Secrets to Staying Healthy

Some people rarely get sick and have consistently high energy levels. Do they just have strong constitutions or are they doing something to stay healthy? Here are some "secret" foods and lifestyle practices that are said to boost the immune system and keep colds at bay.
Some Things You Can Do

• Check your body's pH level. The American diet is full of highly processed foods, which means it is highly acidic, and many nutritionists argue that is the reason disease and illness are so prevalent in our society. To find out your pH level, buy pH test strips at a pharmacy. If you are more acidic than alkaline, avoid meats and processed foods and eat more alkaline foods, including most vegetables and olive oil.


• Take cold showers regularly. They're not pleasant, but taking cold showers and baths can increase your white blood cell count, which helps fight disease. A Berlin study of cold water swimmers who regularly took freezing dips found them to get half as many chest colds as people who did not swim in cold water on a regular basis.


• Go green with dry cleaning. Many dry cleaners use a chemical called perchloroethylene, also known as perc, to clean clothes. Exposure to perc has been linked to kidney and liver damage, and even minimal exposure can cause headaches and dizziness in some people. As an alternative, find a "green" dry cleaner that uses liquid carbon dioxide instead of chemicals. Also, avoid clothes with synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon that contain polyvinyl chloride - a carcinogen - and phthalates. Opt for clothes made with 100% natural fibers such as cotton, wool or cashmere that are not labeled wrinkle-free or stain or static resistant.


• Avoid synthetic vitamins. Just because you're taking vitamins does not mean they are good for you. Many health conscious don't realize the artificial, unnatural and synthetic chemicals in their dietary supplements are not only ineffective, they may cause disease! Opt for whole food vitamins instead, generally found at health food stores, via a natural therapist or online - but learn how to read labels and know what you are buying. The Organic Consumers Association has published an ingredient chart to help consumers identify natural vs. synthetic vitamins.

Some Foods You Can Eat

• Garlic keeps colds away. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties and has been shown to reduce blood pressure in people who eat it regularly. Garlic has also been found to inhibit the ability of platelets to grow clots in the arteries, which helps prevent heart disease and strokes. If you feel a cold coming on, eat a raw clove of garlic to boost your immune system.


• Try the trout. Trout contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to good health but are not naturally occurring in the human body. They play a crucial role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development.


• Bilberries help blood glucose levels. Bilberries are a fruit high in phytochemicals, which are said to improve blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Bilberry extract was also found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, according to a 2010 article in the Journal of Medicinal Foods stated that bilberry extract inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells.

The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult with your doctor before making any diet or exercise changes.

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