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| Improving My Immune System Begins At The Store! |
One of the things this Corona virus has taught me is that I really need to get to work on improving my immune system. I thought I had a good one. After I moved here two years ago, I got really sick. Every so often I will catch a cold or a bug of some kind now. In fact, I had just gotten over a really bad cold in February. If I am around someone who has a cold, I usually catch it. So that tells me it is time to work on the old immune system. Actually that is what everyone should do now because that would protect you more than a vaccine. So I have been researching how to improve my immune system and make it stronger. I realize it will be more work at my age, soon to be 68, but I have to start now.
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| No Smoking Community |
It goes without saying, that if you smoke you need to quit. I don't smoke so no need to worry about that. My biggest concern is being around people smoking near me. I am fortunate to live in a no smoking community and can''t praise it enough. I have been around smoking recently and the next two days I suffered badly. Never again. I learned not to put myself in that position again. Limiting your alcohol is another on the list for improving your immunity. I do not drink either so I am okay there too.
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| Fresh Produce For Rabbit & Me |
Now for the biggie........food! Eating wholesome unprocessed foods is the key. Reading labels making sure to know what exactly is in your food. I am avoiding preservatives as well as sugar (and hidden sugars as well) and white flour and other processed ingredients. I am not buying sugar substitutes for now as I want to lose my fondness for sweets. Sugar is a very addicting substance and it has a negative effect on your body. Trying to eat as much fresh fruits and vegetables as I can. One of the drawbacks of my my apartment is that I can no longer have a garden. I miss my garden so much. The last couple of years at my old house, the gardens did not do well. The beds, lawn and compost had become over populated with some kind of weed. It must have been in the hay that the horses ate. I am fortunate to live in an area of farms that sell at the farmers' markets.
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| My Water Supply |
The one thing I am horribly bad about is drinking enough water. In Chinese medicine the doctor will ask if you are a not a thirsty person, or are you a thirsty person that drinks or one that does not drink. I am afraid I am the last. I don't drink anything after my second cup of coffee in the morning. Then I forget about it till bedtime. Sometimes I drink a couple of glasses of water or ice tea just before going to bed. I am going to really work on this. I have post-it notes all over my apartment to remind me to drink water. Staying hydrated is important for your immune system.
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| Plenty of food now! |
Stress is another important element in strengthening your immune system. For the last two years my stress level has gone way down. Money and debt used to be a big part of that. Living here though that is pretty much gone. I have no more of that worry. If you live alone, they say that is not good for a long life. But I think they are wrong on that. This is the first time in my life I have lived completely alone (unless you count Rabbit) and my stress is almost gone. I have paid off a good deal of the debt I came here with. I am comfortable and have whatever food I need or want. I have friends but no fighting or stressful situations.
There are certain foods and vitamins needed for a healthy immune system. My thought on that is to eat a balanced diet, but a varied diet and you should get all you need. Instead of snacking on chips or Doritos, clean and cut up a bowl of fruit or vegetables as an alternative. Do your own research but these are the foods I am going to be including: Berries, Citrus Fruits, Green and Orange Vegetables, Nuts and Seeds, Organic Yogurt with Live Cultures. Cook with a lot of garlic, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, ginger and turmeric. I try to buy as much produce as I can eat within about 4-5 days.
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| I have someone who makes me laugh for sure! |
Lastly, spend time enjoying life. Laughter is a stress reliever. So take time out with someone who makes you laugh. Watch some sitcoms (like Seinfeld, Mash, Rhoda, etc.) or stand-up comedians on YouTube (like Jeanne Robertson or Sebastian Maniscalco). Relaxing with friends or in nature. Just sitting in the park across the street from my home is calming for me. I hear the birds singing, see children playing in the playground, feel the sun on my skin and meditate in the outdoors. Life is so short, you don't want to miss any moments of your own.
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| We are NOT doctors or health professionals! |
I am not a doctor or a health expert in any way. This is the way I have started working on my own health on my own. Not following anyone's particular plan or diet. Just what I feel is right for myself. Do your own research and you should be able to find what works best for you.
