I’m seeing more and more cases of weird bacterial infections in my clients. I’m amazed how many rounds of antibiotics I have approved of in the last few months for bacterial infections of the digestive tract and lymphatic system, as well as the more common sinus and respiratory tracts.
Normally, we all have viruses, bacteria, various parasites and micro-organisms, even deformed cells inhabiting our bodies. Our immune system works to keep a healthy balance. It’s a complicated eco-system within our bodies, one we understand as little as we do the eco-system of the planet, but I have a few suggestions to help you keep harmony within.
Starting at the beginning, watch what you put in your mouth. Your mouth contains a lot of good bacteria working to stop invaders from getting any further, but they can only do so much. Before you touch food or anything else you will put in your mouth, make sure your hands are clean. I’m not a fan of antibacterial products because they eliminate a wide spectrum of bacteria, creating imbalance. Studies have shown that warm water and soap work just as well as antibacterial products. The key is to wash for 30 seconds—about the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Ignore the ads showing “bad” bacteria on door handles and other places. We are surrounded by microbes. The point is not to kill them all—that would lead to a sterile unhealthy place—but instead to limit access to our sensitive areas, such as the mucus membranes and digestive system. You don’t need to wash obsessively, just if you are going to touch your face or food.
The next antimicrobe stop in your body is your stomach. The stomach is an acid environment designed to break down proteins. The acid also kills all manner of microbes that have hitched a ride in on your food. Antacids such as Tums and Prevacid reduce the amount of acidity in your stomach, making it easier for harmful microbes to pass through into the fertile breeding ground of your intestines. If you have acid reflux, call or e-mail me for healthier ways to cope with it.
Your intestines should be full of beneficial microbes. Encourage them by eating yogurt with active cultures, sauerkraut, or by taking a probiotic. (Food is always better than pills.)
Your skin is another entryway for microbes. Ideally, the skin is covered with an acid mantle that protects from external toxins. Unfortunately, our culture’s obsession with bathing strips away the acid and leaves us vulnerable to external pathogens. Soap turns your skin’s pH alkaline, and it takes a few hours to rebalance to acid again. Eating foods high in Vitamin C helps, so eat fresh fruit after your morning shower. The acid on your skin probably helps protect against skin cancer too, so don’t go out in the sun right after showering with soap.
Macrobiotic proponent Michio Kushi suggested that soap just be used on sweaty areas (under arms, feet, pubic area) and on places with visible dirt (such as after gardening). Using just water on the rest of you will clean without disturbing the acid mantle. There are body products containing Vitamin C which are probably helpful to the skin, such as those made by Jason, available at health food stores.
Finally, reduce your stress levels. You’ve noticed how when you are under the most stress is when you get sick (or just after the stress lifts, when your body collapses from the effort of coping). Your antimicrobe defenses work the same way. Do a good job of managing your response to stress, and your body’s ecosystem will be healthier.
Do this with deep breathing, positive affirmations, taking time to chew, eating real food. A recent prostate cancer study showed that men who ate more fruits and vegetables, exercised moderately, and relaxed for an hour a day actually reversed their cancer growths. I think that’s good advice for anyone, especially the relaxing part.
Watch those Microbes!
I’m seeing more and more cases of weird bacterial infections in my clients. I’m amazed how many rounds of antibiotics I have approved of in the last few months for bacterial infections of the digestive tract and lymphatic system, as well as the more common sinus and respiratory tracts.
Normally, we all have viruses, bacteria, various parasites and micro-organisms, even deformed cells inhabiting our bodies. Our immune system works to keep a healthy balance. It’s a complicated eco-system within our bodies, one we understand as little as we do the eco-system of the planet, but I have a few suggestions to help you keep harmony within.
Starting at the beginning, watch what you put in your mouth. Your mouth contains a lot of good bacteria working to stop invaders from getting any further, but they can only do so much. Before you touch food or anything else you will put in your mouth, make sure your hands are clean. I’m not a fan of antibacterial products because they eliminate a wide spectrum of bacteria, creating imbalance. Studies have shown that warm water and soap work just as well as antibacterial products. The key is to wash for 30 seconds—about the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Ignore the ads showing “bad” bacteria on door handles and other places. We are surrounded by microbes. The point is not to kill them all—that would lead to a sterile unhealthy place—but instead to limit access to our sensitive areas, such as the mucus membranes and digestive system. You don’t need to wash obsessively, just if you are going to touch your face or food.
The next antimicrobe stop in your body is your stomach. The stomach is an acid environment designed to break down proteins. The acid also kills all manner of microbes that have hitched a ride in on your food. Antacids such as Tums and Prevacid reduce the amount of acidity in your stomach, making it easier for harmful microbes to pass through into the fertile breeding ground of your intestines. If you have acid reflux, call or e-mail me for healthier ways to cope with it.
Your intestines should be full of beneficial microbes. Encourage them by eating yogurt with active cultures, sauerkraut, or by taking a probiotic. (Food is always better than pills.)
Your skin is another entryway for microbes. Ideally, the skin is covered with an acid mantle that protects from external toxins. Unfortunately, our culture’s obsession with bathing strips away the acid and leaves us vulnerable to external pathogens. Soap turns your skin’s pH alkaline, and it takes a few hours to rebalance to acid again. Eating foods high in Vitamin C helps, so eat fresh fruit after your morning shower. The acid on your skin probably helps protect against skin cancer too, so don’t go out in the sun right after showering with soap.
Macrobiotic proponent Michio Kushi suggested that soap just be used on sweaty areas (under arms, feet, pubic area) and on places with visible dirt (such as after gardening). Using just water on the rest of you will clean without disturbing the acid mantle. There are body products containing Vitamin C which are probably helpful to the skin, such as those made by Jason, available at health food stores.
Finally, reduce your stress levels. You’ve noticed how when you are under the most stress is when you get sick (or just after the stress lifts, when your body collapses from the effort of coping). Your antimicrobe defenses work the same way. Do a good job of managing your response to stress, and your body’s ecosystem will be healthier.
Do this with deep breathing, positive affirmations, taking time to chew, eating real food. A recent prostate cancer study showed that men who ate more fruits and vegetables, exercised moderately, and relaxed for an hour a day actually reversed their cancer growths. I think that’s good advice for anyone, especially the relaxing part.
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