How to Avoid Colds & Flu by Boosting Your Immune System this Holiday Season

Tips from the Private Practice of Drs Julian and Susan Lange, OMD, L.Ac, Doctors of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture

As the Holiday Season comes into full swing we always get asked Help! The holidays are coming. my family is coming to stay. how can I make sure I don’t get sick?

So how do you boost Your Immune System over the holidays and not get sick?

First, do you know if your immune system, or Wei qi as we call it in Chinese Medicine, is weak?
Some key signs of a weak immune system:

• Gas and bloating
• Susceptible to weather changes
• Aches and Pains
• Low Energy
• Weight Gain or loss
• Skin Problems
• Frequent colds and flu’s

What are the key challenges that will be stressing our immune systems this holiday season?

1. Rich foods – if your digestion is thrown off balance your immune system gets weakened
2. Sugar especially weakens the immune system
3. Lack of sleep as we party the night away, – or even irregular sleep like staying up later than usual watching that special holiday TV show
4. Stress – often parents are under super charged levels of stress trying to cope with everything with a smile on their face
5. Stressful emotions such as depression and anger – both very common at this time of year.
6. Taking the wrong home remedies to combat flus and colds – so then you have to resort to strong medication that can weaken your immune system even more. (Yes, sometimes even home remedies can cause adverse effects.)

In this December article we draw on the principles of Ancient Chinese wisdom (TCM – Traditional Chinese Medicine) to clarify some important misconceptions. We’re focusing on some key Immune Boosters to help you to avoid getting sick over the holidays and in the January issue we will be focusing more on the Bug Busters.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention is KEY.

Immune Boosters are what you take to strengthen your immune system when you don’t have an infection – otherwise you are strengthening the bugs. We want to help prevent you from getting sick

Bug Busters are what you take as soon as you realize you are coming down with a cold. These are used specifically to fight bugs. They are NOT used for strengthening your system because they are often too harsh. You take them short term.

Immune System Boosters: Get your digestive system nice and healthy. Did you know that 70 – 80% of your immune system comes from your digestive tract? So be mindful this season of what you eat. Consider tasty healthy alternatives such as fresh berries that boost your immune system instead of the sugary pies, simple baked yams without all the extra sugar. Every time you reach for the sugar pot, ask yourself if you really need it. Studies have shown that sugar literally stops the white blood cells from moving for several hours. Yikes, that gives time for the bugs to invade! Choose organic whole foods to keep your energy up.

Take a break from TV, the computer and your cell phone to go for long walks with the family. You will sleep better and help your immune system.

Laugh and have fun with your friends. Watch funny movies together. You’ll be boosting your immune systems at the same time!

And finally, some remedies: Take extra probiotics to help your gut.
Here are some time tested herbs that have been extensively researched in China and found to boost the immune system:

• Astragalus has been used for centuries,
• Reishi mushrooms are a very popular Asian tonic,
• Eleutherococcus regulates blood sugar levels naturally and boosts white blood cells
• Codonopsis acts a little like ginseng but without disrupting or over stimulating other functions of the body. (Chinese Medicine doctors do not over use ginseng)
• jujube dates pacify the digestion.
• A traditional herbal formula like Jade Screen contains Astragalus and has been used for centuries to strengthen the Wei qi, boost the immune system and prevent susceptibility to flu’s and colds. It is also used also for allergic rhinitis, allergies, hay fever.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and if you would like more in depth tips to boost your immune system check out our FREE audio recording: Special Holiday Edition: Immune Boosters for your Health and Digestion at:
http://www.MeridianHolistic.com/holidayspecial.html

If you would like a copy of the Digestive Health and Immune System Evaluator that we use to help you assess the effectiveness of any cleanse that you’re doing, whether off the shelf, with a fitness trainer, or a Celebrity cleanse (ie the latest and greatest) go to:
http://www.MeridianHolistic.com/holidayspecial.html

PS Sources:
Even Wholefoods carries some of the items mentioned like the Astragalus, Reishi Mushrooms and Jade Screen. Many Health Food stores will special order for you if they don’t have them in stock.

So you don’t have to venture to China Town anymore!

Drs Julian and Susan Lange, OMD, L.Ac can be found at
http://www.MeridianHolisticHealth.com
They hold Healing Retreats in Ojai and have their private
practice in Santa Monica, California.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. All material provided by us is for educational purposes only. We always suggest that you seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified healthcare provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or taking any diet, exercise, or other health program. Much of the material comes from the 2000 year old tradition of Chinese Medicine and has not been evaluated by the FDA. If you have any immune system concerns or are taking immunosuppressant medications consult with your qualified health practitioner, Acupuncturist or Chinese Herbal Doctor