Live Well, Feel Well

By Dr. Lisa A. Merritt, D.C., C.T.N., C.Ac. 

Feeling well is a relative term that each person would claim has a different meaning. "I don't feel well", can be an emotion or a physical statement. Both can be involved to make a person live their life with zest and enthusiasm. In order to feel your best requires an understanding of the root cause of the symptom. Often times the main problem involves boosting the immune system. Signs and symptoms of a poor immune system are chronic allergies, inflammatory joints or other inflammatory conditions, candidiasis (a systemic yeast overgrowth), stuffy or runny nose, chronic sinus infections, slow wound healing, chronic diarrhea, and catching a cold more than two times a year. A patient decides to get help when they are sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Certain conditions will aggravate the immune system or contribute to the problem. A diet high in refined carbohydrates and high in saturated and trans-fatty acids, nutritional deficiencies, long term stress and adrenal fatigue, underactive thyroid function, poor liver or gastrointestinal function, poor sleep patterns and irregular exercise habits all prohibit a body to be healthy. Other unhealthy activities are tobacco, drug and alcohol abuse. Living in an urban area of high pollutants causes an environmental toxicity and also challenges the immune system.

When the body becomes ill, it is because the resistance has been reduced to allow an imbalance of the good and bad bacteria. I call this the "Resistance of the Host". The body physiologically goes through a process to fight an infection. The PH changes, the sinuses fill with mucous, the bowels are irregular, the skin will have changes and circulation is hindered. The body produces a fever to burn the micro organism. If it is blocked then the bacteria is not released and becomes a toxin. Taking cold medicines, anti-inflammatory meds or anti-histamines will not allow the body to naturally exit the poison. The monocyte white blood cells attack the organism; the macrophages clean up the damaged cells. If the attack is interfered with it will not follow its process. It will build up scar tissue or damage the structure. It's an insult to the body to not let it run its course. However, if the body is not fighting it and if after three to four days of diligently following natural approaches then medicine has its place. I will never deny that form of modern technology. If antibiotics are necessary then I suggest probiotic supplements and the other supplements as well to prevent a re-occurrence. If the body is so weak and continued anti-biotic therapy is given then higher strains have to be administered. That makes it more difficult to fight the next incident.

What things can you do to prevent or inhibit illness? How can you feel better? There are several nutritional and botanical applications that will greatly strengthen the body. There are dietary and lifestyle changes that should be applied. The first thing to do is to evaluate what system is the weakest in the body and start correcting it.

If the digestion is poor it must be changed. If the lifestyle habits are unstructured then that needs discipline. If the body is weakened from inadequate glandular function then that needs to be restored. An underactive thyroid can make the body be tired and fatigued. A dysfunction of the adrenal gland can cause excessive inflammation and fatigue. A low thymus or spleen disorder may need certain nutritional supplements to also function better.

The best nutriceuticals to start with are a whole food natural multivitamin mineral supplement. I suggest a product called Catalyn. A product called Immuplex helps the system for long term needs.. Extra Vitamin C with bioflavonoids and rutin, a high antioxidant product such as Grape seed extracts, green tea and turmeric will all help sweep up the toxins or free radical cells in the blood. I suggest a product called Vitanox. Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene and the herb Goldenseal regenerate the skin tissue help with repair.

Many people have heard of probiotics or eating yogurt to boost the immune system. Yogurt is part of the good bacteria needed but certain store bought products may not contain enough bacterial volume in a serving. Acidophilus, bulgaris and bifido bacterias are essential to fight against the bad micro-organisms that make a person ill. Healing the gastrointestinal system will also allow the proper nutrients to be absorbed and prevent toxins to cross the intestinal barrier. This is termed a leaky gut syndrome which many people unknowingly suffer from. Certain amino acids (proteins) such as glutamine help repair the intestines and prevent this syndrome. I have had patients use a product called "Whole System Upper GI" that can aid this condition. Another important part of the digestive system analysis is to detect immediate and delayed allergenic foods or environmental allergens such as mold or pollens. This involves a blood test and a dietary change. Many patients do well with enzymes that break down the foreign substance.

The immune building glands are the thymus and adrenals. Glandular extracts may sound unusual to consume but they actually can provide an amino acid sequencing helpful to rebuild and repair the gland itself. It is important the processing and extraction methods are from a reputable company and has the highest FDA standards. I use a product called Thymex that works very well for many of my patients.

Certain botanicals or herbs are extremely helpful when the immune system is weak. Echinacea is a popular choice but so is goldenseal (mentioned earlier), astragalus, elderberry and Chinese skullcap. Garlic has a long history of therapeutic use but needs to be processed well or used as a fresh clove to have a high allicin value. One clove of garlic has 5000 mcg. allicin. The recommended amount is 1-10 per day! To use it beyond the flavor it probably is best to take it in a perle form which provides 5,000-6,000mcg/day. That is if you want to keep your friends!

Olive leaf contains oleropein which is a nutrient that also strengthens the immune system. I suggest a product called "Virx" that contains olive leaf, echinacea, Vit. A, Vit. C, Zinc and astragalus for preventing or reducing colds, flus and early infectious conditions. It has been a remarkable product that I personally have taken and have seen success for many of my patients.

Other ideas to maintain feeling well involves rest, and avoiding stress. Inadequate rest and poor coping skills or high stressful situations will lower and challenge the immune system. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Everyday stretch, do yoga or meditate. The adrenal glands are the stress glands. The adrenals get taxed in a hectic lifestyle. How many times can you remember getting run down after pushing yourself passed your comfort levels?

When you know you are going to have a stressful or excessively busy schedule, your diet is the first thing that needs attention. Most people do opposite and skip meals or eat on the run. Eating poorly or differently is one of the reasons why the holidays are the highest cold and flu times. Eat a healthy diet with 6-7 vegetables steamed or raw, two fruits, and high fiber whole grain foods. Limit wheat. Choose fish, turkey and occasional beef in organic forms. Limit fried your foods. Never drench your food with heavy sauces. Use cold pressed oils and sea salt and herbs for seasoning. Drink purified water and herbal teas. Some people may need a comprehensive allergy test to isolate the invasive foods.

Paying attention to early signs of an illness or allergy symptom will eliminate or reduce complications. If the body is overwhelmed and cannot fight an infection medicinal intervention is imperative. Treating a condition early will allow your own immune system to fight the micro organism. Don't wait to see if it goes away without taking immediate action. Follow my suggestions. Also, receive Chiropractic care to improve the nerve communication from the brain to the spinal cord and then to the targeted system that is interfered with. Acupuncture can improve the immune system by producing more natural endorphins that fight inflammation. Therapeutic massage and exercise stimulate the lymphatic system and release toxins out of the body.

The key is to become more educated about how your body works and learn what your weak link is. Get the proper guidance and take an aggressive approach to stay healthy. Start now to fight tomorrow's battles. Teach your loved ones the importance of a good diet and value of preventive healthcare.

I hope this information was helpful for you or for those you know who may need help. Please fill out this questionnaire to see if your system has a yeast organism overgrowth. I will be happy to have you make an appointment for further studies and analyses for your particular needs.

Post Lecture Contemplation

1. What does feeling well mean to you?
2. When you don't feel well, what system and how is it weakest for you?
1. Respiratory - Colds? Sinusitis? Allergies? Asthma? Other?
2. Digestive - Colitis? Constipation? Diarrhea? Ulcers? Indigestion?
3. Musculoskeletal - Joints/muscles? Headaches? Inflammation?
3. What do you do to help yourself when you get sick?
1. Medicinal aids? Daily allergy meds/shots?
2. Natural aids? Vitamins/Herbs? Other dietary changes? Purification baths? Massage? Acupuncture? Chiropractic?
4. What are your food cravings? Sugar/Carbs? Salty items?
5. What changes do you think you need to make after this lecture?
1. Dietary changes
2. Rest/Exercise changes
3. Get an analysis from this office (please contact us!)
4. Read more and become more educated (come to all of our lectures)