StemCell Therapy

By Robin Young andNicole ClarkSUN Columnist

Ever noticed how the onset of winter weather tends to increase the frequency of illness? While weather does play a role, it is not the direct cause. Rather, place blame on the true culprits causing your illness; for example rhinovirus (common cold) and influenza virus (flu).

The connection between winter and illnessThe connection lies in the fact that cold, dry weather is the preferred environment for pathogens to replicate and thrive. Consequently, your body is exposed to more germs during winter. Aside from heading south when temperatures drop, your next best bet is to prepare for battle. Fortunately, with the right support, your body is equipped with a highly efficient immune system.

Your immune system in a nutshellThis defense system is composed of many specialized cells, which are generally referred to as white blood cells. The first responsibility of immune cells is to recognize foreign pathogens in your body. Once recognized, the next step is to destroy them. Finally, your immune cells memorize the pathogen in order to destroy it quickly upon the next exposure. Coordinating this effort is a full-time job, requiring immune cells to function at the top of their game.

Support your hardworking immune systemSupport for your immune system includes everything from diet to physical activity to hygiene. Here are a few suggestions on what you can do and why it works.

Vitamin DEat or consume foods high in vitamin D, which helps your immune cells recognize unwanted bacteria.Considerable controversy exists among health professionals regarding the definition of vitamin D deficiency. Consult with your provider for information specific to you.Eat 3 ounces of fish one to three times a week. Fish such as salmon, herring, tuna and trout are good sources of dietary vitamin D.Incorporate mushrooms into your diet. Mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D and phytochemicals, both of which support your immune system.Try adding mushrooms to soups, sauces and casseroles. The water in these dishes extracts the phytochemicals found in mushrooms such as button, oyster and shiitake.Other good sources of vitamin D include fortified dairy milk, plant-based milk or juices.

Move your bodyShort bouts (15 minutes) of moderate-intensity exercise help boost immune function.Moderate intensity means you are breathing harder than normal, but can still talk.

Early to bed, later to riseDuring sleep, the body not only produces immune cells, but also enhances existing cells ability to quickly respond to disease-causing microorganisms known as pathogens.Aim for seven to nine hours when you are feeling well.

Feed gut microbes with fiberComplex carbohydrates such as those found in lentils, beans, barley and oats (to name a few) feed the bacteria in your gut.Gut microbes convert complex carbs to short-chain fatty acids that, once absorbed, help immune cells recognize and destroy pathogens.Plus, short-chain fatty acids strengthen the epithelial cells lining your intestine, thus improving your natural barrier to pathogens.

Wash your hands frequentlyThe best defense starts externally.Prevent the introduction of pathogens into your mouth or nose by washing hands often.

If all else failsIf all else fails, rest, recover, hydrate and stay warm.Contrary to human tendency, when you begin to feel ill, the quickest route to recovery means taking some down time, no matter how busy you are.

Upcoming eventsJanuary/February: Support your local 4-H Program by purchasing soup from a 4-H member.Feb. 11: The 36th annual Beef Symposium will be held at the Archuleta County Extension office. The cost is $25 per person and includes lunch. Please call the Extension office at 264-5931 for more information and to register.Feb. 12: The Agricultural Financial Management Strategies workshop, hosted by the CSU Agriculture and Business Management Team, will cover topics such as risk management, business planning, enterprise budgeting, record keeping and more. Please go to http://www.2020fms.eventbrite.com to register or come into the office to pay. The cost is $15.

CPR and first aid classesCPR and first aid certification classes are offered monthly by the CSU Extension office on the second Monday and Wednesday of each month from 6 to 10 p.m. Anyone needing to receive or renew certification can register by calling the Extension office at 264-5931.We will also attempt to schedule classes on additional dates with five or more registrations. Cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. The type of first aid information provided will vary by the needs of the audience.

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Extension Viewpoints: Winter weather and illness prevention - Pagosa Springs Sun

This entry was posted on January 26, 2020 at 4:48 am and is filed under Immune System. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |