Winter is a time of the year when our immune system -- and our immune system response -- needs to be functioning at peak performance. Without a good immune system we are "sitting ducks" for a host of viral, bacterial, and fungal infectious organisms (pathogens), and some are life-threatening.
In winter, the quantity and quality of oxygen levels decrease due to the disappearance of green vegetation. Chlorophyll -- the substance that produces this green color in vegetation -- not only helps to determine the quantity of oxygen in the air we breath, but it also determines the quality, in that green vegetation helps filter and cleanse the air.
Our bodies' immune systems must have an ample supply of oxygen and certain nutrients to function properly. A decrease in oxygen levels, a lack of sunshine (natural vitamin D), and improper diet are the main reasons why we are more susceptible to colds, influenza, or pneumonia during the winter months.
What damages the immune system? Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cola drinks, most soft drinks (other than natural juices), coffee, chocolate (cocoa), saturated fat, overcooked foods, refined sugars and sugar substitutes, highly refined and processed foods, polluted air, polluted water, and many drug medications.
A phytogenesis diet is good for boosting the immune system. It includes:
* Natural foods -- emphasis on raw fruits, raw vegetables, raw nuts and seeds.
* Green drinks (e.g., barley grass, wheat grass).
* Drinking 6-8 glasses of distilled water daily.
* Taking maintenance doses of an all-natural vitamin and mineral supplement.
* Taking maintenance doses of beta-carotene, vitamin C complex, vitamin E (dry form), and a synergistic herbal formula containing such herbs as astragalus, echinacea, red clover, golden seal, burdock, licorice, propolis.
Copyright 1998 Dr. William L. Kyle
