Dr. Claire Wheeler Offers Tips for Protection Against Infection
Nottingham, UK (PRWEB) October 24, 2008 — The most important defense the body has against becoming ill is to keep the immune system strong in the first place, according to Claire Wheeler, M.D., instructor at Portland State University’s School of Public Health.
Dr. Wheeler, who was also a fellow at the prestigious Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine program at the University of Arizona, says that many people are not getting the necessary antioxidants in their diets to keep the immune system functioning at its peak, and lack of sleep and increased stress serve to impede its function even more.
"Antioxidants are important molecules that reduce the damage that oxygen-based free radicals can cause to cells," says Dr. Wheeler. "Antioxidants are also known to support and enhance immune function – so they play a very important role in helping to prevent and treat infectious diseases."
She adds that, "Many people have diets that are deficient in these important nutrients, so using an antioxidant-rich, drug-free elderberry extract, such as Sambucol® Black Elderberry, helps the body to fight the many types of infectious diseases and viruses that are constantly trying to invade it." Sambucol is the original black elderberry product, which has been researched and tested in published clinical trials showing it to help support the immune system.
Other immune-boosting tips from Dr. Wheeler include:
- Get Plenty of Rest: Make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep every night. Sleep deprivation is a powerful immune suppressant.
- Exercise Frequently: Exercise is a powerful immune booster. A little is good; a lot (60 minutes a day, 5-6 days a week) is great. This includes both cardio and weight training.
- Stay Hydrated. Toxins build up and strain immunity when you don’t get enough water in your diet. Coffee, alcohol and beverages with sugar actually dehydrate the body, increasing the need for water. Try to follow up every drink that is not water with a glass of water.
- Get Sexy. Some studies show that having sex a few times a week is associated with longevity — especially for men. This seems to work in part through positive changes in immune function.
- Let it Out: Stress is a major factor in reduced immunity, so take time to laugh, relax or even jot down your thoughts in a journal as a way to purge your day and start anew. Take time to focus on the positive things in your life on a daily basis.
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/10/prweb1519564.htm