Recommendations for a sturdy immune system from over 20 years of clinical experience in Oriental Medicine Care in Honolulu Hawaii
#1 Emotions
Emotions affect our overall health and immunity. Keeping our minds focused on positive thoughts either through meditations, positive affirmations, getting acupuncture or keeping a gratitude journal could show us in great stead through this trying time. Studying something that you love or learning a new skill such as learning a language or how to sew or paint for example could keep our minds focused and improve our lives. Enjoying our hobbies and sports such as surfing in Honolulu, sculpting in your workshop woodworking in the back yard, decorating, working on cars, or in the garden are also great ways to develop our positive mindsets and keep our emotions strong this will also translate to a strong immune system.
#2 Fresh Air and Sunshine
R estricting your oxygen intake can have dire consequences on the immune system. If you have to wear a mask for work go outside in the morning, at lunch and after work for at least 10 to 30 minutes and walk or do some meditative breathing while imagining that you are on the beach in Honolulu getting some nourishing sunshine. (Yes! Even imagining that you are getting sunshine can help!)
#3 Supplements
Find a good brand online, at your local health food store or from your health care provider such as your acupuncturist. For dosages consult with your health care provider or call me for a consultation here in Honolulu. Some suggestions could be Yu Ping Feng San, Cordycepts, Turkey Tail mushrooms, Catalyn, Cataplex C, Cataplex F, Zinc Liver Chelate, high quality vitamin C (not from China), Andrographis, Echinacea, Zinc throat spray, a good quality multi vitamin and a good trace mineral supplement.
#4 High Vibrational Foods
Fresh fruit and vegetables from your local area can not only keep your immune system strong, but can also help to prevent allergies. Support your local growers by visiting organic farms and farmer’s markets. For example throughout Honolulu County we have many local organic farms from Waianae to Waimanalo. Check your local area for CSA (community supported agriculture) boxes and more. Stay hydrated. Especially in cooler weather where you may not feel thirsty, remember to keep sipping on warm or hot beverages throughout the day.
#5 Things to Avoid
- The News
If something important is happening in your area someone will probably let you know about it, or be specific in your searches for example if I want to know what’s happening in Honolulu today I search specifically for the topic and location. Watching too much of the news can be overwhelming and create fear, it can lower the immune system function as well as causing stress, anxiety and depression. Do something else.
- Processed food
Eat fresh food cooked at home as much as possible. If you have anything that comes in a package be sure to read the ingredients. The fewer ingredients, the better. At all cost avoid any GMO foods. Foods on the following list if not specifically organic, or if you don’t know the farmer are 99.999% of the time going to be GMO
- Alfalfa
- Apples
- Beans
- Chicory
- Eggplant
- Flax
- Corn
- Melons
- Papayas
- Pineapples
- Plums
- Safflower
- Soybean
- Squash
- Sugar beets (this is what sugar is made from)
- Sugar cane
- Sweet peppers
- Tomatoes
- Wheat
Do not ever eat anything that contains canola oil, even if it is organic as any canola oil can cause clogging of the arteries. Also, sugar greatly reduces immune system function. Since cows eat alfalfa and chickens are fed corn any meat, eggs or dairy products should be avoided or organic.
#6 If you start to feel under the weather
- Check with your personal health care provider such as an acupuncturist for recommendations for supplements or herbs for your personal situation. If you are a local patient here in Honolulu or one of my remote patients around the world feel free to call me for a consultation.
- Rest
Rest is one of the most significant ways of recovering our health. If you have been working too much or not sleeping well enough the immune system can be compromised. If you are having trouble resting or sleeping be sure to check with your health care practitioner for assistance.
- Soup
Healthy soups made at home can be chock full of nutrition. Chose ingredients that you like and add things like garlic, onion, black pepper and fresh herbs to your taste.
- Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a simple home remedy for soothing sore throats and boosting immunity. Take one to two inches of fresh ginger, chop and boil in two to three cups of water for 20-30 minutes, you can also add a cinnamon stick if you like (cinnamon is a very good herb to use). Serve with honey and fresh lemon.
- White Flower Oil
White flower oil can usually be found in Oriental markets and often at local pharmacies such as Don Quixote in Honolulu or here at my clinic. White flower oil can be used preventatively daily, just rub a few drops on your chest or throat. Also good for soothing a cough rub on chest and back. For a stuffy nose add a few drops to a bowl of steaming water and inhale the steam.
- Smile!
Smiling also has a positive effect on the brain and thus the immune system. Watch funny movies, listen to funny audiobooks, watch video about snorkeling in the sun in Honolulu, laugh and love your soul, heart, mind, immune system and body!
#7 Get Acupuncture!
Last but certainly not least, as a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, I would be remiss not recommending acupuncture. In the beginning of my acupuncture career I was seeing 65% HIV positive patients, many with cancer, lung disorders, liver issues and more. Acupuncture has never ceased to amaze me in how much it truly does to reduce stress and improve the immune system function. So if you are in Honolulu or would like to come to Honolulu for a few weeks of treatment definitely give me a call today (please add phone number)!
At the end of the day the most important aspect of a healthy immune system is a reduction in stress. Doing meditation, chanting, singing, yoga or other exercise helps us to reduce stress and therefore strengthens our bodies, emotions, minds, relationships, immune systems, even our businesses and finances. Try to do what you can but not to be too stressed. Sometimes being happy about going out to eat even if it’s not organic can do more for our health and sanity than worrying about the ingredients. Do your best and have fun!
Love you all!
Gina Musetti
Gina I would re-phrase this just to avoid causing friction in someone’s mind over the advice