December 13, 2007 - Dr. Reyes' Secrets to Not Getting Sick during the Winter Months

Have you ever felt the symptoms of a cold coming on? It might have started out with just the sniffles or a light cough. Then it turned into a sore throat, stuffed up nose, and before you know it you're calling in sick. Maybe it's happened to you already.

Well, we've all been there. Sometimes a cold can last as long as a week maybe two. With everything going on in your life, who's got time to get sick?

I pretty much feel the same way. That's why I thought I'd share with you some of my coveted secrets to staying healthy during the winter months. This formula has kept me free of the dreaded cold and flu for nearly seven years. Yes, seven years. I've never had to go to the drug store to buy over the counter medications and I've never had the flu shot. I got sick once, a couple years ago, only because I wasn't following my own advice.

So trust me, it works! And it can work for you too.

Cheat on Weekends but be Good the Rest of the Week

Most of us don't think too much about what we eat.

But could the food you're eating be making you sick? Let's see.

Does your diet mainly consist of processed foods like sodas, cereals and crackers? Do you eat foods with high sugar content like candy, cookies and cake? Do you often eat a lot of fast food and TV dinners?

Then I'd say your diet is probably making you sick. Why? All these foods lack the important vitamins and minerals that are necessary for your health. The body actually identifies these foods as toxins.

Did you know this kind of diet immobilizes the immune system? That means that a virus can get a stronghold on your body and you can end up sick as a dog.

What should you be eating? You should be eating a diet that consists of real food such as chicken, steak and fish that are hormone free, green leafy vegetables and lots of fruit and fiber.

It sounds boring doesn't it? If this is just too healthy for you, I recommend that you simply start by having 1-2 good meals per week and work your way up to 3-5 meals where your not eating junk food.

Now, I know it's the holidays and all of us like indulging in the good things in life. I hear you! My advice however, is to nourish your body throughout the week so that your immune system stays strong. And then when it comes to the weekend give yourself permission to eat anything you want. Anything!

Please remember though to get back on track starting Monday morning. This is generally a good rule to follow throughout the year. The problem is when people start thinking that everyday is the weekend. That's when you get yourself in trouble and before you know it your nose is so stuffy you can't breathe.

Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine once said "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food." Please give it a try. It could make the world of difference in how you feel.

Use Probiotics to Boost the Immune System

Probiotics have played an important role, if not, the most important role at a time when I was trying to regain my health.

Just what exactly are probiotics? A probiotic is the presence of good bacteria in our digestive tract that allows us to get rid of organisms that are harmful to our health.

How do harmful organisms get into our system? Mainly through eating a poor diet. However, chronic stress, drugs, especially if you've been taking antibiotics, disease, and excess alcohol can throw gut flora out of balance.

Why is gut flora so important? Because your immune system starts in the digestive tract. If your immune system is not functioning properly, you decrease the ability to absorb essential nutrients and eliminate harmful toxins. If toxins stay in your body, you get sick. It's that simple.

If you're having digestive problems or what we call a leaky gut, we can certainly create the proper protocol for you.

Don't Forget to Take Your Vitamins

If you are not getting pharmaceutical grade vitamins from us then I highly recommend that you do. Not all vitamins are made the same. What's the difference between getting it from us or buying it from a vitamin store? The difference is in quality. Why is quality so important? It sets a standard for your health. But that's another article.

I'm just here to tell you that it's important to take a good quality multivitamin to meet the nutritional demands your body needs during the cold and flu season.

However, taking vitamins is NOT a substitute for a good quality diet.

So, keep that in mind.

Do Not Stop Exercising

I know it's cold outside and you would much rather stay indoors and hibernate. But did you know your body naturally craves physical activity everyday? And with winter lasting 3-4 months in Chicago, you can't afford to stop exercising altogether.

Staying active during the winter months can really give your immune system the boost it needs to keep you from getting sick.

But where do you find the time? Try cutting down the amount of time you spend in front of the television. Take the family out for a brisk walk around the neighborhood, or go for a run, a hike, play sports, do anything, just get moving and do something. If the weather gets real bad to go out, find creative ways to exercise indoors like using hand weights, an exercise ball or resistive bands. Remember, any exercise is better than no exercise.

Exercise will not only boost your immune system and keep you healthy but it'll also give you a head start when spring rolls around.

Don't Burn the Candle at Both Ends

For most people the holidays are always a stressful time. Between shopping, wrapping and celebrating who's got time to relax and unwind?

But because of today's fast paced lifestyle the body needs sleep more than ever. If you consistently neglect getting rest, your immune system could suffer and it could increase your chances of getting sick.

To keep your energy up during the winter months, be sure to get plenty of rest and spend time doing the things you value the most. Don't try to do too much at once and try not to overbook yourself. If possible take 15min each day to decompress by spending some time alone, reading a book, or doing some form of exercise and stretching.

Remember, this is a special time to enjoy your family and friends. Wouldn't you want to show up feeling your best?

Get Adjusted by your Chiropractor

Forgive me for the shameless plug. But I am a Chiropractor and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't recommend it. After all, this article is about sharing my secrets to staying healthy and chiropractic has definitely played a huge part.

I have no doubt that keeping my spine healthy has allowed my nervous system to do its job and prevent me from getting sick.

When was the last time you had an adjustment? Isn't it time to make an appointment? Just think about how good you'll feel afterwards!

Well, there you have it. These are my secrets to not getting sick during the winter months.

If you follow this basic formula that I just laid out, you too can be on your way to superb health. It's certainly helped me.

Wishing you all the best to you and yours,

Dr. Reyes

PS: If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me.

All writings here are copyrighted by Bernadine Reyes. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.