invaders. Wishing you a healthy happy Fall!

Sincerely,

The Staff at Kaster Chiropractic and Associates of Fort Myers, Florida

www.KasterChiropractic.com 
239-332-2555

 

11.06.19
by

The Right Cold Medicine for High Blood Pressure

cold-medicine-heart-tampa-cardio

cold-medicine-heart-tampa-cardioThe temperatures are dropping fast. With the sudden change in weather, our bodies sometimes don’t fully adjust right away. This can put a dent in our immunity and leave us exposed to potential cold and flu viruses going around.

While there is still no cure for the common cold or the flu, millions of Americans seek relief through over the counter medicines which can help shorten the duration of the illness as well as mask symptoms and help you cope with the bugs and feel a little better temporarily allowing you to get through your days.

These medicines work very well for most people. If you happen to have problems with your heart health though you need to be aware of potential complications and side effects even over the counter remedies may provoke.

If you have been diagnosed with hypertension (High blood pressure), heart disease, or heart failure, common decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can be a danger. They are both vasoconstrictors, meaning they constrict blood vessels in the sinus and nasal passages which helps with drainage and swelling – making it easier for you to breathe. The problem is because they are taken orally the effects don’t just take place in the sinuses and nose. They can make your heart work harder than it needs to and that can spell trouble for some.

Safer Alternatives that Still Work

Nasal Decongestant Sprays – This helps minimize the cardiovascular effect because of the direct delivery system. Please use no more than twice daily and only as directed.

Neti Pot – A neti pot is a small plastic pot that holds (non-tap) water, lukewarm, mixed with salt (the salts come with the pots in small pre-measured packages). Mix and rinse one side of the nose at a time. They are great for clearing out dust, pollen, dander, air pollutants, viruses, bacteria and more from your sinus cavities and have no side effects. They are free to be used with any medications.

Hot compress – holding a heating pad or hot compress against your face not only feels good, but it also helps loosen and release sinus pain and pressure allowing the mucus to drain more easily.

Antihistamines – these may be a safe alternative. Antihistamines can help dry up nasal mucosa. Just be aware they may cause drowsiness.

Steam – Be it a wet sauna, a hot shower, or a bowl of boiled water with a towel, the fact is steam loosens up sinuses and helps them to drain. All of these are great helpers.

When choosing a product, always read the label carefully.

  1. Look at both the “active” and “inactive” ingredients. Many contain multiple active ingredients that could affect your cardiovascular health, interact with your cardiovascular medications, and cause side effects.
  2. Decongestants and antihistamines come in extended-release meaning that you take them less frequently. Always read the directions on the label and consult your pharmacist or doctor with any questions.

For more heart-healthy advice visit WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM OR CALL US FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT  813-975-2800.