Ready-Set-Go…Back to School
Two Weeks BEFORE School Starts
As parents and consumers, we’re never ready for the onslaught of illnesses that occur after classes start in late August or early September. That said, you cannot afford to wait until then to protect your health and that of your family. Generally six to eight weeks after classes begin, illnesses manifest: strep throat, colds, influenza, sinus infections and earaches. The following proactive natural health measures are simple yet effective:
Probiotics are essential for intestinal health. Most of our immune system is based in our gut! Probiotics help compensate for fast food, dehydration and general stress. For maximum effectiveness, rotate brands and potencies. It’s recommended that children under age 12 be administered at least 2 billion and adults with 60 billion organisms per serving, rotating up to about 100 billion.
Daily adequate bowel elimination is vital. Increase natural fiber from raw vegetables and fruits. Make green smoothies with fruit and a whey protein for immune-enhancement and increased energy and stamina. If you are sensitive to dairy, use a protein powder from organic brown rice with milk alternatives (almond, hemp, coconut or flax milk), and add seeds like Camelina, flax, chia, etc. for added fiber and nutritional value.
General Considerations
AVOID sugar – It suppresses immunity. Eight tablespoons (equal to two cans of soda) reduces the ability of white blood cells to kill germs by 40 percent! The effects begin 20 to 30 minutes AFTER ingestion and last up to eight hours. Use natural sweeteners like Stevia, Lo Han and Xylitol instead.
Hydrate – Consume half your weight in ounces of water daily (for example, for 50 lb., drink 25 oz.). Consume more when you’re physically active or in hot weather. Carry your own BPA-free water bottle to avoid dangerous chemicals from plastic. Did you know – When you sip from a “fat” straw, your body craves more and you consume twice as much with half the effort?
Hand sanitation – I don’t advocate using anti-bacterial soaps or wipes because they have the same adverse effect long-term as antibiotics – creating drug resistance, dry skin, macro (large) pores and making us more susceptible to infection. I prefer a fragrance-free alcohol or any other natural antibacterial like a professional silver hydrosol (not typical colloidal silver). The best prevention is frequent hand-washing. Silver hydrosol is also available as a nasal spray for protection when exposed to viruses any place.
If your child appears “off,” check his or her urine pH after their first pee of the morning. If the urine is acidic, it usually indicates that the child’s immune system is “fighting” a virus or infection. You can quickly alkalize short-term with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in whatever food or liquid you can hide it if they don’t like the taste and/or sweeten with a natural sweetener. Their first urine of the morning should have a pH between 6.5 to 7.2. Bacteria and viruses cannot thrive and multiply in an alkaline environment.
Dr. Gilbѐre is Founder/CEO of the Institute for Wholistic Rejuvenation She is an acclaimed author of 18 books, syndicated talk-show host of nine years, creator of eight post-graduate courses, and has written more than 1,700 health articles. She consults worldwide via telephone/Skype and in Gig Harbor. Visit: www.gloriagilbere.com or call 888.352.8175.
