| Alternative Health Guide
Asthma: Building the Immune System
ArialThe tips we have given so far for asthma are designed to relieve symptoms as quickly as possible. But for true health it is necessary to rebuild the immune system.
While medications are sometimes necessary, even life-saving, all medications have side effects--some can be immediate. And some quietly take their toll over time.
If you have any medications in the house, you can verify this by reading the warnings that accompany them. Medications, important as they are, only mask or control symptoms. For genuine recovery, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system. A strong, healthy immune system can take most temporary insults in stride.
The immune system is an extensive and fascinating subject. But for now we present a quick list for those who want to get started building stronger immunity.
1. Eat as nearly as possible to nature--fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts in as near the state in which they grow as you are willing to eat them. This writer eats almost everything raw. Various types of salads are a faithful standby. But there are other, interesting recipes for preparing raw foods. Books are written on the subject.
2. Most of our immune system is located in our intestines. Therefore, sluggish elimination is a red flag of warning. Most people who follow the suggestions in #1 will find this sluggishness will quickly change. If it does not, some people have benefited from taking an organic fiber product from a local health food store for three months along with the diet change. After that the fiber is almost sure to be unnecessary.
3. Daily sunshine on one-third of our body for Vitamin D. No sun screen. Not only does sunscreen block the rays we need, but many sun screens have known cancer causing ingredients. (Of course sunburn is not a good idea at all!) If daily exposure to the sun is not possible, some professionals suggest a Vitamin D3 supplement. Showering immediately after sunbathing can wash away the Vitamin D before the skin can absorb it.
4. Drink ten 8-oz glasses of pure water every day. Eliminate caffeine drinks as far as you are willing to do so. Caffeine causes dehydration and dehydration is a major cause of illness.
5. Chemicals such as fluoride, chemical preservatives and other food additives as well as refined sugar, white flour, white rice, and processed foods should be avoided. Sugar is thought to paralyze the immune system for a period of four hours. In addition, one dentist known to this writer says that, in effect, white flour turns to sugar right in your mouth.
So if you give your child sugar coated cereal or sweet rolls and a fruit juice "drink" (containing sugar and chemicals) for breakfast, what happens when the kid at the next desk sneezes in his direction?
6. Daily exercise, preferably outdoors.
7. Fresh air. Can be combined with exercise. Also, if it is secure and the weather allows, it is a great practice to sleep with a window open. Fresh air contributes healthy ions that is depleted from indoor air.
8. Forgive those who have wronged you. Let go of anger and resentment. Both interfere with body functions including the immune system. ©Arlean Kelley 05/25/2009 All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Asthma: Building the Immune System
Alternative Health Guide |
