Consistency Killed the Swine

Even with the onset of summer the H1N1 virus is still claiming lives and spreading fear through our televisions and newspapers. Our very own VP told us that he wouldn’t take public transportation in fear of being coughed on and catching the flu, even though millions of Americans rely on subways, buses and trains to commute to work daily. The media has missed a major point that needs to be addressed. You cannot “catch” the flu (swine, bird, or even the common cold) unless your body’s immune system is weakened. So what can we do to boost our immunity which is responsible for fighting off viruses, bacteria, and even cancerous cells? A mini lesson in immune anatomy is probably a good first step. So here goes:

Lymph What?
The lymphatic system makes up 1/6th of our entire body. There is more lymph in our body than blood. Lymph is the fluid that sits in between our cells and acts as the sewage system collecting waste and debris. It moves through the lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes where it is filtered. Exercise, massage and a healthy alkaline diet help move lymph through the body efficiently.

Thymus Who?
Thymus sits below your thyroid and above your heart and is the mediator of the whole immune system. The thymus produces T lymphocytes which are white blood cells that are responsible for cell mediated immunity which helps resist infections by bacteria, yeast, fungi, parasites and viruses.

The Mean Spleen
The spleen's functions include: producing white blood cells; engulfing and destroying bacteria and cellular debris; and destroying worn-out red blood cells and platelets.

There is no single magic bullet to boost your immune system. This system works only holistically to combat its relentless attackers. It’s fuel must combine all of the following: a healthy diet, lifestyle, mindset, exercise program, and nutritional supplementation when needed. Can you guess what the most important ingredient of this wellness soup is?....... CONSISTENCY.

In order to be successful at anything in life you have to be consistent. Your state of health and the immune system are no exception to this universal rule. Lance Armstrong didn’t win his races and beat cancer from skipping workouts and eating junk food. Bruce Lee wasn’t one of the greatest fighters because he sat on his couch and watched reality TV. Champions train every day. In general, we need to take greater responsibility for our health and not look to vaccines or pills to do the job for us. We need to train our bodies every day and nourish them with the proper fuels to do so. And lastly, we need to train our minds and spirits to deal with life’s challenges as if we were all champions.

Tiger Balm: A Stress Reliever

Once in a while I like to post a blog about one of my favorite things. I haven't done it in a while but I have come across a new favorite product for people with similar lifestyles to mine; busy, athletic, active, and trying to find balance and peace to promote health and wellness.

I have come across Tiger Balm's new product which is a neck and shoulder rub. I have been using it on my neck and shoulders, where I hold tension (and I'm sure I'm not the only one). My mother has even been using it on her hands to relieve pain in her joints.

I have been a long time fan of tiger balm as a martial artist when you could only find it in obscure places like in Chinatown pharmacies. So, now that you can find it in Duane Reade I just had to let you know. Enjoy that icy, hot feeling after a long, hard workout or a stressful day at work.

Health and the City’s Immune Boosting Smoothie

This delicious smoothie is the perfect way to start your day (I have it almost every morning!). It contains enough nutrients and calories to be a whole meal which will help stabilize your blood sugar for hours. It is packed with antioxidant powerhouses to help boost your immune system and help your body fight off bacteria and viruses while helping you build muscle and repair the wear and tear of our daily lives on our state of health and wellness.

½ to 1 whole banana: (high in potassium,
1 cup of mixed frozen berries (blue, ras, black, straw, acai’) packed with antioxidants that help fight diseases like cancer.
1 tbsp of natural almond or peanut butter: to help stabilize blood sugar
1 tbsp flax seed: adds fiber to help cleanse your GI tract and omega 3’s to reduce inflammation in the body
1 tbsp of protein powder: brown rice protein powder is a clean option that usually does not contain any other ingredients. Whey protein is another option but read ingredients and try not to use a product that contains added sugars and other fillers. The added protein makes your smoothie a complete meal of carbohydrates, healthy fats and clean protein.
2-3 oz. POM pomegranate juice: for additional antioxidant support
Optional liquids: almond milk, rice milk, soy milk, coconut water or just plain water.

Amount depends on the consistency that you want your smoothie to have. Place all ingredients into a blender.

Blend for 30 seconds. And there you have it. The perfect breakfast in under 5 minutes.