Building and Managing Viral Immunity

Most people are very aware of acute inflammation since it presents with pain, redness, and swelling. However, the long term, low-grade inflammation, which is below the level of detection, can wear down the body over time.

Here are 9 strategies for dealing with chronic inflammation, which has a positive effect on the immunity:

1. Get quality sleep. Quality rest and sleep enhances recovery and healing, normalizes body rhythms, relieves stress, restores hormone balance, and helps reduce inflammation. Don’t underestimate the power of sleep in recovering from viral infections or inflammatory conditions. It creates an environment where the body can heal and recover. Don’t short change yourself; 7 to 8 hours is a good goal.

2. Balance the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids in the diet. The fatty acids in omega 3 rich oils such as fish oils and some omega 6 fatty acids like gamma linolenic acid from borage and evening oils have anti-inflammatory properties. The problem is that the North America diet has a very high amount of omega 6 oils from corn, soy, safflower, and sunflower oil. Even our meats and dairy products are high in omega 6 fats because corn is often fed to cattle and poultry. 2 or 3 parts omega 6 to 1 part omega 3 is a good ratio. Taking fish oils may be necessary to reach that ratio.

3. Movement is essential for good health, but strenuous exercise can cause increased inflammation, damaged tissue, and oxidative stress. Balance exercise with the right amount of rest and incorporate moving meditation such as tai chi, qi gong, yoga or our “morning routine”. Exercise encourages lymph and blood circulation to remove toxins and reduce inflammation so make sure when and if you are ill that you focus on gentle movements done daily.

4. Allergic foods can trigger an inflammatory response in sensitive individuals and weaken immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections. Avoid your allergic foods for at least one month after recovery from illness. Once you start introducing the foods back in to your diet make sure you do so on a rotated basis. Check our Fresh Start Menu Plan.

5. Create a balance of between alkalinity and acidity in your body. An acidic environment is usually associated with inflammation and disease. Green vegetable juices, as well as adding more vegetables to your diet, can help lower acidity. If more help is needed to achieve a less acidic environment in the body, use sodium or potassium bicarbonates. Contact the clinic to check your acid/alkaline balance.

6. Lower stress levels and regulate cortisol. Excess or deficient cortisol can be involved in inflammatory conditions. Stress can lead to an initial rise in cortisol, but if it is prolonged, eventually cortisol levels will be inadequate. Rest, eating to balance blood sugar, gentle exercise, meditation, and adrenal support may be required.

7. Take proteolytic enzymes on an empty stomach. Taken with food, these enzymes break down protein; on an empty stomach, they have potent anti-inflammatory effects as well as being able to break down adhesions or scar tissue.

8. Control cytokines and chemokines. These two substances have pro-inflammatory effects. Phytonutrients such as quercitin and the B vitamins can be very useful.

9. Use anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients. Tumeric, ginger, bromelain, boswellia, phytosterols, selenium, zinc, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, grapeseed extract, and so on are wonderful for quenching inflammation.