For a long time now we’ve understood that there is a connection between high levels of stress and getting sick. Stress that we experience not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well, can have a detrimental effect on our immune system. So the question becomes, if too much stress can be harmful to immune function, does that mean the opposite is true? Could relaxation, positive thinking and an optimistic outlook on life actually help your immune system? According to a recent study, the answer is YES! The study can be found at www.mercola.com, but we’ve included Dr. Mercola’s summary below as well.
“In a study of about 125 first-year law students, researchers examined the relationship between personal optimism and cell-mediated immunity (CMI), which plays a central role in protecting you against viral infections.
At five points over the course of the school year, participants answered a series of questions and had their CMI measured through a simple skin test. To gauge their optimism level, they were asked to what degree they agreed with a series of statements, including “I will be less successful than most of my classmates” and “It’s unlikely that I will fail.”
The end-of-year results were decisive. Changes in CMI across time correlated with changes in optimism. When optimism increased, so did CMI. When optimism decreased, so did CMI.”
Maintaining your exercise program can be a challenge during the winter months – freezing temperatures, rain and snow can deplete anyone’s motivation for staying in shape. As tempting as it might be to stay on your couch during the winter months, one of the best things you can do for yourself is exercise. During the winter months especially our bodies need the activity and fresh air. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola (www.mercola.com) some of the benefits to maintaing your exercise program are:
1. Exercise helps boost your immune system, which means fewer colds and flu during the winter months.
2. Exercise has been shown to decrease your risk of diseases as wide ranging as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer. In addition, there is evidence regular workouts can cause healthy structural changes in your heart.
3. Exercise is also a great way to relieve tension and manage the dangerous physical symptoms of stress. When you exercise, endorphins are released in your brain. Endorphins are all natural tranquilizers and mood elevators which create feelings of relaxation and renewal.
Dr. Mercola has written an excellent article about how to beat the winter blues with exercise. We’ve included the link below.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/23/Winter-Workouts-Can-Boost-Your-Mood.aspx
Do you or does someone you know suffer from a sore throat this time of year? Standard Process Herbal Throat Spray may be just the solution for you. This spray is herbal, non toxic and can help with any of the following issues:
- support healthy respiratory tissue and respiratory tract function
- maintain healthy mucosal tissue in the upper respiratory and upper gastrointestinal tracts
- promote healthy throat tissue
- promote relaxation of muscle tissue in the upper respiratory and upper digestive tracts
- promote oral health
- promote the body’s normal resistance function in normal persons
- support the local immune system in the mouth and throat
- soothe the throat
- freshen breath
For more information on Herbal Throat Spray or Standard Process products please visit their website: www.standardprocess.com
