The Buckhead Team - Belmont Village

Keisha’s Wellness
Corner
STAYING HEALTHY DURING
THE COLD AND FLU SEASON
Yes, the cold and flu season are
here again. Typically, in
November, many of us stock up
on hand sanitizer, tissues, over the
counter medication for symptom
relief and pray that we don’t
get sick.
The old adage about dieting, “it
isn’t a diet, it is a change in
lifestyle” rings true for reducing
the risk of getting the cold and flu.
First, you must give your
immune system a boost. You
know there are some people who
never seem to catch a cold, and
others appear to catch everything.
You can reduce your susceptibility
to colds and flu by strengthening
your immune system.
Begin by eating right, not just
during cold and flu season, but all
the time. I know it sounds
routine, but lean meats such as
turkey and unprocessed foods
such as vegetables, fruits, beans
and nuts provide your body with
vitamins and minerals such as
zinc, selenium and protein to
support your immune system.
Zinc has been shown to interfere
with the ability of viruses to enter
cells of the body. Studies have
shown that chicken soup can
improve the ability of cilia, (tiny
hair like particles in the nasal
passages) to protect the body from
bacteria and viruses.
Limit your sugar intake.
Excessive sugar may significantly
reduce white blood cell function.
Not to mention cavities, weight
gain, impaired heart function and
diabetes risks.
Get your Vitamin Zzzz’s. Sleep
has long been underrated but
quality sleep is critical to overall
health, managing stress and
improving your body’s immunity.
During deep sleep immuneenhancing
compounds are
released.
Chill out! When you are
stressed the body goes into
overload, increasing production of
hormones such as adrenaline and
corticosteroids that reduce white
blood cell formation and suppress
the immune system. Another way
to de-stress is to exercise. Even 30
minutes of moderate exercise,
three times a week will increase
white blood cell activity, which
helps fight viral infections.
Drink water. By staying
hydrated, you keep your upper
respiratory tract moist and less
likely for viruses to thrive and
again it helps improve those all
important white blood cells.
Cont.
These healthy habits support
overall well being, but also will
strengthen your immune system
when you do come in contact
with the common cold or
influenza.
Please don’t forget to get the
flu shot. Remember, you cannot
catch the flu from getting the flu
vaccine. And, finally, thorough
hand washing with soap and
water for at least 20–30 seconds
is absolutely essential.
Stay healthy!!!
Super Food: Pumpkin
Pumpkin isn’t just pretty. It’s
packed with nutrients, too. The
flesh of the orange orb is rich in
beta-carotene, which the body
converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A
boosts the immune system,
promotes healthy eyesight and
may help reverse skin damage
caused by the sun. Pumpkin also
is a good source of vitamins C
and E and minerals potassium
and magnesium, as well as
heart-healthy fiber. So enjoy a
slice of pumpkin pie this
Thanksgiving, but don’t stop
there—pumpkin also is
delicious in muffins, soups
and ravioli.