We all know someone, maybe even several people, who are healthy no matter what “bug” is going around. You know, the ones who show up on the job every day, who never use a single sick day all year. They seem to have been born with super healthy genes or powerful immunity to disease that helps them move easily through their lives – upbeat, positive and happy.
What are they doing that you’re not? Maybe if you do what they do you’ll get what they get! Here are some tips for healthy living that you can use to be more like them, instead of being envious of them!
• Exercise to raise your heart rate, oxygenate cells, increase circulation (which increases white blood cell count – the cells that fight disease), release endorphins (“feel good” brain chemicals), strengthen bones and muscles, release stress, gain energy and lose weight. There are so many benefits to exercise and you can accomplish all this with a 30-minute brisk walk daily!
• Drink green tea and eat plenty of broccoli and apples. They contain an antioxidant (quercetin) that helps the immune system when it’s under stress.
• Stop worrying – worry produces stress, which produces high levels of cortisol and other stress hormones. These stress hormones lower immunity, and consequently increase your chance of becoming ill.
• Maintain a positive attitude – those who think positive thoughts, despite what’s going on around them, have healthier lives as well.
• Develop a diverse network of friends – according to research, those who are extroverted and who spend time among different groups of people are less prone to heart disease and live longer.
• Sleep – 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, night after night, builds immunity to keep you healthier.
• Take care of your dental health – gum disease can hurt more than your teeth and gums. The bacteria in your mouth can cause other diseases in your body as well.
• Avoid excessive caffeine intake and mood-altering lifestyle drugs that can have some serious long-term negative health effects.
• Meditate or pray regularly – prayer and meditation helps to ease stress and bring about faith that “all will be well,” decreasing stress that lowers immune system function.
• Avoid processed foods, fast food and sugar - incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. A high fiber, low calorie, low fat diet is the best way to eat to stay heart healthy.
And, of course, it goes without saying that maintaining a healthy nervous system through regular chiropractic adjustments is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Many of our long-term patients claim that they are never sick, no matter what “bug” is going around or how much stress is in their lives. They feel equipped to deal with anything that comes their way and their yearly physicals confirm that fact!
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